2020 Archdiocese of Atlanta Employee Policy Manual/September 2020 - Manual / Resource - Page 54
Baseless Allegations: allegations made with reckless disregard for their truth or falsity. People
making such allegations may be subject to disciplinary action by the Archdiocese up to and
including termination.
Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct: a deliberate act or failure to act with the intention of obtaining
an unauthorized benefit. Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:
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Forgery or alteration of documents
Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of computer files
Fraudulent financial reporting
Pursuit of a benefit or advantage in violation of the conflict of interest policy
Misappropriation or misuse of Archdiocese resources, such as funds, supplies, or other
assets
authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received or services not performed
authorizing or receiving compensation for hours not worked
Whistleblower: a member of the clergy, a religious or employee who informs a manager,
supervisor, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Human
Resources, or the Chair of the Finance Committee about an activity relating to the Archdiocese
which that person believes to be fraudulent or dishonest.
Rights and Responsibilities
Managers or Supervisors
Managers or supervisors are required to report suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct to the
Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Operating Officer. In addition, managers or supervisors are
responsible for maintaining a system of management controls to detect and deter fraudulent or
dishonest conduct. Failure by a manager or supervisor to establish management controls or report
misconduct within the scope of this policy may result in adverse personnel action against the
manager or supervisor, up to and including dismissal. The Chief Financial Officer is available to
assist management in establishing management systems and recognizing improper conduct.
Reasonable care should be taken in dealing with suspected misconduct to avoid:
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Baseless allegations
Premature notice to persons suspected of misconduct and/or disclosure of suspected
misconduct to others not involved with the investigation
Violations of a person’s rights under law
Accordingly, a manager or supervisor who becomes aware of suspected misconduct:
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should not contact the person suspected to further investigate the matter or demand
restitution
should not discuss the case with anyone other than the Chief Financial Officer or the
Chief Operating Officer
should direct all inquiries from any attorney to the Chief Operating Officer for referral
to legal counsel
