Whistleblower Protection Policy

Whistleblower Protection Policy For The Society for Historical Archaeology

The Society for Historical Archaeology requires directors, officers, volunteers, and employees/contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As representatives of the Society for Historical Archaeology, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting Responsibility

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable individuals to raise serious concerns so that the Society for Historical Archaeology can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees/contractors and volunteers to report concerns about violations of law or regulations that govern the Society for Historical Archaeology’s operations.

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of the Society for Historical Archaeology for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee/contractor or volunteer, who in good faith reports a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of the Society for Historical Archaeology. A board member, officer, employee/contractor or volunteer, who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith, is subject to discipline up to and including termination of services.

Reporting Procedure

The Society for Historical Archaeology’s Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved in a timely manner. The Treasurer and/or Executive Director will report at least annually to the Board on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

Accounting and Auditing Matters

Any member of the Society for Historical Archaeology or its employees/contractors shall notify a member of the SHA Board of Directors in a timely manner of any concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the Board until the matter is resolved. A list of current SHA Board members and their contact information can be found on the SHA website at: https://sha.org/about-us/.

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation.

Confidentiality

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant(s) to any current officer or member of the SHA Board of Directors. Reports of violations or suspected violations and the identity of the complainant(s) will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations

The Board of Directors shall notify the person(s) who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JUNE 26, 2020