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There are multiple options to report misconduct.
The two main avenues are CGIAR’s whistleblowing hotline and directly to the Office of Ethics and Business Conduct (ethics@cgiar.org). However, it always remains possible to report misconduct directly to the appropriate supervisor(s) or CGIAR entity who will, in turn, bring it to the attention of Ethics and Business Conduct.
whistleblowing hotline
Anonymous & confidential
CGIAR’s whistleblowing hotline, through Lighthouse Services, Inc., provides an independent, secure, and confidential way to report and is available 24/7 via a toll-free number or online. This underscores CGIAR’s commitment to fostering a strong ethical environment and provides a protected channel to report possible misconduct. Reporters can remain anonymous or chose to identify themselves. If a reporter elects to report anonymously, no efforts can or will be made to identify the reporter. The hotline – whether via phone or online – has a script to help get the necessary details while maintaining anonymity if that is the reporter’s choice.
The link to CGIAR’s hotline is: www.lighthouse-services.com/cgiar.
Information regarding making a report by telephone is available here.
CGIAR has established this whistleblowing hotline for a specific purpose. That purpose is to report fraud, unlawful, unethical and other types of improper behavior. This hotline is not a substitute for routine communications within CGIAR between employees and their supervisors and managers, particularly as to workplace duties. Likewise, it does not replace communications with human resources staff about benefit issues or other job-related issues.
Regular business matters that do not require anonymity should be directed to the employee’s supervisor and should not be submitted using this service.
Email the ethics team
Confidential
Reports can be made directly to the Office of Ethics and Business Conduct via email: ethics@cgiar.org. If these are submitted anonymously, i.e., via email addresses that do not identify the sender, no effort will be made to identify the reporter. As with the hotline, please make your report as specific as possible to allow us to thoroughly review and respond to your concerns. The kind of information which is helpful to us includes:
- The nature of the illegal or unethical conduct that have reason to believe occurred.
- The location(s) and date(s) when it took place, or when you observed the issue.
- A description of what exactly happened.
- The names and job titles of those who were involved.
- The reason(s) why you think it should be investigated.
- Any other information you think is relevant for us to know.
CGIAR Personnel can also report their concerns to their supervisor, Human Resources/People & Culture, or Internal Audit. The concern will then promptly be directed to the Ethics and Business Conduct office for action. Anyone involved in receiving and handling complaints has a duty to maintain the confidentiality of the process.
TREATMENT OF YOUR REPORT
No matter how it is received, every report will be reviewed to determine if the concern expressed needs to be examined further. In some cases, depending on the nature of the concern, some reports may be directed to the relevant entity for review. If you choose to provide contact information, at certain points during the review process you may be contacted for additional information.
Investigation path
The diagram below shows the standard path of an investigation and follow-on actions, which would be supported and guided by the CGIAR Office of Ethics and Business Conduct in conjunction with the relevant entity where applicable.
Step
01
Report your concern
Via anonymous whistleblowing hotline www.lighthouse-services.com/cgiar or email ethics@cgiar.org to inform us of your concern.
Step
02
Provide information
You can remain anonymous via the whistleblowing hotline but be sure to clearly describe the situation and provide enough detail so that the matter can be adequately addressed.
Step
03
Case management / investigation
The Ethics team will review and decide next steps, including whether to launch a formal investigation or refer the matter internally.
Step
04
Outcome
A conclusion / decision will be reached and measures for change implemented. If actions involve another individual, it may not be possible to disclose actions taken due to privacy rights.
Step
05
Case closed
Once the case is closed, all files at the CGIAR level will be stored in the Ethics Case Management System.
Ombudsperson
Confidential & off the record
CGIAR has launched an Ombuds Office to assist staff and consultants to navigate interpersonal and institutional issues. Dr. Anu Rao, Ph.D. Anu may be contacted by email at a.rao@cgiar.org for appointments. Anu adheres to the tenets, ethics and values, and the standards of practice, of the International Ombuds Association. This means that CGIAR’s Ombuds Office is a resource for fairness and an impartial, independent, informal, and confidential resource for CGIAR.
