Diocese of Providence maintains hotline to report suspected financial misconduct

Phone line, website offer ways to report suspected fraud anonymously

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PROVIDENCE — In its continuing mission to strengthen financial accountability throughout its operations, the Diocese of Providence provides a means for anyone who suspects financial misconduct in any area to report their concerns anonymously.
In January 2013, the diocese established a financial accountability hotline for individuals to report potential financial fraud. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin approved the program after a review by the Diocesan Administrative Board, Finance Council and Council of Priests.
The service is designed to complement existing policies within the diocese that provide for fiscal accountability.
The hotline is monitored by the independent risk assessment company Navex Global, a firm known for its community-driven approach to the areas of ethics and compliance.
Any concerns relative to financial misconduct at the parish or diocesan level regarding any church, school or agency may be reported anonymously by calling the hotline’s toll free number, or filed online. Navex Global will field and process only financial information.
Following a review by Navex Global relative to the legitimacy of the information provided, the company will then forward their findings to the Diocesan Office of Planning and Financial Services.
Should the information received warrant additional action, the matter would then be guided according to existing diocesan procedures.
Diocesan officials stress that the hotline was not implemented as a result of any particular problem; rather, it serves as a measure of fiscal prudence.
According to Oregon-based Navex Global, more than 10,000 organizations worldwide employ their EthicsPoint hotline, online reporting and case management services as a critical component of their overall governance, risk and compliance efforts.
Some of its past clients have included the Archdioceses of Chicago, Baltimore and Indianapolis, as well as major Catholic universities such as Georgetown, Marquette and Loyola Marymount. Additionally, the company also has served several faith-based agencies, including Catholic Relief Services.
To report any concerns of financial misconduct, please call toll free 1.888.581.2145, or visit www.dioceseofprovidence.ethicspoint.com.