FAQ’s
What is the Open Door and Ethics Hotline?
The Open Door and Ethics Hotline (the “Hotline”) is a 24-hour ethics hotline operated by NAVEX, an independent third-party vendor that provides Chico’s FAS Associates with an anonymous and confidential means of reporting suspected violations of our Code of Ethics, Chico’s policies, the law, or general workplace-related concerns. The Open Door and Ethics Hotline is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Why do we need a reporting system?
- We believe that our Associates 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 helps foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
How do I submit a report?
You can file a confidential report either by telephone (888-361-5813) or online at www.chicosfasopendoor.ethicspoint.com. Just click the “Report A Concern” located on the top banner in the Ethics Point system. You may remain anonymous in either circumstance.
What type of situations can I report?
The Hotline is designed for Associates to report any violation of Chico’s Code of Ethics, Chico’s FAS’ policies, or other concerns you may have.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, Loss Prevention, or Human Resources and let them deal with it?
When you become aware of behavior that you believe violates our Code of Ethics, our policies, or the law, we encourage you to report it to your manager, a Human Resources representative, or any other member of our management team. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable doing so. For that reason, we have partnered with NAVEX, so you can report a concern with the option to remain anonymous, rather than keep the information to yourself.
Why should I report what I know?
We all have the right to work in a positive environment and the responsibility to act in an ethical manner. That responsibility includes letting the Company know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment.
Is the Hotline anonymous?
When making a report through the Open Door and Ethics Hotline, you have the option to remain anonymous. Our third-party vendor, NAVEX, cannot determine your identity, nor will investigators attempt to identify individuals who contact the Hotline anonymously. In some cases, however, it may be helpful or necessary to provide your name and/or work location for a meaningful investigation to commence.
Where do these reports go? Who has access to my Hotline report?
Reports are entered directly on the NAVEX secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. NAVEX makes these reports available only to specific individuals within Chico’s who are responsible for evaluating and resolving them. Information contained in a Hotline report, regardless of whether it is anonymous, will be kept confidential except as needed to conduct a thorough and timely investigation or comply with law.
If I use a Company computer or tablet, will the Company be able to identify me?
No. NAVEX does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking the device you use to report to NAVEX is available.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work device, you have the option to report from a personal device from your home or any other location with access to an internet connection. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the NAVEX toll-free hotline at 888-361-5813, which is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. You may remain anonymous.
What happens when I contact the Hotline by phone?
When you contact the Hotline by phone, a NAVEX trained Communication Specialist will ask you questions about the issue you are reporting. It is important to provide as much factual information as possible, so the matter can be properly addressed and/or investigated.
When contacting the Hotline by phone, you may choose to remain anonymous.
Is the process different by web?
When you contact the Hotline by the website, you can type your concern in your own words. We encourage you to provide as much detail as possible.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish. You do not have to report anonymously.
What happens after I contact the Hotline?
All Hotline reports submitted to NAVEX will initially be reviewed and evaluated by the Chico’s Associate Relations Team and assigned to the appropriate individual for investigation. Depending upon the nature of the allegation, the investigation may be conducted by a member of the Human Resources or Associate Relations teams, Loss Prevention, Audit, or the Legal Department.
How long does it take to resolve a Hotline matter?
The time to review and investigate each report varies depending upon the nature of the allegation. Our goal is to close out the all cases as quickly as possible.
Am I protected against retaliation?
Yes. Retaliation against an Associate for reporting an issue in good faith is a violation of our Code of Ethics, our policies, and our Values. Any Associate who engages in retaliation, or threatens retaliation, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
You will be protected from retaliation when you:
- Report what you believe is a violation of our Values, our Code of Ethics, our polices or the law
- Raise a compliance question or seek guidance about a business practice, decision or action
- Cooperate in an investigation of a potential violation
- Report a violation of law to government authorities
If my leader or other members of management are involved in a violation, will they get the report?
No. Implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
What if I want to add something about the incident after I file the report, or the Company has questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report through the NAVEX Web site or Call Center, you will receive a unique Report Key number and will be asked to choose a password. You can return to the NAVEX system either online or by telephone to access your original report to add more information or answer questions posted by a Company representative. If you remain anonymous, the Report Key number will allow us to maintain communication with you. We encourage you to return to the site in the time specified to answer the Company’s questions, so your concerns can be resolved in a timely manner.
What information is available to me about the progress being made on my case?
When you use the unique Report Key number to access your case, you may learn that the matter is still under investigation or that it has been closed. We cannot provide specific details on the investigation, such as; with whom we have spoken, the outcome, any disciplinary or other corrective action that has occurred. We restrict this information due to privacy concerns and to preserve the integrity of our investigations.
What do I do if I lose my Report Key or Password?
To maintain your confidentiality, your Report Key and Password cannot be recovered by NAVEX or Chico’s FAS. For this reason, it is extremely important that you keep your Report Key and Password in a safe place. If you misplace your Report Key and/or Password, you will have to contact the Open Door and Ethics Hotline at 1-888-361-5813 or www.chicosfasopendoor.ethicspoint.com to open a new case.
Who can I contact with questions about this process?
If you have additional questions about the Hotline, you may contact your Human Resources representative, a member of the Associate Relations team or a member of your management team.
Who can I contact if I am having a problem reporting my concerns or entering information online?
If you have any problems entering an online report, please call NAVEX at 1-888-361-5813.