Safe Disclosure Policy

Responsibility: Vice-President, Finance and Resources 
Authorization: Board of GovernorsUniversity Council
Approval Date: Jul 29, 2014

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide a mechanism through which university members can confidentially and anonymously disclose suspected fraud, irregularities, unethical conduct or other wrongdoing that they have witnessed, or have otherwise obtained information about or evidence of, in the process of performing their roles and responsibilities at the university.
• Confirm the university’s obligation to protect university members who make good faith disclosures, from reprisal.
• Confirm the university’s obligation to protect the rights of the person(s) against whom allegations have been made.
• Provide assurance that university members who knowingly make false allegations will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

The university is committed to consistent compliance with the following principles:

• Academic freedom, open inquiry and the pursuit of the truth and full disclosure, in good faith, without fear of retaliation.
• All university employees, Board of Governors, and all other individuals and parties acting on behalf of the university, consistently act with integrity, honesty, accountability and transparency, in order to protect the university’s assets, reputation, and the public funds that have been entrusted to the university.
• Discretion, sensitivity and confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

This policy applies to all university members, including the Board of Governors and all individuals and parties acting on behalf of the University of Saskatchewan.  This policy does not take precedence over employee work performance protocols or discipline matters that are currently covered in collective bargaining agreements or university performance management practices.

The university is committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, integrity and ethical conduct.  In support of this commitment, the university expects its members to report the conduct of any university member that does not comply with the university’s ethical standards and codes of conduct (including all applicable professional codes of conduct).  University members who report such conduct will be protected from any reprisal when the disclosures are made in good faith.  Members of the university who engage in unethical, dishonest and/or fraudulent activities will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, and may be prosecuted for illegal activities to the full extent of the law.

The university is responsible for establishing effective controls and procedures in order to prevent and detect fraud, irregularities and other wrongdoing; and to safeguard its assets and resources.

University members must not tolerate any fraudulent activity, irregularities or unethical activities; and must consistently promote and demonstrate professional conduct, ethical behavior, and integrity through compliance with all applicable university policies and procedures, laws, rules, regulations and professional codes of conduct.

Any university member who suspects any irregularity, wrongdoing or fraudulent activity is to immediately report it in accordance with the procedures detailed in the university’s ‘Safe Disclosure Reporting Mechanism Operating Guidelines’.

The university expects that its members will comply with this policy, including all requirements for disclosure.  Failure to do so may constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with any applicable collective agreement, employment contract, student academic or non-academic discipline policy, regulations, or other applicable disciplinary process.

All university members involved in an investigation of fraud, irregularity or wrongdoing must keep the details and results of the investigation confidential, in order to safeguard and protect the rights of those involved in the allegations, and preserve the legal validity of all evidence collected.

The university will protect the confidentiality of individuals and events under investigation, except where disclosure is required by law.  The details and particulars of any investigation will not be disclosed or discussed with any individuals or parties other than those deemed necessary for investigation purposes, or as required by law.

• Safe Disclosure Reporting - ConfidenceLine
• Safe Disclosure Reporting Mechanism - Operating Guidelines 
• Safe Disclosure Reporting Mechanism - Investigation Guidelines
• Appendix A - Fraud Deterrence Program Definitions
• Fraud Deterrence Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Regulations on Student Academic Misconduct
• Standard of Student Conduct in Non-academic Matters
• Responsible Conduct of Research Policy
• University Learning Charter