As defined in the NorBAN Code of Conduct all members and guests are required to act respectfully and inclusively in a professional and ethically responsible manner, ensuring the safety and security of others.
If you have you experienced inappropriate or criticizable actions by individuals or groups during a NorBAN event or involving NorBAN members that goes against this policy, we would like you to speak up so the situation can be addressed, discussed, and resolved.
To begin with, any conditions perceived as criticizable should first be addressed directly with the party involved to the degree that this is possible and can be done safely. If this is not possible or does not lead to improvement, we encourage that you bring the matter to someone else to address the criticizable conditions, and in addition also report it to NorBAN so it can be followed up by the organization.
What should be reported?
NorBAN want to be informed about any unlawful, unethical or criticizable behavior that goes against our code of conduct that concerns NorBAN itself, our members or their guests. Whether you are a member, a guest or are in any other way connected to NorBAN, you can report it to us if you observe or experience criticizable conditions.
Criticizable conditions are defined according to the Working Environment Act § 2 A-1 (Norway) as “conditions that violate legal rules, written ethical guidelines in the organization, or ethical norms widely supported in society,” such as conditions involving:
- Danger to life or health
- Danger to climate or environment
- Corruption or other economic crimes
- Abuse of authority
- Unsafe working environment
- Violation of data protection
- Violation of general Norwegian legislation
- Violation of NorBAN statutes, values, or ethical guidelines
Where can it be reported?
NorBAN members, guests or others associated with NorBAN have the following reporting channels:
- To the host or person in charge (e.g., the venue host, event organizer, project contact)
- To the secretary general or any member of the executive board, including the chairman.
As a general rule, the report should be made to the person in charge at the event or project first. If the report concerns the person in charge, it can be reported to the organization management or board.
How should it be reported?
Whistleblowing about criticizable conditions should be done in writing. A report should include your full name, unless anonymity is desired. Describe the incident as specific as possible and also provide information about any previously known cases that may be relevant to the report, including if anyone else is aware of or have witnessed the conditions being reported. The report should be made in a responsible manner, and the person reporting must take responsibility for their statements.
You have the right to report anonymously. However, transparency normally ensures a better process and outcome. Regardless, all reports will be treated confidentially.
How are reports handled?
Handling of a report must follow these fundamental principles:
- Anyone receiving a report about a criticizable condition has a duty to handle the report, or if unable to handle it themselves, to report it further to the general secretary or to the board.
- Unless anonymous, the whistleblower should as soon as possible get a confirmation that the report has been received, and be informed about the expected steps for further processing of the case.
In each case, it will be assessed who should be involved in the further processing of the case. - Both the whistleblower and the party being reported have the right to be adequately taken care of, while the case is being processed and after the case is concluded. The whistleblower and the party being reported should both be given the opportunity to present their views on the matter and have the right to be assisted by a representative.
- Whistleblowing cases must be treated confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation. Confidentiality in this context means that the identity of the whistleblower and the party or parties being reported should not be disclosed to more people than necessary for the further processing of the case.