WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION POLICY

    1. Reporting Responsibility. This whistleblower policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Vital Opera 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 Vital Opera’s bylaws and policies or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern Vital Opera’s operations.
       
    2. No Retaliation. It is contrary to the values of Vital Opera 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 Vital Opera. 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.
       
    3. Reporting Procedure. Vital Opera 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 the Compliance Officer, or the President of the Board if the Compliance Officer is involved in the complaint. Concerns or complaints may also be submitted in writing directly to their supervisor or the Compliance Officer or the President of the Board.
       
    4. Compliance Officer. Vital Opera’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance Officer will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
       
    5. 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.
       
    6. 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.
       
    7. Handling of Reported Violations. Vital Opera’s Compliance Officer 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.
       

      8. Compliance Officer: Elizabeth Robinson (Board Secretary), erobinson2101@gmail.com