ARTICLE X. ALLEGATIONS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Section 1: Reporting of Allegations

  • Mechanism for Reporting: GCRI establishes a clear and accessible mechanism for reporting allegations of misconduct, ethical breaches, or violations of GCRI’s policies.

  • Confidentiality in Reporting: Ensures that the reporting process upholds confidentiality to protect the identities and privacy of those involved.

  • Immediate Acknowledgment: All reports of allegations are acknowledged promptly, confirming their receipt and outlining the next steps in the investigative process.

  • Awareness and Education: GCRI commits to regular awareness and education initiatives to ensure all members understand the reporting procedures and their importance.

Section 2: Preliminary Assessment

  • Initial Review: Upon receiving an allegation, a preliminary assessment is conducted to determine the credibility and severity of the allegation.

  • Decision to Proceed: A decision is made on whether to proceed with a formal investigation, based on the preliminary assessment.

  • Notification to the Accused: If a formal investigation is warranted, the accused individual is notified and provided with an overview of the allegations against them.

Section 3: Investigation Process

  • Appointment of Investigation Committee: An investigation committee, composed of impartial members, is appointed to conduct a thorough investigation.

  • Gathering Evidence: The committee is responsible for gathering all relevant evidence, including documents, testimonials, and other pertinent information.

  • Fair and Unbiased Conduct: The investigation is conducted in a manner that is fair, unbiased, and respectful to all parties involved.

Section 4: Disciplinary Action

  • Range of Disciplinary Actions: If the allegations are substantiated, disciplinary actions may include a formal warning, suspension, or termination of membership or employment, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

  • Notification of Decision: The individual against whom the allegations have been made is notified of the decision and the disciplinary actions to be taken.

  • Right to Appeal: The accused individual has the right to appeal the decision, in which case an independent review panel is convened.

Section 5: Documentation and Record-Keeping

  • Detailed Record of Proceedings: All proceedings, from the initial report to the conclusion of the investigation and subsequent actions, are documented in detail.

  • Confidential Storage of Records: Records are stored securely and confidentially, accessible only to authorized personnel.

Section 6: Transparency and Communication

  • Communication with Relevant Parties: Relevant parties are kept informed throughout the process, respecting confidentiality and privacy obligations.

  • Transparency of Process: GCRI commits to maintaining transparency in its handling of allegations and disciplinary actions, while balancing confidentiality concerns.

Section 7: Prevention and Training

  • Proactive Measures: GCRI implements proactive measures and training programs aimed at preventing misconduct and ensuring awareness of GCRI’s code of conduct and ethical standards.

  • Continuous Improvement: The policies and procedures related to handling allegations and disciplinary actions are subject to regular review and improvement.

  • Adherence to Laws and Regulations: All procedures comply with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring legal and ethical integrity.

  • Ethical Handling of Cases: All cases are handled ethically, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.

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