Report Fraud, Abuse, Misconduct

Investigations

“Promote accountability, integrity and provide impartial and reliable information"

As part of IYC’s strategy to strengthen the accountability framework for the Organization and to provide opportunities for bringing to light any misconduct, or wrongdoing by any individuals working for or doing business with IYC, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer has established an Investigations Hotline and other measures to ensure that persons wishing to report fraud may do so, free of charge, using a number of different options.

Reporting Fraud, Abuse and Misconduct

IYC takes all reports of alleged wrongdoing seriously. In accordance with the IYC Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, the Office of the CEO is the principal channel to receive allegations.

Anyone with information regarding fraud against IYC country programs, projects, conferences or involving IYC staff is strongly encouraged to report this information through the Investigations Hotline.

People reporting wrongdoing to the Investigations Hotline have the option to leave relevant contact information or to remain anonymous.

When reporting to the Investigations Hotline, people are encouraged to be as specific as possible, including the basic details of who, what, where, when and how any of these incidents occurred. Specific information will allow us to properly investigate the alleged wrongdoing.

Confidentiality

Requests for confidentiality by the complainant or witnesses will be honored to the extent possible within the legitimate needs of the investigation.

Malicious Reporting

The transmittal of knowingly false information to the Office of the CEO by IYC staff members constitutes misconduct, for which disciplinary measures may be imposed. IYC will sanction any personnel who deliberately make a false accusation or intentionally provide false information.

How to Report Retaliation?

Staff members have a right to be protected from retaliation for having reported allegations of wrongdoing or for having cooperated with a duly authorized audit or investigation. IYC personnel who believe that retaliatory action has been taken against them may forward all supporting information and documentation to the CEO’s Office (sadham@internationalyouthcouncil.com). If the CEO’s Office establishes a credible case of retaliation or threat of retaliation, it will refer the case to IYC Executive Board for investigation. IYC will do its utmost to protect whistleblowers by sanctioning personnel who take reprisals against individuals who report allegations of wrongdoing.

The Office of the CEO provides IYC with effective independent and objective internal oversight that is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IYC’s operations in achieving its development goals and objectives through the provision of internal audit and related advisory services, and investigation services.

What is the Office of the CEO’s investigation mandate?

The Office of the CEO Investigations Section has the mandate to investigate all reports of alleged wrongdoing involving IYC staff members and allegations of fraud and corruption against IYC whether committed by IYC staff members or other persons, parties or entities where the wrongdoing is to the detriment of IYC.

What does the Office of the CEO investigate?

The Office of the CEO conducts investigations into allegations of:

What does the Office of the CEO not investigate?

The Office of the CEO does not investigate allegations that do not constitute misconduct but indicate managerial issues or interpersonal issues.

How does the Office of the CEO investigate?

The Office of the CEO conducts fact-finding investigations in an ethical, professional and impartial manner, in accordance with the IYC Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct and with the Office of the CEO Investigations Guidelines.

What will the Office of the CEO do?

The Office of the CEO will acknowledge the receipt of all allegations. The office will review the allegations and conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether there are sufficient indications to warrant a formal investigation.

During a formal investigation, the office will establish the facts and substantiate the findings with evidence. The Office of the CEO submits its investigation reports to the Legal Support Office (LSO) for consideration of disciplinary proceedings or administrative action, as appropriate. Where the investigation does not substantiate the alleged wrongdoing, the Office of the CEO will close the case and inform the concerned individual accordingly.

What does due process mean?

Due process means that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and professional manner. The Office of the CEO investigators give subjects of an investigation the opportunity to put forward their versions of the facts and present relevant documentary evidence and witnesses. Any investigation subject may request another IYC staff member or an immediate family member to be present as an observer during his/her interview, subject to applicable guidelines.

IYC Anti-Fraud Policy

Jointly prepared by the IYC Executive Committee with the Founders, this updated IYC Anti-Fraud Policy (which supersedes the previous policy statement codified since 2015), reaffirms that IYC adopts a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and other corrupt practices that are inconsistent with the UN Standard of Conduct or involve a loss to IYC funds.

This Anti-Fraud Policy applies to all activities and operations of IYC. It covers any project funded by IYC, any project implemented by IYC, and any implementing partner. It covers fraud or allegations of fraud involving IYC staff members and its personnel, including but not limited to consultants, service contract holders (SCs), individual contractors (ICs), interns, and IYC volunteers as well as frauds perpetrated against IYC by contractors, suppliers of goods and services, implementing partners, or other third parties.

Report Fraud, Abuse and Misconduct

ONLINE REFERRAL FORM

(You will be redirected to an independent third-party site.)

Email directly to the Office of the CEO at: sadham@internationalyouthcouncil.com