Report an Ethical Concern

Report any potential cases of corruption, fraud, exploitation, sexual abuse, or any other incident or misconduct that affects the integrity of Socodevi personnel or operations

Socodevi is committed to conducting its activities ethically and creating a safe, inclusive, and dignified environment for the communities it serves, as well as for its staff and partners. 

Anyone working for Socodevi, or on its behalf, anywhere in the world, is expected to act professionally and in compliance with the law. To ensure full adherence to this commitment, we provide a reporting mechanism that allows you to raise concerns regarding any behavior, practice, activity, or conduct that may violate our policies and codes of conduct.

 

When and why to report

You may report concerns anonymously or not. Reports may relate to fraud, corruption or extortion, exploitation and sexual abuse, human trafficking, slavery, violence against children, harassment and discrimination, conflicts of interest, questionable financial practices, as well as significant environmental, health, and safety concerns.

When submitting a report, please provide as many details as possible. The information you provide will remain confidential and will only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis as part of the investigation.

You may remain anonymous, but please note that this could limit the investigation. We therefore encourage you to identify yourself and participate in the process supporting the investigation of your concern.

How to Report

By Email

To the address:

speakup@socodevi.org

By Phone

Toll-free
(Canada /United States)
1 888 359-8417

+1 581-812-9618  (long-distance charges may apply)

Tchad
30 30 80 60

 

We will gradually implement lines in other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We encourage anyone (beneficiaries, employees, volunteers, partners, suppliers, etc.) to report credible information about misconduct or incidents.

Members of our staff and partners who suspect or witness an incident related to our PEAS or Safeguarding Policy are required to report it within 48 hours; otherwise, they may be subject to appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures.

You may report any misconduct or integrity-related incident involving Socodevi’s operations or personnel, particularly violations of its Policies, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and applicable laws.

The more factual information you provide (who, what, where, when, why, and how), the more effectively your report can be followed up.

Ideally, a report/complaint of SEA or other misconduct should include:

  • Details of the allegations;
  • Names of the alleged victims/survivors;
  • Name of the alleged perpetrator;
  • Date(s) of the incident;
  • Names of witnesses (if known);
  • Any other relevant information to support an investigation.

Our reporting mechanisms allow for anonymous submissions. Anonymous reports are treated with the same seriousness as non-anonymous reports. Socodevi is committed not to use investigative or computer data to identify anyone who makes an anonymous report.

However, we encourage reporters to identify themselves so that we can clarify missing information if necessary. Without identification, it may not be possible to conduct a full investigation. If reporting anonymously, it is essential to provide sufficient details to allow verification of the allegations.

Once you submit a report, an automatic process is initiated, which consists of four main stages:

  1. Preliminary Analysis
  2. Review
  3. Investigation
  4. Reporting

The preliminary analysis examines whether the report may constitute a breach of Socodevi’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct or any of the policies mentioned above.

The review involves collecting basic data, preserving evidence, and determining whether a formal investigation is warranted. This stage has two possible outcomes:
a) case closure, or
b) preparation of an investigation plan outlining steps needed to objectively establish the factual basis of the allegation.

If the case is closed, Socodevi will communicate this in writing, if possible.

If an investigation is initiated following the review stage, it will focus on establishing important facts regarding the allegation so that Socodevi can decide on appropriate measures. Investigations are conducted by trained internal or external personnel promptly, depending on available resources and prioritization.

At the end of the investigation process, which may take several months depending on complexity, you will be informed in writing that a final report has been submitted to Socodevi’s senior management. Reports are strictly confidential. For confidentiality reasons, the outcome and results of the investigation cannot be disclosed.

Our approach aligns with the “do no harm” principles for preventing and addressing cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, prioritizing the well-being, protection, and safety of the victim while respecting their rights and best interests, without any discrimination. Victims/survivors are regularly and accessibly informed of the progress and outcomes of actions affecting them, including investigation results.

Persons with disabilities receive additional support based on the nature of their disability (physical, intellectual, or mental) to provide informed consent. Children under 18 and their parents or guardians receive specialized support to give consent (or assent, as appropriate) based on a best-interest assessment.

Socodevi maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of retaliation against anyone who reports witnessing SEA acts or who, in good faith, shares reasonable suspicions. Likewise, retaliation against those participating in an evaluation or preliminary investigation is not tolerated. Verified retaliation will result in appropriate disciplinary measures.

All misconduct reports are taken seriously. However, reporting channels cannot be used for fraudulent, malicious, or bad-faith complaints. Disciplinary, administrative, or other measures will be taken against anyone who knowingly submits a malicious, false, or unreasonable report. Intentionally misleading or biased reporting, or knowingly false communication by a Socodevi staff member, may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Staff, Partners, and Beneficiaries may also report SEA cases directly to a local PEAS focal point, country management, a manager, or any trusted individual at Socodevi. All are required to maintain confidentiality and to forward information collected in writing to the reporting line within 48 hours