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AN ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY CODE

For

 NEW LEAF, INC.

 

The following Standards of Excellence promote ethical practices and accountability within the Company and are subscribed to by the board of directors in order to achieve and maintain the highest levels of professional performance and ethical conduct.

 

MISSION & PROGRAM 

New Leaf is founded for the public good and operates to accomplish a stated purpose through specific programs which effectively and efficiently work toward achieving our mission;

To Promote Independence and Quality of Life

Through Employment

 

GOVERNING BODY

New Leaf is governed by an elected, volunteer board of directors, consisting of individuals who are committed to the mission of the organization.  The board determines the mission of the organization, authorizes management policies and procedures, assures that adequate human resources and financial resources are available, and actively monitors the organization’s financial and programmatic performance.  The board serves without compensation, except for reimbursement for expenses directly related to their board service.   The board is responsible for its own operations, including the education, training and development of board members, and the selection of new board members.  It meets as frequently as is needed to fully and adequately conduct the business of the organization; a minimum of five times a year.  Written meeting minutes reflect the actions of the board, including reports of board committees when acting in place of the board, which are maintained and distributed to board and committee members.  Board membership reflects the diversity of the communities served by the organization.  The volunteer board of directors occupies a special place in the not-for-profit organization, serving in governance and as advisors to the staff.  

 

III.                CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The board and staff members act in the best interest of the    organization, rather than in furtherance of personal interests or the interests of third parties.  Conflict of Interest policies are in place in the board by-laws and in personnel policies, and are routinely and systematically implemented to prevent actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

 

IV.               HUMAN RESOURCES (PERSONNEL)

New Leaf’s relationship to its employees, participants and volunteers is fundamental to its ability to achieve its mission.  The Company’s human resource policies address both paid employees and volunteers, are fair, have clear expectations, and provide for meaningful and effective performance evaluation.   New Leaf has written personnel policies and procedures which are approved by the board of directors, governing the work and actions of all employees and volunteers of the organization.  Also covered are the basic elements of the employment relationship (e.g. working conditions, employee benefits, vacation, sick leave, etc.) The policies address employee evaluation, conflict resolution (grievance) procedures, confidentiality of employee, client and organization records and information, employee growth and development and other facets of personnel management.   All employees and members of the board are provided with a copy of the personnel policies and acknowledge receipt in writing.  The critical information in personnel policies is disseminated to employees by supervisors through a program designed to clarify policies and procedures.  This program is handled through weekly, documented crew meetings.

 

V.                FINANCIAL

New Leaf practices sound financial management and complies with a diverse array of legal and regulatory requirements.  The financial system assures that accurate financial records are kept and that the organization’s financial resources are used in the furtherance of the organization’s mission.  The staff creates and maintains financial reports on a timely basis that accurately reflect the financial activity of the organization. Internal financial statements are prepared no less frequently than monthly, and are provided to the board of directors no less frequently than quarterly.  The organization has written financial policies and procedures which are approved by the board of directors. The organization provides employees a confidential means to report suspected financial impropriety or misuse of organization resources.  The board of directors engages an independent Certified Public Accountant annually to conduct an annual review of the financial records, to ensure regulatory and liability compliance.

 

VI.               LEGAL

New Leaf complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws.  This includes, but is not limited to the following activities:  complying with laws and regulations relating to federal contracts, licensing, financial accountability, human resources (employment law), lobbying and political advocacy and taxation.  The corporation periodically assesses insurance coverage in light of the nature and extent of the organization’s activities and its financial capacity.  The corporation exceeds general liability coverage mandated by contracts held with the federal government and state government.  Directors and Officers liability is provided as well as liability coverage for malfeasance and/or misfeasance of employees.  New Leaf is regularly audited for compliance with known existing legal, regulatory and financial reporting requirements by The President’s Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Significantly Disabled, NISH, The Department of Labor, The State of Washington, and others.  New Leaf also holds a full three year accreditation with Rehabilitation Services Accreditation System and with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State of Washington.  The board of directors are provided the results of these reviews/accreditations and/or audits.

 

VII.              OPENNESS

As a not-for-profit private corporation, New Leaf operates for public purposes and public support.  Information about the mission, program activities and finances is available to the public.  The company is also accessible and responsive to members of the public who express interest in the affairs of the organization.  As a not-for-profit, the board of directors has delegated the Executive Director/CEO as the staff member who is responsible to assure that the organization is complying with both the letter and the spirit of federal and state laws which require disclosure of information to members of the public.

 

VIII.             PUBLIC AFFAIRS & PUBLIC POLICY

As a not-for-profit private corporation, New Leaf provides a vehicle through which individuals organize and work together to improve the community.  Members of the board of directors and staff represent the interest of the people served through public education and public policy advocacy, as well as participation in the public affairs of the community at large.   New Leaf assures that any information provided to the media is factually accurate and provides sufficient contextual information to be understood.  While engaged in promoting public participation in community affairs, New Leaf shall be diligent in assuring that the activities of the organization are strictly nonpartisan.

 

IX.               PROTECTION OF WHISTLEBLOWERS

A whistleblower, as defined by this policy, is an Employee who reports an activity that s/he considers to be illegal, against Company policy, or dishonest to one or more of the parties specified in this policy.  The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities.

 

The Company will not retaliate against a whistleblower.  This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse employment action such as termination, compensation decreases, or poor work assignments and threats of physical harm.  The right of a whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for a personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.

 

The  board of directors endorses these Standards of Excellence and Codes of Conduct as guiding principles in order to guarantee ethical practices and accountability, as a measure of quality and self-governance, and to ensure the corporation’s obligations to those who benefit from its programs, the community, and to the public.

Standards for Excellence