Independent review & whistleblower protocol
Makes the commitment to properly vetted independent review operational.
When review is triggered
The board may commission review after a material complaint, control failure, disputed ballot, research-integrity concern, financial anomaly, privacy incident or credible whistleblower disclosure. A defined group of unconflicted directors may also require review.
Reviewer vetting
Document competence, independence, conflicts, funding, scope, confidentiality, evidence access, methodology, reporting line and publication expectations before appointment. No subject of the review selects or controls the reviewer alone.
Protection and response
Good-faith reporters are protected from retaliation. Knowingly false reports may be addressed through fair process. Management preserves evidence and issues a written response to recommendations, identifying accepted actions, rejected recommendations with reasons, owners and deadlines.