Whistle blower Protection Policy

Enlisted Leadership Foundation (ELF) requires our Directors, Officers and employees to
observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the execution of their duties and
responsibilities. As representatives, volunteers, and employees of ELF, we must adhere to the
practice of honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities, as well as compliance with
all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage representatives, volunteers, and employees
of ELF to raise serious concerns internally so that ELF can address and correct inappropriate
conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all Board members, Officers, employees,
members and volunteers to report concerns and violations of ELF’s code of ethics or suspected
violations of law or regulations that govern ELF’s operations.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of ELF for anyone to retaliate against any Board member, Officer,
employee or volunteer who, in good faith, reports an ethics violation or suspected violation of
law, for example: a complaint of discrimination, suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any
regulation governing the operations of ELF. An Board member, Officer, employee, volunteer,
or member who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject
to discipline up to and including status termination.
Reporting Procedure
ELF has an open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns,
suggestions or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your
supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to
speak with David Dearie, ELF President or a Board member or Officer. Any Board member,
Officer, volunteer or employee is required to report complaints or concerns about suspected
ethical and legal violations in writing to the ELF Compliance Officer, Mike Smith, who has the
responsibility to investigate all report complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may
also submit their concerns in writing directly to their program lead or the organization’s
Compliance Officer.
Diane McQueen-Gipson
The Enlisted Leadership Foundation’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all
complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance
Officer will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report
at least annually to the [Treasurer/Chair of the Finance Committee/Audit Committee] on
compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

Accounting and Auditing Matters
ELFs Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the Audit Committee/Finance Committee
of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or
auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting
in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a
violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been
made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the
complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the
extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Enlisted Leadership Foundation’s Compliance Officer will notify the person who
submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected
violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be
taken if warranted by the investigation.
Compliance Officer:
Diane McQueen-Gipson
Secretary, Enlisted Leadership Foundation
admin@enlistedleadershipfoundation.org
619-354-7447
Policy approved by the Board of Directors on 29 November 2018.