Office of the University Ombudsperson

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Safe Disclosure Reporting and Investigation Policy

Queen’s University’s Safe Disclosure Policy outlines the regular process to confidentially report concerns about professional or financial misconduct. Queen's Ombudsperson acts as the Safe Disclosure Officer.

Although such concerns may be reported to your direct supervisor or university administrator, you can also contact the University Ombudsperson to make a report.
Direct phone: 613-533-2030
Email: ombuds@queensu.ca

Queen’s University also has a variety of channels in place for addressing other more specific concerns at the university. These are outlined in the Safe Disclosure Policy, including:

Learn more: Safe Disclosure Reporting and Investigation Policy

The logo for confidence line which is the word confidenceline with confidence in bold text

Confidence Line

For situations where Queen’s University faculty, students, staff, and administrators feel uncomfortable contacting the Safe Disclosure Officer (Ombudsperson) regarding potential fraud or financial misconduct, Queen’s University also provides the option of an external, third-party reporting service. This service is called ConfidenceLine.

ConfidenceLine is an alternate, anonymous reporting mechanism that is available 24/7 online or by phone. It gives you access to an independent third party that also ensures your anonymity should you need to report fraud or financial misconduct.

Call (toll-free): 1-800-661-9675
Web: www.queensuniversity.confidenceline.net

What if I’m not comfortable raising an issue with my supervisor?

In circumstances where you do not feel you can have a discussion about the issue with your supervisor or manager, contact the Ombudsperson.

I’m not certain which university policy is appropriate and which circumstances.
Contact the Ombudsperson when you are uncertain where within the university to go with an issue or concern. The Ombudsperson can help you determine which university policy applies or, given the circumstances, when following the Safe Disclosure Policy is appropriate.
Can I make an anonymous complaint?

There is an important distinction to be made between a report being confidential and a report being anonymous. If you disclose information, the information will be treated as confidential and your identity will be protected. However, it is necessary to consider the university’s ability to conduct a competent investigation, and any legal limits to confidentiality. For example, if a matter reported appears to involve criminal behaviour, the appropriate authorities will be notified immediately.

In contrast, an anonymous report may be accepted, but your decision to remain anonymous or to request that your name not be disclosed may limit the university’s ability to investigate the matter. Regardless, any matter that appears to involve criminal behaviour will be forwarded to the police.