Why does ESSC have a Confidential Reporting Hotline?
ESSC has contracted with a third party, Syntrio (formerly Lighthouse Services, Inc.), to provide a solution for reporting, confidentially and anonymously, any issues of concern or fiscal misconduct to management. Contracting with a separate third party to administer a hotline gives ESSC the flexibility to provide anonymous reporting.
Who is Syntrio and do they give me an update on my report?
Syntrio is an independent third party that receives information from a reporter to the Hotline. The information collected from the reporter is routed to a designated party at ESSC for further review and a thorough, timely investigation. Since 1998, Syntrio /Lighthouse Services has provided confidential, 24-hour reporting services, giving companies the flexibility to provide anonymous reporting that assists in providing an ethical workplace environment. Syntrio/Lighthouse Services enables ESSC to communicate with the Hotline reporter while maintaining their anonymity. The reporter can get updates or provide follow-up communications via Syntrio without providing their contact information.
Who can file a report, and will I be anonymous?
Anyone, including all associates, vendors/contractors/sub-contractors, participants and their families can use the hotline service. You will have the option to provide your contact information, in which case the Compliance Officer, for example, or designee, can follow up with you directly. Or you can choose to remain anonymous. Your anonymity will be protected to the extent possible by the law and Syntrio will not divulge your identity without your permission.
How do I file a report?
Professionally trained staff from Syntrio will take your information by phone, fax or email and compile a report for the appropriate ESSC designee to review. Reports to the ESSC Confidential Reporting Hotline can be made via the following methods:
Telephone:
English: (833) 670-0002
Spanish: (800) 216-1288
Website: www.lighthouse-services.com/essc
E-mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com (include company name with your report)
Fax: (215) 689-3885 (include company name with your report)
Who are ESSC’s authorized designees and what happens after I submit a report?
Syntrio will provide you with a reference number to check the status of your report.
Syntrio sends the report to authorized designees, depending upon the subject matter of the report, for example, VP, Compliance & Privacy, Compliance & Privacy Officer, Chief People Officer
The designee will evaluate your report and determine the most appropriate process for handling and investigating the issue. The designee can update the Syntrio system if there are additional questions and Syntrio will contact you.
What types of issues should be reported using the Hotline?
Examples of Hotline Reporting Issues:
- Suspected fraud: Embezzlement, fraudulent reporting or accounting issues, auditing violations, and any internal control matters.
- Ethics and Compliance: Any concerns related to compliance and regulatory violations, ESSC code of ethics violations, conflicts of interest, fraud, waste and abuse of company’s resources and equipment.
- Possible HIPAA or Privacy Violations: Related to privacy and security of data.
- Serious HR Violations: Employee relations issues, abuse of benefits, discrimination, harassment, and work environment.
- Safety-Related Concerns for Associates: Potentially hazardous or unsafe working conditions, unsafe use of company equipment, trip/fall hazards, electrical hazards, chemical/cleaning supplies exposure.
