Whistleblower Protection in Finance: A Zero Tolerance Approach in Nepal

In a landmark move, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards financial mismanagement and fraud, both within and outside the organization. This commitment is reflected in the government’s financial policies and rules.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

The NTNC management is built on a foundation of zero tolerance towards corruption and other prohibited practices. Any kind of violation or impropriety will be investigated fairly and met with disciplinary action.

Key Aspects

• Whistleblower Protection: The organization maintains strict confidentiality of the person filing a complaint in good faith, treating reported complaints as confidential regardless of whether they are well-founded or not.
• Protection from Retaliation: NTNC prohibits any deprivation or intimidation of complainants and ensures protection from threats, harassment, discrimination, or other detrimental behavior that may lead to loss or harm for making a disclosure.

Grievance Handling Mechanism

The organization has a robust grievance handling mechanism in place, with all complaints and grievances received by NTNC handled by the Complaints and Grievance Redressal Committee. Filed complaints are categorized by type (financial, personnel, environmental/social, etc.) and tracked till closure.

Process

• Investigation: The committee investigates complaints and discusses findings with senior management before reaching a final decision.
• Resolution: Decisions on complaints and resolutions will be conveyed to complainants, who may appeal to a higher authority or undertake legal proceedings if dissatisfied.

Financial Matters

Complaints related to financial matters are handled as per the provisions in NTNC’s Financial Management and Control Manual, 2019.

Complexity and Extended Timeline

In cases where incidents underlying considerable complexity require solicitation from outside the organization or a decision cannot be made within a defined period, the committee will inform complainants of the complexity and extended timeline required.

Reporting Options

NTNC encourages complainants to file their grievances with government entities such as the National Information Commission and/or Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

Additional Resources

For more information on NTNC’s whistleblower protection provisions, click here. For details on the organization’s grievance redressal procedure, click here.

Conclusion

The NTNC’s zero-tolerance approach towards financial mismanagement and fraud is a testament to its commitment to transparency and accountability. The organization’s robust grievance handling mechanism ensures that complainants are protected from retaliation and intimidation, while also ensuring fair investigation and resolution of complaints.