VCC expects all members of its college community, including current or former students, employees, and faculty, to behave ethically and legally according to VCC’s policies and procedures, local, provincial, and federal legislation. College members are expected to report instances of wrongdoing to the institution without delay.
VCC Safe Disclosure policy
VCC’s Safe Disclosure policy (commonly referred to as a “whistleblower” policy) outlines the steps individuals should take to make a report of wrongdoing.
Complaints made under this policy must fall under the following definitions:
a. A serious act or omission that, if proven, would constitute an offence under an enactment of British Columbia or Canada;
b. An act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment, other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of an employee’s duties or functions;
c. A serious misuse of public funds or public assets;
d. Gross or systemic mismanagement;
e. Knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit a Wrongdoing described in (a) to (d).
If your complaint does not fall under these definitions, please consider another avenue for making your complaint. Formal complaints of harassment, discrimination, bullying, workplace violence, or conflict of interest must be done pursuant to VCC’s established policies and procedures.
Submitting complaints
You can make a disclosure in writing to the Privacy Officer at [email protected] or directly to the appropriate Designated Officer identified in the policy.
You have the option to make an anonymous disclosure. Notify the Designated Officer if you wish to remain anonymous. Depending on the avenue through which you make your disclosure, the Designated Officer may not be able to follow up with you if you remain anonymous.
Your disclosure should include:
- a description of the wrongdoing
- the alleged wrongdoer(s)
- date of occurrence
- relevant statute (if applicable)
- any prior reports made.
Make your disclosure in a timely manner, preferably within one year of discovering the wrongdoing or as soon as possible.
If your disclosure concerns an urgent risk and you wish to make a public report, you will be protected from reprisal if you follow the steps outlined in the policy.
Contact
For any questions or requests for advice about making a disclosure under the Safe Disclosure policy, please contact [email protected].