The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board will consult the public on a draft whistleblower policy that promises to ensure there are no reprisals against anyone who reports suspected wrongdoing in good faith.
“I actually see this as kind of a catalyst for a cultural shift within our board,” west Mountain trustee Becky Buck said during discussion at the board’s March 2 online policy committee meeting.
“We’re making a safer environment for everyone who walks into any of our doors, so that they know that if they see or experience something that they shouldn’t be in one of our buildings, then they are protected in reporting that.”
Trustees added parents to those covered by policy, which also includes current and former trustees, employees, service providers, students, volunteers, vendors, contractors and partner organizations.
The policy encourages them to report a “suspected irregularity” in 14 areas ranging from criminal offences like theft or fraud to neglect of duty, abuse of trust, falsifying reports, mismanaging funds and wilfully breaching legal obligations, policies or regulations.
To do so, the board will establish a designated email account, voice-mail line, mail address or other methods to report suspected improprieties, and will assess, investigate or refer them as necessary and confidentially report on results.
The education director will also provide an annual report to the board’s audit...
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