2020 Archdiocese of Atlanta Employee Policy Manual/September 2020 - Manual / Resource - Page 53
The Archdiocese will investigate any possible fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of resources
or property by management, staff, or volunteers. The Archdiocese will take appropriate action
against anyone found to have engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct, including disciplinary
action up to and including dismissal by the Archdiocese, or civil or criminal prosecution when
warranted.
All members of the Archdiocese community are expected and encouraged to report possible
fraudulent or dishonest conduct (i.e., to act as a “whistleblower”), pursuant to the procedures set
forth in the next section.
How to Report
An employee’s concerns about possible fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of resources or
property should be reported to his or her supervisor or manager. If for any reason an employee
finds it difficult to report his or her concerns to a manager or supervisor, the employee can report it
directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Human
Resources, or the Chair of the Finance Committee. The names of the current persons in these
positions and their contact information are available in the Archdiocese Directory.
Employees are encouraged to report the suspected violation(s) verbally so that the manager or
other person receiving the complaint can ask clarifying questions in order to ensure that the
concern is fully understood. The recipient of the complaint will generate a written report based
upon the conversation which will be reviewed, approved and signed by the complainant. If the
employee chooses to submit the initial complaint in writing, the employee should ensure that the
concern is described in detail. Less than a thorough understanding may impair any investigation
into the concern.
Handling the Reported Complaints (revised December 2021)
The Chief Financial Officer will acknowledge receipt of the written documentation of the
complaint within five business days.
For allegations involving parishes, the Chief Financial Officer shall immediately notify the Chair of
the Finance Council and the Chair of the Audit Committee.
For allegations involving the Chancery, the Chief Financial Officer shall immediately notify all
members of the Finance Council of any complaint. The Finance Council shall address all reported
concerns or complaints regarding corporate practices, internal controls or auditing.
The Chief Financial Officer together with the Chief Operating Officer shall investigate all other
complaints. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be
taken if warranted by the investigation.
Definitions
