Each of us shares the privilege and responsibility of upholding the Society’s reputation. You do this each time you act ethically and legally.
OPEN DOOR
We recognize that there are situations in which making the right decision can be challenging. By raising concerns, sooner rather than later, you give National Geographic Society the opportunity to resolve issues that might otherwise be damaging to our mission and reputation.
Many of these issues can best be resolved in consultation with your manager, or the next higher level of your management. All managers are responsible for maintaining an “open door” to staff. Alternatively, you may contact Human Resources, L&BA or the Society’s Ethics Officer. We are here to support you doing the right thing.
REPORTING POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS
If you believe that a violation of law, our Code of Ethics or policies may have occurred, or is going to occur, you are affirmatively obligated to report it immediately. While we hope you feel comfortable discussing it with your manager, we recognize that there may be times when you prefer to use another avenue for addressing an issue. You should feel comfortable reporting the issue to any one of the following: your next level manager, Human Resources, L&BA, the Society’s Ethics Officer, the President & COO, the CEO or any member of the Board of Trustees.
As an additional avenue for reporting actual and potential violations, National Geographic Society offers an external Helpline available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Helpline is operated by an independent third party who specializes in these services. You may submit an email, web-based or automated phone report, and you have the option of speaking to a trained customer service representative who will listen to your concern. You may contact the external helpline at (888) 647-0647 (888-NGS-0-NGS), or EthicsNGS@getintouch.com, or www.intouchwebsite.com/NGS.
Reports to the helpline can be made anonymously, but we strongly encourage you to identify yourself. This helps ensure your concern is thoroughly considered and appropriately addressed. You can arrange to receive and respond to follow up communications through the helpline even if you choose to be anonymous. We ask that you make these arrangements in order for us to communicate with you about the issue. Reports are referred to the Ethics Officer for appropriate handling.
INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION
All reported violations of law, our Code of Ethics or policies will be investigated promptly, objectively and thoroughly. National Geographic Society treats these as confidential internal matters. Information about them is shared only to the extent necessary to investigate and take any corrective action National Geographic Society deems appropriate for resolving the matter consistent with our standards and law.
Staff members found to have committed violations are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and possible legal action depending on the violation.
Similarly, third party representatives, and others acting on our behalf, are subject to having their business relationship with National Geographic Society terminated, and potentially other penalties, for violations.
Effective, honest and open communication are indispensable in everything we do for National Geographic Society – including our efforts to support the timely and effective resolution of potential issues.
WE DO NOT RETALIATE
Retaliation against any staff member who reports misconduct is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Staff members are expected to seek advice, raise concerns, report potential misconduct in good faith and cooperate with the investigative process. This is critical because silence hurts us when it comes to ethics and compliance.
If you feel you have been retaliated against for making a good faith report, be sure to contact one of the resources listed on the last page of the Code.