NSF Global Ethics Website and Hotline

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ covers general questions about EthicsPoint; reporting security, confidentiality and anonymity; tips, and; best practices.

What is EthicsPoint?

EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX to assist management and employees in working together to address ethical misconduct in the workplace, all while cultivating a positive work environment.

Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?

We believe our employees are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity.

An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.

May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?

Yes. With EthicsPoint, you have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous* report via either the telephone or the Internet. *In cases where it is required by law to submit a complaint on a non-anonymous basis, you will be notified prior to any submission.

What type of situations should I report via EthicsPoint?

The EthicsPoint system is designed for employees to report any violation of our Code of Ethics, or any other concern you may have regarding ethical misconduct in the workplace.

If you are not sure what is considered ethical misconduct at NSF, please read the NSF Code of Ethics available at https://www.nsf.org/code-ethics and on MasterControl here.

If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?

Ideally, we’d like you to feel comfortable in bringing your concerns to your direct manager, or other members of our management team. However, we recognize that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances that we have partnered with EthicsPoint. We would rather you report anonymously than keep the information to yourself.

Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?

We all have a role to play in creating a safe, positive work environment. In addition to conducting ourselves in a respectful and ethical manner, we also each have a responsibility to let the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment.

Corporate misconduct can threaten the livelihood of an entire company. Does management really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in our company - both good and bad. You may have knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern -- your reporting may allow us to stop the conduct before it goes too far, thus minimizing the potential negative impact on the company and our people. Where conduct has already taken place, your reporting will allow us to investigate the matter and take appropriate action, including re-training/coaching our employees on appropriate conduct, thereby allowing us to lessen the risk of similar misconduct in the future.

Where do these reports go? Who can access them?

Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within NSF: our Chief Legal Officer, who is charged with oversight of our global compliance activity and sits on our Ethics Committee; our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resource Officer, who make up the remaining members of the Ethics Committee; and a select few members of our Human Resource Department, who are charged with investigating reports. Each of these individuals is charged with keeping the details of all reports in the utmost confidence.

Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?

The EthicsPoint system allows us to assure an ethical workplace.

Effective communication is critical in today’s workplace and this is a great tool to enhance that communication. We have carefully chosen the best reporting tool to meet our compliance obligations while maintaining a positive reporting environment.

It is my understanding that any report I send from a company computer generates a server log that shows every web-site that my PC connects with -- won’t this log identify me as a report originator?

No. EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually obligated not to pursue a reporter’s identity. If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside our work environment through the EthicsPoint secure website. Many people choose this option; EthicsPoint’s data shows that fewer than 12% of reports are generated during business hours.

Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?

Yes. A report from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name, and the EthicsPoint system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. Plus, EthicsPoint is contractually obligated not to pursue a reporter’s identity.

I am concerned that the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?

The EthicsPoint system is designed to protect your anonymity. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, you will want to avoid including information like “From my cube next to Jan Smith…” or “In my 33 years…”.

Is the telephone toll-free hotline confidential and anonymous too?

Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an Internet-based report, and an interviewer will type your responses into the EthicsPoint Web site. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery.

What if I want to be identified with my report?

There is a section in the report for identifying yourself, if you wish.

I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?

Ensuring our company engages only in ethical behavior is vital to our success. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and all employees, including you. A seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have a disastrous effect on an otherwise healthy company. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself, your coworkers, and the Company to report it.

I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of company policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?

When in doubt as to whether misconduct has occurred, file a report. EthicsPoint can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly understood. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked because you weren't sure.

What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?

No. The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?

When you file a report at the EthicsPoint Web site or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again, either by Internet or telephone, and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest you return to the site in the time specified to answer company questions. You and the company now have entered an “anonymous dialogue,” where situations are not only identified, but can also be resolved, no matter how complex.

Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?

Yes. All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.

Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?

Yes. You can file an EthicsPoint report from any computer that can access the Internet. Many public locations, including the public library, have Internet computers. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline (available for most NSF locations), which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you have other questions not covered in this FAQ, you are welcome to talk with your supervisor, human resources business partner, or another leader at NSF. Or, submit your questions in an email to GlobalCompliance@nsf.org.