Reporting Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct
The purpose of this policy is to make clear what the responsibilities of the Iowa Section, American Society of Civil Engineers (“Section”), and its employees/volunteers are if an employee/volunteer reports dishonest or fraudulent conduct of another employee/volunteer.
The Section expects all staff and volunteers will conduct Section-related business with the highest standards of integrity and honesty, and in compliance with the ASCE Code of Ethics. All employees and volunteers are encouraged to report any possible fraudulent or dishonest conduct of another Section employee or volunteer. In doing so, the following guidelines apply.
1. Concerns about possible fraudulent or dishonest conduct may be reported to the Section President or Treasurer, or to the Society’s Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, or General Counsel. The volunteer/employee may make such report anonymously.
2. If the concerns involve the above individuals or if the employee prefers otherwise, the employee may report the conduct to the ASCE President or the Chair of ASCE’s Audit Committee. These individuals’ names and contact information can be found in ASCE’s Official Register and on ASCE’s Internet.
3. ASCE will investigate any possible fraudulent or dishonest conduct by ASCE staff. Anyone found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to disciplinary action by ASCE and civil or criminal prosecution if warranted.
4. Complaints alleging a violation of the ASCE Code of Ethics shall be referred to ASCE’s Committee on Professional Conduct. Investigations of alleged research misconduct on any project receiving federal funds shall be handled in accordance with federal research misconduct policy.
5. Whenever possible, the Section will maintain the confidentiality of the individual reporting the dishonest or fraudulent conduct. However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct the investigation, to comply with the law, or to provide accused individuals with their legal rights to a defense.
6. Individuals must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless accusations, which include allegations made with reckless disregard for their truth or falsity. An individual who intentionally files a false report of misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action.
The Iowa Section prohibits retaliation against any person for any conduct protected by law. If a Section employee believes they have been retaliated against for reporting fraudulent or dishonest conduct, they should file a written complaint to the same individuals listed above. A proven complaint of retaliation will result in the initiation of disciplinary action.
The right to protection against retaliation does not include immunity from any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.
This policy is not intended to prohibit managers or supervisors from taking action, including disciplinary action, in the usual scope of their duties and based on valid performance-related factors.