The Local Journalism Foundation (LJF) requires directors, officers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the LJF, 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 employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that the LJF can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees, and volunteers to report concerns about violations of the LJF’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern LJF’s operations.

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of the LJF for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee, or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or 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 LJF. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

Reporting Procedure

The Local Journalism Foundation has an open-door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Executive Director, the President of the board or another board member. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the Executive Director, the President of the board or another board member, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints.