APS/APRL Employee/Volunteer Protection Policy

The American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic Society maintain a variety of policies that require directors, officers, employees and its membership to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities.  Among these are the APS Code of Ethics, APS Internet Code of Ethics and Terms of Use, APS Privacy Policies, Board of Directors (or Turstees) Ethics Guidelines, various Standing Resolutions and the APS Employee Policies.  Also, as employees and representatives of the APS/APRL we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Fraud, abuse or misuse of resources or assets, dishonest actions or deeds, suspected conflict of interests, harassment of any kind, or any other behaviors that violate APS/APRL policies, governmental laws or regulations should be reported to the appropriate entities within the APS/APRL.

Formal complaints concerning a violation or suspected violation must be presented in writing. Anyone filing a 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.  No director, officer, volunteer or employee who in good faith reports a violation shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence.  A director, officer or volunteer who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to remedies as may be available in various APS/APRL policies.  An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.  Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to be made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

All violations or suspected violations should be submitted to the APS Executive Director, who also serves as administrator of the APRL, or the President of the APS or APRL, as may be appropriate.  The Executive Director has the responsibility for investigating and resolving all complaints and allegations emanating from staff or relating to staff, unless determined otherwise by the President.  All supervisors and managers are required to report suspected violations to the Executive Director. 

Additionally, formal complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing may also be reported independently to the APS Treasurer, serving as chairman of the Joint Finance and Audit Committee, who may work with either President, the Joint Finance and Audit Committee, and/or Executive Director as may be appropriate until the matter is resolved.

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis.  Reports of violations or suspected violations will also be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.  Receipt of a formal complaint will be acknowledged, investigated and appropriate corrective action taken if warranted.