Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the kollel’s operations.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel. 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.
Reporting Procedure
Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel 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 Rabbi Gradon, CEO. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel ’s CEO, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing directly to their supervisor or the Administrator or the organization’s CEO.
Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel’s CEO is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The CEO will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Administrator on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Kollel’s CEO shall immediately notify the Administrator 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
Merkaz HaTorah Community Kollel’s CEO 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.
Michael Gradon
CEO, Merkaz HaTorah Kollel
310.282.8169
Policy approved by the Board of Directors on 10-07-2021.