The purpose of this policy is to outline Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's (Fred Hutch) commitment to ethical conduct and open communication at all levels of operation, and the process and procedure to report any feedback or concerns that may violate such commitment.
Staff - Fred Hutch employee, non-employee, affiliate, volunteer, or any other member of the Fred Hutch community that may observe, experience, or in any way be involved in the topics or concerns outlined below.
Fred Hutch values open, honest, and respectful communication between management and staff. Effective communication is crucial for achieving our individual and collective mission. Management’s door is always open. We want you to feel comfortable sharing your feedback and concerns with us at all times.
Fred Hutch leadership also recognizes that many of the best ideas for enhancing operations come from our Workforce Members. We encourage Workforce Members to submit ideas and suggestions in that regard.
Your direct supervisor or your HR Business Partner are always available for discussing concerns. Fred Hutch has a variety of other avenues for bringing forward your feedback and concerns as well.
Workforce Members who report their feedback and concerns in good faith under this Policy are protected from retaliation. Please see the section Retaliation is Not Permitted below.
Types of feedback and concerns that may be reported under this Policy include:
As previously stated, your supervisor or HR Business Partner will often be the best person to help you resolve your concern. If you choose for whatever reason not to report your concern to them, there are a variety of other options available to you for reporting feedback or concerns. You should choose whichever reporting option you are most comfortable using:
If your particular concern does not seem to fit into one of the Types of Feedback and Concerns, above, or if you have followed one of the processes above and the concern has not been addressed to your satisfaction, you may use the Formal Review Procedure. The Formal Review Procedure allows you to submit your concern directly to the Vice President, Human Resources, who will work with appropriate leaders to resolve your concern.
Note: The Formal Review Procedure is not a grievance procedure. In other words, it is not an entitlement to appeal individual employment events such as disciplinary actions or involuntary terminations. Use of the Formal Review Procedure will not prevent, limit, or delay any such event, or enforcement of a policy.
Fred Hutch does not permit retaliation against Workforce Members who in good faith:
Anyone who retaliates in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
If you feel as though you have been retaliated against in violation of this Policy, please immediately report it using one of the Reporting Options described above.
Fred Hutch Policies, read together or individually, do not constitute a contract of employment. Please see the Policy on Policies for more details.