The Society for Ethnobotany

Society for Ethnobotany
Whistleblower Policy
Adopted: March 26, 2024

As members and representatives of The Society for Ethnobotany, a not-for-profit organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. In keeping with the policy of maintaining the highest standards of conduct and ethics, The Society for Ethnobotany will investigate complaints of suspected fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of its resources or property by contractors, members, council members, consultants, volunteers, or clients. To maintain the highest standards of service, The Society for Ethnobotany will also investigate complaints concerning its programs and services.

Members, Council members, contractors, consultants, volunteers, clients, and community members are encouraged to report suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct or problems with services provided, pursuant to the procedures set forth below. This policy supplements, and does not replace, any procedures required by law, regulation, or funding source requirements.

Reporting. A person’s concerns about possible fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of resources or property, or program operation, should be reported to the President of The Society for Ethnobotany. If, for any reason, a person finds it difficult to report his or her concerns to such person, they may report the concerns directly to the Past-President or the President-Elect. Alternatively, to facilitate reporting of suspected violations where the reporter wishes to remain anonymous, a written statement may be submitted to one of the individuals mentioned above.

Investigation. All relevant matters, including suspected but unproven matters, will be promptly reviewed and analyzed, with documentation of the receipt, retention, investigation, and treatment of the complaint by the Council. Appropriate corrective action will be taken, if necessary, and findings may be communicated to the reporting person and their institution, if appropriate. The Council may assign the investigation to the Ethics Committee, the Finance Committee, or an ad hoc committee. The Council must assign the investigation to another entity if one of the Council members is implicated in the reported concerns. Should it be necessary, an investigation may be conducted by independent persons such as auditors and/or attorneys. Investigators will endeavor to maintain appropriate confidentiality, but confidentiality is not guaranteed.

No Retaliation. No member, council member, officer, contractor, volunteer, or client who in good faith reports suspected fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of its resources or property or complaints concerning the services The Society for Ethnobotany provides and programs it runs shall suffer harassment, retaliation, or other consequence. A member of the Society for Ethnobotany who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of Society membership. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable Society members and others to raise serious concerns within the organization prior to seeking resolution outside the organization. The Policy is in addition to any non-retaliation requirements required by law.

Individuals making complaints must be cautious to avoid baseless allegations; those who intentionally make false allegations are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with The Society for Ethnobotany policies.