Fraud Hotline → Ethics Statement
This guidance applies to all MCPS employees, including part time and temporary employees.
MCPS is committed to the highest possible standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In line with this and our commitment to open communication, this guidance aims to provide an avenue for employees to raise concerns and reassurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimization for whistleblowing in good faith. If an employee feels that their anonymity is not required then they should share their concerns with their supervisor or other leaders in their school or department.
This guidance is intended to cover serious concerns that could have a large impact on MCPS, such as actions that:
• May lead to incorrect financial reporting;
• Are unlawful;
• Are not in line with Board of Education policy, including Policy BBB, Ethics;
• Otherwise amount to serious improper conduct.
Regular business matters that that do not require anonymity should be directed to the employee’s supervisor.
Harassment or Victimization
Harassment or victimization of the complainant will not be tolerated.
Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to protect the complainant’s identity. Please note that the information provided by you may be the basis of an internal and/or external investigation into the issue you are reporting and your anonymity will be protected to the extent possible. However, your identity may become known during the course of the investigation.
Anonymous Allegations
These guidance allows employees to remain anonymous at their option. Concerns expressed anonymously will be investigated, but consideration will be given to:
Malicious Allegations
Malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action
Reporting
The whistleblowing procedure is intended to be used for serious and sensitive issues.
Serious concerns relating to financial reporting, unethical or illegal conduct, should be reported in either of the following ways:
Callers to the Hotline will have the ability to remain anonymous if they choose. Please note that the information provided by you may be the basis of an internal and/or external investigation into the issue you are reporting and your anonymity will be protected to the extent possible by law. However, your identity may become known during the course of the investigation. Complaints are submitted by Lighthouse to MCPS, and may or may not be investigated at the sole discretion of MCPS.
Employment-related concerns should continue to be reported through your normal channels such as your supervisor, HR representative, or to the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Officer (301-279-3270).
Timing
The earlier a concern is expressed; the easier it is to take action.
Evidence
Although the employee is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation, the employee needs to demonstrate to the person contacted that there are sufficient grounds for concern.
How The Complaint Will Be Handled:
The action taken will depend on the nature of the concern.
Initial Inquiries
Initial inquiries will be made to determine whether an investigation is appropriate, and the form that it should take. Some concerns may be resolved by agreed action without the need for investigation.
Report to Complainant
Whether reported to MCPS personnel or through the hotline, the complainant will be given the opportunity to receive follow-up on their concern:
Further Information
The amount of contact between the complainant and the body investigating the concern will depend on the nature of the issue, the clarity of information provided, and whether the complainant remains accessible for follow-up. Further information may be sought from the complainant.
Information
Subject to legal constraints the complainant will receive information about the outcome of any investigations.
MCPS reserves the right to modify or amend these guidelines at any time as it may deem necessary.