Best Practices in Ethics Hotlines

A framework for creating an effective anonymous reporting program. The impact of fraud on U.S. businesses is costly to organizations, shareholders and consumers alike. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) 2008 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud & Abuse, it is estimated that U.S. organizations will lose seven percent of their annual revenues to fraud. Based on 2008 figures, that translates to $994 billion in fraud losses.

This paper discusses techniques for developing an effective ethics hotline program by examining three critical stages: planning prior to launch, communicating to stakeholders about the hotline and reacting to hotline tips.

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Investigative Tips for the Non-Investigator

Effective reporting systems provide you with valuable information about fraud and other forms of misconduct affecting your organization – but gathering the information is only the first step. A comprehensive ethics program requires that organizations address allegations once they have been reported. Conducting an investigation may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. The Network teamed up with BDO Consulting to produce a white paper entitled Investigative Tips for the Non-Investigator. It provides practical information that can be used in conducting investigations, regardless of your level of expertise.

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2006 Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report

This first edition of the Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report was produced by The Network, CSO Executive Council and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Prior to this report, there hadn’t been a way for organizations to compare their hotline activity to that of similar organizations. They have operated their hotlines as best they could without the necessary information to fully assess results.  This report is based on an analysis of nearly 200,000 reports from more than 500 organizations over four years.

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2007 Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report

The second edition of the Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report was written by the Security Executive Council (formerly CSO Executive Council) using data from The Network.  This report differs from the first edition as the data set represents an additional 90,000 reports from over 650 organizations. The analysis is also different as it is broken down by industry.  

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Outsourcing Your Hotline: The Professional Advantage

When it comes to illegal and unethical activity in teh workplace, what you don't know can hurt you. In 2008, it "hurt" U.S. businesses to the tune of almost $994 billion in total losses with the typical organization losing seven percent of its annual revenues to fraud. More»

Ten Tips for Preventing Corporate Fraud

Even before corporate scandals about companies like Enron and WorldCom made headlines, organizations were waging war against fraud, and they continue to today. Despite tough economic times and seemingly rampant misconduct, now is not the time to panic. There are simple, practicle steps you can take to protect your organization from fraud. More»