Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Who is EthicsPoint? Why do they provide hotline services for us?

EthicsPoint is an independent, third-party vendor, that provides secure, confidential telephone and web-based systems for use by those who wish to report a concern or ask a question regarding business conduct. In addition to providing service 24 hours a day, EthicsPoint offers translation services that allow telephone and web reports to be made in dozens of languages.

What is the Hotline?

The Hotline is a telephone and web-based system used to report concerns regarding the Code of Business Conduct. The term “Hotline” means reporting by telephone or filing a report online.

Who operates the Hotline?

The Hotline is operated by EthicsPoint, an independent third-party vendor. EthicsPoint’s independence from Gap, Inc. is designed to give employees an added level of comfort and security that their reports will remain confidential.

What are the hours of service?

EthicsPoint offers a secure and confidential services 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

What resources are available for reporting Code of Business Conduct (COBC) concerns?

If you have a Code of Business Conduct concern, you can submit a report through the Hotline and your concern will be routed to the appropriate department at Gap Inc. for investigation. You can choose the way that is most comfortable to you to submit a concern:

• You can use the Open Door process and talk with your supervisor, next-level manager, or Human Resources representative
• If you’re not comfortable using the Open Door process, contact Global Integrity & Compliance at global_integrity@gap.com
• Report your concern via the Hotline – you can file a report by phone or file a report online

When should I use the Hotline?

You should use the Hotline whenever you have Code of Business Conduct issue that you don’t feel comfortable reporting to your manager, your next-level manager, your Human Resources representative or Global Integrity & Compliance at global_integrity@gap.com.

What types of concerns should I report?

You should report any Code of Business Conduct (COBC) concern. See the list of issue types that may be reported through the Hotline.
For concerns not listed here, see Resources.

What happens when I Ask a Question?

When you Ask a Question, it will be forwarded to the Global Integrity & Compliance team for response. Please note that when you submit a question the system will generate a unique report key. You will need both the record ID and report key to follow-up on your question.

What types of questions should I submit to Ask a Question?

If you have a question as to whether something is permitted under the Code of Business Conduct, you may ask it here. Questions regarding wages, benefits, hours, etc should be directed to your manager, Human Resources representative, or the contacts provided in Resources.

Can I get in trouble for using the Hotline?

No. Anyone who reports a concern is protected from retaliation by strict enforcement of Gap Inc.’s Anti-Retaliation Policy.

What if I have an emergency?

EthicsPoint is NOT a 911 or Emergency Service. Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.

May I remain anonymous?

Yes. However, leaving information where you can be contacted may help to expedite the investigation into your concern. You can also choose to withhold your name, and provide just a contact method (phone or email address) if you wish.

If I remain anonymous, how will I receive information about my report?

If you report anonymously, be sure to record and retain the report key and password of your choosing, and keep them in a safe place. You can then re-contact EthicsPoint to follow up on your report.

How does EthicsPoint maintain confidentiality?

EthicsPoint does not trace phone calls or use Caller Identification. In addition, EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain internal connection logs containing Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, so no information linking your computer to EthicsPoint would be available if you choose to make a report online. Reports from your computer would come through a secure Internet portal which does not trace or show user screen names.

What is the difference between reporting anonymously and confidentially?

When you report anonymously, you do not tell EthicsPoint your name or any other identifying information about yourself. You may report your concern anonymously by using either the web-based form or by phone, which are both operated by EthicsPoint. If you choose to make your report anonymously, you will be provided with a report key and asked to create a password. You will need to retain these to return to the report you previously submitted. When you check back, you can monitor the progress on your concern and add additional information, if necessary. This will also allow Gap Inc. to ask follow-up questions, while protecting your anonymity.

To help ensure anonymity and protect confidentiality the information you provide will only be given on a need to know basis to those investigating your complaint.

What is a report key?

The report key is the identifier for your issue. An individual report key is generated for each issue raised.

Why do I need a password?

Your password and report key allow you to track the progress of your issue, to return to your report to include additional information, attach documents, answer any questions the company might have and to follow up on your report.

At the end of your telephone call or web-based report, EthicsPoint will provide you with a report key and ask you to create a password. The report key and password will allow you to monitor progress on your report and learn whether any additional information is needed from you to address your concern.

What should I do if I lose my Report Key or password?

Because of the high level of confidentiality that is maintained for reports, if you lose your report key or password, you will be required to file a new report. You can mention in the new report that this matter relates to another report you supplied earlier.

What if English is not my first language?

You can submit a report in any language. If you submit by telephone, interpreter services will be available. If you submit online, click on your preferred available language and submit your report.

What if English is not my first language?

You can submit a report in any language. If you submit by telephone, interpreter services will be available. If you submit online, click on your preferred available language and submit your report.