Each NSO officer, Executive Committee member and consultant is obligated to comply with legal requirements in carrying out their responsibilities. The purpose of this policy is to reaffirm those methods for addressing conduct which may be perceived as misconduct. In that regard this policy must be considered in conjunction with the NSO Conflict of Interest Policy.
The NSO has no paid employees or officers. Its operations and conduct are subject to review by the Department of Labor and procedures under its Constitution and Bylaws. In furtherance hereof, it files reports with the U.S. Department of Labor and through IRS-Form 990 it is subject to audits from both and agencies.
Any whistleblower (WB) concern should be put in writing and brought to the NSO President, or either of the Vice Presidents. If requested the concern will be kept anonymous. If the NSO officer has reasonable cause to believe there is misconduct, the NSO President or alternative officer will take appropriate action.
Any WB investigation shall be handled as the WB officer sees fit. A complainant shall not be subject to any form of retaliation because of a complaint, participation in any investigation or good-faith implementation of this policy.
Nothing in this WB policy deprives any complainant, NSO officer, Executive Committee or consultant of any rights under NSO governing documents or statutes. Information and documents in implementing this policy shall be treated as confidential as possible.
This WB policy shall be effective on the date of adoption by the NSO Executive Committee and may be amended as appropriate. This policy only applies to the NSO as a parent organization and is not binding or applicable on any affiliate member. Any affiliate member shall be free to promulgate and maintain its own WB policy. This WB policy shall be disclosed to the Representative Assembly with a clear explanation for its existence and it applicability to any NSO affiliate.
Adopted by the NSO Executive Committee, #8, October 22, 2010