If you have questions about the Ethics Line and how it fits at TD SYNNEX, we have prepared the following resources to help.
What is the Ethics Line?
The Ethics Line is a confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX to help address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace.
Why do we need a system like the Ethics Line?
We believe that our employees are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity. Ultimately, an effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making at TD SYNNEX.
May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. With the Ethics Line, you have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone or the Internet.
What type of situations should I report?
The Ethics Line system is designed for employees to report any violation of our Code of Conduct, or other policies.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager or HR and let them deal with it?
When you observe behavior that you believe violates our Code of Conduct, we expect you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your manager, or other member of our management team. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. That is why the Ethics Line exists. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing information directly, 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 the right to work in a positive environment and with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment. Corporate misconduct hurts individuals and can also threaten the livelihood of an entire company if left unaddressed.
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 initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the company and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the Ethics Line secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. The Ethics Line makes these reports available only to specific individuals within the company who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.
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?
The Ethics Line does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to the Ethics Line is available. In fact, the Ethics Line is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity, which is why it is so important that you keep track of your own reporting key and password for following-up on any reports you create.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you can always report by phone.
Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
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 Ethics Line system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. Plus, the Ethics Line is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.
I am concerned that the information I provide the Ethics Line will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The Ethics Line 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, “From my cube next to Jane Smith…” or “In my 33 years…”. If you fear that the substance of your report may make your identity easy to guess, rest assured that TD SYNNEX protects its colleagues from any form of retaliation after making a good faith report.
Is the telephone toll-free hot line 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 Ethics Line 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?
Our company chooses to promote ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and all employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see the disastrous effects that a seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy company. So, if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and your coworkers 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?
File a report. The Ethics Line 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?
The Ethics Line system and report distribution channels 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 on the Ethics Line Web site or through the Ethics Line Call Center, you receive a unique reporting key and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the Ethics Line system again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a company representative. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer company questions. You and the company now have entered into 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?
All Ethics Line correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.