Reporting an Allegation of Code of Conduct Violation
If you witness or experience prohibited behavior, you can submit a report. Allegations of misconduct must be submitted in writing (see “What to include in a report”).
Reports may be submitted through the NAVEX platform accessible here. Anonymous reports will not be accepted.
What to Include in an Allegation Report:
All allegations must be made in writing in one of the ways described in the previous section. Allegation reports must contain the following:
- The name and affiliation of the individual submitting the report.
- Name(s) of individuals alleged to have engaged in the prohibited behavior(s), if known, or as much identifying information as possible.
- If there is a victim, then include the name of the victim(s) and affiliation when possible.
- Description of the allegation that includes the date(s) and circumstances of the alleged ethics violation. This should include the type of prohibited behavior(s) as defined in the Code of Ethics that is being alleged. Include names and affiliations of witnesses, when possible.
- Any documentation or other relevant items with a description of how each item relates to the allegation.
- A statement of any real or perceived conflicts of interest related to any party named in the allegation (e.g., reporters, victims, alleged perpetrators, witnesses) and any members of the Ethics Committee or Executive Committee to ensure a fair and unbiased process.
Allegations may be returned if they do not contain the above information.
What Happens After a Report is Filed?
Review and Investigation. Upon receiving a report, the Ethics Committee reviews it to determine if a potential violation of the Ethics Code has occurred. If a potential violation is identified, the Committee initiates an investigation. This process includes providing the accused individual an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Decision and Sanctions. If the investigation concludes that a violation is substantiated, the Ethics Committee submits a confidential report and recommends sanctions to the Executive Committee for discussion and final determination.
Confidentiality. To protect privacy, the names of both the reporter and the accused are excluded from Executive Committee minutes. Case details are strictly limited to the Ethics and Executive Committees. Information is not shared further unless sanctions must be implemented by a specific body (e.g., notifying the Chair of the Program Committee if a presentation at the Annual Meeting is barred).
Important Note for Reporters: The Navex Reporting system does not automatically notify you of case updates. You are responsible for checking the status of your report independently.
- Save Your Credentials
When you file a report, Navex will provide a unique "Report Key." You must keep this key and your password in a safe place; they are required to access the system. - Check for Updates
You may log in using your Report Key and password 24 hours after filing to check for feedback or questions from the Ethics Committee.
What if You Need Immediate Help During an SVP event?
If you witness a crime or behavior that is an immediate threat to public safety, make sure you are safe and then call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the USA).
If you are experiencing or witness prohibited behavior that is not an immediate threat to public safety during an SVP event (meeting, fieldtrip, symposium, online event, etc.), but you need to report DURING the event to stop the observed behavior, please alert the leader of that event immediately (e.g., fieldtrip leader, online event organizer) and, as soon as possible, contact the Vice President/Chair of the Ethics Committee Kristi Curry Rogers. Once you are able, please submit an official written report documenting what happened using the above referenced NAVEX platform and including “What to Include in an Allegation Report”.
Required Reporters
Society members acting in leadership positions, whether elected (Ex Comm members), appointed (e.g., committee members) or temporary (e.g., fieldtrip leaders, symposium organizers), are required to report any incidents of prohibited behavior that they observe directly or that are reported to them. They must document the incident and any action(s) taken. This report will be submitted to the Ethics Committee to determine whether or not actions taken were appropriate and whether there is need for additional sanctions.