Whistleblower Policy

This policy applies to anyone who is involved with or connected to HHFFND, including:

• Board members
• Volunteers and hosts
• Advisors
• Contractors or consultants
• Individuals acting on behalf of HHFFND

Concerns may be raised by anyone who becomes aware of potential wrongdoing related to HHFFND’s activities.

A whistleblower concern may include, but is not limited to:

• unsafe or harmful practices
• breaches of safeguarding or youth protection standards
• financial misconduct or misuse of resources
• conflicts of interest not properly disclosed
• violations of laws, regulations, or internal policies
• unethical behaviour or abuse of authority
• retaliation against individuals who raise concerns

This policy is not intended for routine program feedback or general complaints, which should be directed through standard communication channels.

Concerns should be reported as soon as reasonably possible.

Whistleblower concerns may be submitted by contacting HHFFND at:

operations@healinghorizonsfnd.ca

When raising a concern, individuals are encouraged to provide as much relevant information as they feel able to share. Anonymous reports may be accepted; however, providing contact information may assist with follow-up or clarification.

HHFFND takes confidentiality seriously.

• Reports are handled with care and discretion
• Information is shared only with those who need to know in order to review or address the concern
• Personal information is protected in accordance with HHFFND’s Privacy and Data Retention policies

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances, particularly where legal obligations apply, but privacy is respected to the greatest extent possible.

HHFFND strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

No individual will be penalized, disciplined, or disadvantaged for reporting a concern honestly, even if the concern is not ultimately substantiated.

Any act of retaliation will be treated as a serious breach of policy and addressed through appropriate governance processes.

All whistleblower reports are reviewed carefully and responsibly.

Depending on the nature of the concern, HHFFND may:

• conduct an internal review
• seek guidance from legal or professional advisors
• take corrective or preventative action
• refer matters to appropriate external authorities when required

Reviews are conducted with fairness, respect, and attention to safety.

This policy is intended to protect individuals who raise concerns honestly and in good faith.

Knowingly false or malicious reports may result in appropriate action; however, good faith concerns raised with genuine intent are always taken seriously and respectfully.

This Whistleblower Policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed to reflect organizational growth, evolving best practices, or changes in legal and governance requirements.