PURPOSE
At Henry's Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and accountability. This Whistle-Blower Policy encourages staff, volunteers, and other affiliates to voice concerns about unethical, illegal, or unsafe activities within the organization. It provides a safe and confidential avenue for reporting, ensures protection against retaliation, and fosters a culture where transparency and ethical practices thrive.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all staff members, volunteers, board members, and anyone representing or working on behalf of the sanctuary.
POLICY STATEMENT
Henry's Home is committed to addressing concerns regarding misconduct, fraud, unethical behavior, safety violations, or breaches of policy with urgency and fairness. We emphasize that no one should fear retaliation when coming forward in good faith to report an issue. Retaliation, intimidation, or harassment against whistle-blowers is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary actions.
EXAMPLES OF REPORTABLE ACTIVITIES
The following may be reported under this policy, but the list is not exhaustive:
- Misuse of sanctuary funds, resources, or property
- Fraud, corruption, or theft
- Violation of sanctuary policies or procedures
- Activities that endanger the safety or well-being of staff, volunteers, horses, or visitors
- Harassment, discrimination, or other unethical workplace behavior
Any activity believed to be illegal or in violation of local, state, or federal laws
REPORTING PROCEDURE
Henry’s Home provides several safe and accessible ways to report concerns:
Internal Reporting:
- Staff or volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns directly with their immediate supervisor or the Program Manager.
- If the concern involves supervisors or discomfort in reporting to them, problems can be reported directly to the Executive Director or other designated leadership.
Anonymous Reporting:
To ensure safety and confidentiality, individuals may submit anonymous reports using the designated whistle-blower reporting forms. These forms can be completed online or mailed to:
Henry’s Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary
14638 Perry Road
Conroe, Texas 77302
Emergency Situations:
In any situation that poses an imminent danger or harm, individuals should immediately notify sanctuary leadership or call emergency services.
When reporting, include as much detail as possible, such as names, dates, locations, the specific nature of the concern, and any evidence available.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality to the extent possible. The identity of the whistle-blower and the information provided will be disclosed only to those directly involved in the investigation or resolution of the matter.
PROTECTION AGAINTS RETALIATION
Henry's Home strictly prohibits retaliation, harassment, or unjust treatment of anyone who raises concerns in good faith. If an individual experiences retaliation, they should report the matter immediately to the Executive Director or the Board of Directors for investigation and resolution.
ROLES & RESPONSABILITIES
- Whistle Blower:
- Act in good faith and provide factual information when raising a concern.
- Avoid making false or malicious accusations.
- Supervisors and Leadership:
- Promote an environment where staff and volunteers feel comfortable raising concerns.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to reported issues within their scope of responsibility.
- Investigative Team:
- This team, composed of leadership and, when needed, designated board members, will examine the reported issue thoroughly, fairly, and impartially.
- Develop and implement corrective actions or disciplinary measures as necessary.
- Board of Directors:
- Oversee the whistle-blower process to ensure transparency and accountability at the organizational level.
- Handle whistle-blower concerns involving executive leadership.
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
- Acknowledgement: After a concern is reported, the whistle-blower will (if their identity is disclosed) receive confirmation that the report was received.
- Initial Review: Leadership will evaluate the report to determine whether an investigation is warranted and assign an investigative team.
- Investigation: The investigative team will gather facts, interview relevant parties, and review evidence reasonably and promptly.
- Resolution:
- Findings will be documented, and appropriate actions will be taken to address the issue.
- If the report was made non-anonymously, the whistle-blower will be informed of the resolution, subject to confidentiality constraints.
FALSE REPORTING
While we encourage reporting, knowingly making false or malicious accusations undermines trust and damages the culture of transparency. Henry's Home reserves the right to take disciplinary action against those found to be intentionally submitting false claims.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POLICY
All staff, volunteers, and affiliates must sign an acknowledgment to confirm they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Whistle Blower Policy.
POLICY REVIEW
The leadership and Board of Directors will periodically review this policy to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with organizational values and legal requirements.
Together, we can protect Henry's Home's legacy and good work by holding ourselves and one another accountable to the highest ethical standards.