1. About the USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline
What are the USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline?
The USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline are comprehensive reporting tools operated by NAVEX that enable USOPC employees, NGB employees, athletes, volunteers, and other individuals involved with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement to report concerns to the USOPC confidentially or, if preferred, anonymously. These reporting tools assist the USOPC in addressing misconduct in the Movement and promoting a culture of ethical behavior and compliance within the USOPC, among NGBs, and among individuals and entities that engage with the USOPC and NGBs. Using these tools, individuals may report concerns online or over the phone.
Why does the USOPC need systems like the USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline?
An effective reporting system is an important part of the USOPC’s efforts to promote a culture of ethical behavior and compliance and to resolve concerns. The USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline allow individuals to report their concerns to the USOPC confidentially or, if preferred, anonymously. The reporting system ensures that all reports are received by the USOPC and can be directed to the proper department for resolution.
2. Reporting – General
May I report using either the internet or the telephone?
Yes. The USOPC Integrity Portal enables you to file a confidential or anonymous report online. The USOPC Integrity Hotline enables you to file a confidential or anonymous report over the phone with the help of a NAVEX representative.
What types of situations should I report?
The USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline allow individuals to report any actual or potential code of conduct violations; governance concerns, conflicts of interest, and ethics issues; violations of state or federal law; discrimination claims; violations of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and USOPC and/or NGB Bylaws or policies; USOPC employee misconduct or other misconduct.
I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of USOPC policy or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?
File a report. We would rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior or misconduct go unchecked.
I am aware of some individuals acting unethically, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
All unethical conduct throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, at any level, ultimately hurts the USOPC, NGBs, athletes, and the Movement. Even if a concern does not directly affect you, reporting the concern will help the USOPC in its efforts to promote and maintain a culture of ethical behavior and compliance throughout the Movement. In addition, reporting may also prevent a matter that could have been resolved had someone known about it from becoming a persistent issue that affects many people and the Movement at large. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself, your peers, and the Movement to report it.
Does the USOPC really want me to report?
We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. Individuals throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement remaining vigilant and speaking up when they see something or learn about something concerning is one of the most important ways we can promote a culture of ethical behavior and compliance throughout the Movement. By reporting, you help the USOPC to investigate concerns and take appropriate action to stop misconduct.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the secure NAVEX server that hosts the USOPC Integrity Portal. NAVEX makes reports available only to specific individuals within the USOPC who are charged with evaluating the report based on the nature of the concern.
What if my manager or other senior leaders are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?
The distribution of reports made using the USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline ensures that individuals who are the subject of a complaint are not notified of, or granted access to, reports in which they have been named. All reports received will be investigated according to USOPC policies, regardless of who is involved.
3. Reporting Security, Anonymity, and Confidentiality
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. The USOPC Integrity Portal and Integrity Hotline allow you to remain fully anonymous when reporting if you prefer to do so.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
You will have the opportunity to provide your identifying information while filing your report, if you choose to do so. If you do provide your information, your report will remain confidential, meaning that the USOPC will not use your name with individuals outside of the USOPC.
It is my understanding that my work computer generates a server log that shows every website that my PC connects with. Won’t this log identify me as a report originator?
NAVEX does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your work PC to the USOPC Integrity Portal is available if you access it from work.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside of your work environment to access the USOPC Integrity Portal. You can access the USOPC Integrity Portal from any internet-connected device.
Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
A report made from your home, as with a report made from any other location or device, will remain secure and anonymous. An internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the NAVEX system strips away internet addresses so that anonymity is maintained.
I am concerned that the information I provide will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The USOPC Integrity Portal, operated by NAVEX, protects your identity. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you should take care to ensure that the body of the report does not imply or reveal your identity by accident. For example, “From my office next to Jan Smith…” or “In my 33 years…”.
Can I still report anonymously over the phone?
Yes. If you choose to report over the phone using the USOPC Integrity Hotline, you will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an internet-based report and a NAVEX representative will record your responses, compile a report, and transmit the report to the USOPC. These reports have the same security and confidentiality safeguards applied to them during delivery as those filed online.
4. Following Up on My Report
What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if there are further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report online using the USOPC Integrity Portal or over the phone using the USOPC Integrity Hotline, you receive a unique, randomized number called a “Report Key” and are asked to choose a password. With your Report Key and password, you can return to the system again, either by internet or telephone, and access your original report to add more detail.
After you file a report, the USOPC may ask questions to clarify the information you provided or to gather additional information. These questions will be viewable when you return to the system to follow up on your report and you may answer them directly in the system.
It is strongly encouraged that you follow up on your report and answer any follow up questions. By answering follow up questions, you and the USOPC enter into an “anonymous dialogue” that ensures that reported events are fully understood and can be resolved appropriately.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
All correspondence and follow-ups are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the same umbrella of confidentiality and / or anonymity.
What if I lose my Report Key or forget the password I created?
To ensure that security and confidentiality is maintained, if you lose your Report Key or password, you will need to file a new report. Mention in the new report that it is related to a report you previously submitted.