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About Safe Disclosure

For a quick introduction to safe disclosure at Toronto Metropolitan University, refer to these questions and answers:

TMU’s newly-enacted Safe Disclosure Policy accomplishes several objectives:

  • Confirmation of the university’s commitment to take seriously and respond promptly to allegations of improper financial activity;
  • Enhancement of the university’s accountability to the public trust, adherence to all applicable laws and university policies, and ensurance of fair treatment;
  • Establishment of the procedures for confidential disclosure that protect individuals against interference, reprisals or retaliations when they report incidents of alleged wrongdoing in good faith; and
  • Promotion of the university’s People First values of integrity, equity, collegiality and inclusion.

Some of the key matters to be addressed through the university’s Safe Disclosure Policy include:

  • Misappropriation or unauthorized use of university property and resources;
  • Forgery or alteration of documents;
  • Bribery or collusion;
  • Authorizing or receiving payment for goods not received or services not performed;
  • Authorizing or receiving payment for hours not worked;
  • Any claim for reimbursement of expenses that are not incurred for the benefit of the university; and
  • Any computer-related activity involving the alteration, destruction, forgery or manipulation of data for fraudulent purposes.

The typical steps that follow a report submission are:

  1. If you chose to identify yourself, you will be contacted by the individual to whom you have made your report to discuss the matter. If using the Safe Disclosure Reporting Form, you will be contacted by the chief internal auditor.
  2. A preliminary investigation into allegations of financial improprieties will be conducted by Internal Audit Services.
  3. If the chief internal auditor confirms that wrongdoing may have occurred and an investigation is warranted, Internal Audit Services will conduct an investigation in collaboration with the assistant vice-president, human resources; chief financial officer; and general counsel.
  4. The findings of any investigation will be communicated to appropriate senior officers of the university, the Audit Committee of the Board of Governors and the external auditor.
  5. If you chose to identify yourself, your identity will remain in confidence throughout the findings of any investigation.