Grievances
Our Grievance Process
The purpose of MarAlliance’s Grievance Mechanism is to address concerns and complaints from stakeholders, individuals, and communities connected to our initiatives. It is designed to provide a clear and accessible process for ensuring that all grievances are heard, investigated, and addressed in a timely and consistent manner.
At MarAlliance, we are committed to fostering trust, transparency, and accountability in our work. Each grievance submitted through this mechanism is carefully reviewed to determine whether there has been a breach of MarAlliance’s principles, policies, or procedures. Our goal is to identify the root causes of any issues raised, correct non-compliance, and continuously improve our practices to better serve communities and protect marine wildlife and ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a grievance?
Anyone affected by or concerned about MarAlliance’s activities, including individuals, communities, or organizations, can file a grievance.
What types of grievances can be submitted?
Grievances can include issues related to environmental impact, community engagement, ethical concerns, or any activity you believe conflicts with our mission or policies.
How can I file a grievance?
You can submit your grievance by emailing us at info@maralliance.org. We will reply to your request with the grievance form for you to complete and return.
Can I submit a grievance anonymously?
Yes, we respect your privacy and accept anonymous complaints. However, providing contact information will help us follow up effectively.
What information should I include in my grievance?
To help us address your concern, please include:
- A clear description of the issue.
- The date and location of the incident (if applicable).
- Any relevant documentation or evidence.
- Your preferred contact information (if not anonymous).
What happens after I file a grievance?
The grievance will be addressed through an open and transparent process.
We will review the details, investigate the issue, and determine the necessary steps.
You will be informed of the resolution or progress within a reasonable timeframe.
Code of Conduct:
The following code of conduct describes behavioral and ethical expectations that MarAlliance has for all of its employees, and which MarAlliance employees should expect of one another. The code of conduct does not alter the “at will” nature of your employment in any way. MarAlliance has adopted a code of ethical and professional conduct; as such, it is expected that all personnel abide by this code in addition to any professional code of ethics, scope of practice, or sworn statements undertaken by individuals in their specific professional capacity.
All MarAlliance directors, officers, employees and volunteers:
- Are here to serve MarAlliance’s partners and associated communities
- Practice with integrity at all times, in all situations
- Treat all clients, colleagues, and stakeholders with respect, fairness and compassion
- Perform their duties to the very best of their ability, seeking supervision and guidance as needed
- Protect the confidentiality of all current and former clients and staff
- Protect and enhance MarAlliance’s assets, including its reputation
- Take active steps to avoid or report conflicts of interest
- Abide by all applicable laws
- Abide by the requirements and regulations of their credentials
- Abide by the rules and policies of MarAlliance stakeholders when performing work on MarAlliance’s behalf
- Abide by the rules and policies set forth in the employee handbook
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers, and employees to comply with MarAlliance’s standards of business and personal ethics and to report violations or suspected violations thereof. Violations of the Code include, but are in no way limited to the following:
- Breaching confidentiality, including violating the privacy of staff or clients, misusing client files, leaving clients’ information out unattended, or having confidential information on flash drives and/or laptops without permission
- Theft, negligence, or improper conduct leading to damage or loss of property including data belonging to MarAlliance or its clients, employees, independent contractors, or other stakeholders
- Sexual or other harassment, including threats, intimidation, and coercion, of MarAlliance employees, contractors, volunteers, clients, or visitors
- Discriminating against clients, employees, or other stakeholders on any legally protected basis
- Falsifying, lying, misrepresenting, or other acts of dishonesty
- Practicing or promising to practice beyond the scope of one’s credentials and/or licensing
- The loss of your credentials and/or licensing, or failure to obtain, renew, or maintain your credentials and/or licensing
- Deleting, destroying, or altering records in a manner inconsistent with agency and regulatory body policies
- Failing to maintain clinically appropriate boundaries with clients
- Engaging in non-clinical relationships with clients
- Soliciting or accepting gifts, money, favors, or business from clients, their families, or other stakeholders
- Illegal activity on MarAlliance premises
- Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials, such as explosives, firearms, or knives in the workplace
- Failing or refusing to perform assigned job duties
- Ignoring, permitting, or assisting in the conduct of other MarAlliance employees which violates the spirit and purpose of the Code
- Violations of any other policy described in this handbook