Back to All Sections
1
Background & Policy Objective
Policy Section 1.0
Step 1 of 7

AERC's Commitment

Highest ethical and professional standards

AERC is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of openness, probity, and accountability. This commitment covers all activities including research, collaborations, funding, and operations.

What is Whistleblowing? The Whistleblowing Policy addresses malpractices, illegal acts, or omissions by employees, ex-employees, network members, and stakeholders. All staff have a responsibility to report matters that compromise AERC's objectives.
Did you know?
AERC's whistleblowing framework is aligned with international best practices including the UN Convention Against Corruption and OECD anti-bribery guidelines.
Quick Check
John recently joined AERC as a programme officer. During orientation, he learns that AERC has a Whistleblowing Policy. He wonders why such a policy exists at a reputable research institution.
Why does AERC need a Whistleblowing Policy?

AERC's Ethical Standards Cover

Programme Activities

Research operations and programme delivery

Administrative Processes

Procurement, finance, and admin procedures

Partner Dealings

Network members, consultants, external partners

Staff Treatment

Fair treatment and professional conduct

Organizational Ethics

Ethics in day-to-day management

Financial Integrity

Proper use of funds and donor resources

Quick Check
Maria is a research coordinator at AERC. She notices a vendor invoice looks inflated and the vendor seems personally connected to a colleague. She wonders if procurement issues fall under the policy's scope.
Which of the following areas does AERC's ethical standards cover?

The Policy Objective

Core Goal: Prevention, detection, and deterrence of fraud and all forms of malpractice — protecting AERC's funds, assets, reputation, and donor trust.

What It Protects

  • AERC's financial assets
  • Organizational reputation
  • Donor trust and confidence
  • Staff and stakeholder welfare

What It Targets

  • Fraud and corruption
  • Malpractice of any form
  • Illegal acts or omissions
  • Ethical violations
Final Check
During a board meeting, a new board member asks the Executive Director to summarize the primary purpose of the Whistleblowing Policy in one sentence.
What is the primary purpose of AERC's Whistleblowing Policy?

Key Takeaways

  • AERC's commitment to ethics covers all activities — research, admin, procurement, and partnerships
  • All staff and stakeholders have a responsibility to report concerns that compromise AERC's objectives
  • The policy's goal is to prevent, detect, and deter fraud and malpractice, protecting funds, reputation, and donor trust
Next up: Definition, Scope & Categories — learn who can report and what can be reported.