ETHICS@REDSTRING
At Red String, our stance on ethical business conduct is simple: do the right thing, every time, no exceptions. Ensuring that Red String's values remain foundational to our work requires a daily commitment from us and everyone we work with.
At Red String, ethical business conduct isn’t just a part of what we do—it’s at the very core of how we operate. Doing the right thing for our employees, volunteers, charity partners, contributors, and communities is the only way for us to earn trust and build partnerships that will drive us forward into the next century and beyond.
While each employee and volunteer is accountable for upholding the Red String Code of Conduct, ensuring that our values remain foundational to our work, and following all applicable laws, regulations and company policies, Red String advances its ethics and compliance initiatives beyond our walls to everyone we work with. Our Ethics and Compliance Program is led by Red String's Chief Compliance Officer, who works closely with the board of directors, senior company leadership, and external stakeholders.
Building on the commitment of our people, the role of Red String Compliance is to enable compliant company performance across all geographic locations while also building on our values of integrity, transparency and an unwavering commitment to fair and ethical business practices.
Speaking Up
Speaking up is a cornerstone for building an open and accountable workplace culture. At Red String, we believe that creating an environment where employees and volunteers are comfortable raising issues and concerns without fear of retaliation enables openness which can lead to improved business performance and inspire greater innovation. Red String maintains policies and procedures to encourage employees and volunteers to report concerns and seek guidance, using confidential and, when preferred, anonymous methods, including contacting our Compliance Office and accessing our web-based portal. Retaliation against reporting parties is strictly prohibited by the Code of Conduct, and action is taken against violators of anti-retaliation policies, up to and including dismissal.
Red String promotes awareness of the company’s reporting channels and non-retaliation policies in recurrent employee and volunteer communications, operating procedures, and, externally, through contractual terms and conditions. Team leaders are asked to encourage speaking up within their own teams to foster dialogue and increase openness. Our Speaking Up initiative emphasizes the importance of speaking up, listening, and taking action.
If you witness violations of federal, state, or local law, Red String policies, falsification of records, misappropriation or misuse of funds, improper or undocumented financial transactions, and other fraudulent financial matters associated with work being done at or with the Red String Foundation, you are encouraged to Speak Up. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to (note: "Organization" includes Red String as well as any organization contractually working with Red String):
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Stealing or misappropriation of Red String's funds (including awarded grants), supplies or other assets.
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Misuse of Red String grant money.
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Fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review, or audit of any financial statement or accounting records.
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Deviation from full and fair reporting of the Organization’s financial condition.
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Deficiencies in or non-compliance with the Organization’s internal accounting controls.
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Authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received or services not performed.
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Employee timekeeping abuses.
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Pursuit of a benefit or advantage in violation of the Red String's conflict of interest policy.
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Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of the Organization’s documents or computer files in violation of the Red String’s records management and retention policy.