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Current News
11-sept-2008 | TechLinks
The Network’s Ralston McCracken to Discuss Interactive Code of Conduct
The Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA) selected The Network’s Ralston McCracken to speak at the 2008 ACUA Annual Conference. McCracken’s presentation will include the latest trends in the compliance industry and the practical uses of an interactive code of conduct for creating a culture of ethics. According to McCracken, “The code of conduct has come a long way, and organizations are learning that this component of an ethics program plays a critical role in developing the corporate culture.”
8-sept-2008 | SHRM Online
Cisco Introduces ‘Ethics Idol’ to Enhance Ethics Culture
Cisco Systems, Inc. and The Network, Inc. were featured in SHRM Online magazine for their combined efforts in revamping Cisco’s ethics program for 65,000 global employees. Executives from both organizations discussed the concept of ‘Ethics Idol,’ a parody of ‘American Idol.’ Jeremy Wilson, Cisco’s Ethics Manager said, “With thousands of employees voting on ‘Ethics Idol’ [in this country], the initiative was a huge success.” The Network also rewrote Cisco’s Code of Business Conduct which was released earlier in 2008. Cisco’s employees were surveyed and agreed that it was more user-friendly than the previous code. The code also received “A” ratings by Ethisphere Magazine.
To learn more, visit: http://www.shrm.org/oed/
Please note: membership may be required.
August/September 2008 |Fraud Intelligence
Tuning the Whistle
Ralston McCracken recently wrote an article for the UK based publication, Fraud Intelligence. McCracken reviews statistical information generated from the Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report and the significance of utilizing benchmarking information in creating an ethical culture. This article also discusses the European Union Working Party directives regarding whistleblower hotlines as well as an Ernst and Young survey revealing 13 EU countries that indicate the need for stronger whistleblower protection.
September 2008 | ACC Docket
The Network was featured in the September issue of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Docket. The article was written by Marian Exall, The Network’s corporate counsel. The article begins with a quick story describing how The Network’s Founder, Ralph Childs, pioneered business ethics hotlines. Exall discusses the importance of people and the use of an internal reporting channel in building an ethical culture and reducing fraud.
To read the article in its entirety, click here: More »
20-aug-2008 | Press Release
The Network, Inc. Releases Enhancements to its Reporting Analytics Tool: Advanced Filtering Capabilities and Improved Graphics Ensure Access to Critical Information
The Network Inc., a technology-based company providing ethics and compliance services, insurance claim reporting and employee communication services to nearly half of the Fortune 500, has announced enhancements to its reporting analytics tool which gives users increased capabilities when evaluating whistleblower hotline and case management data. More »
14-aug-2008 | The Providence Journal/projo.com
Hotline Set for Reports of Fraud, Waste at Landfill Agency
The Providence Journal reported that the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation has partnered with The Network to establish a 24/7 hotline. The Bureau of Audits decided to adopt a third-party hotline after a recent preliminary investigation revealed the potential occurrences of fraud and waste at the agency. The Chief of the Bureau of Audits elected to establish the hotline in order to “…restore public confidence in the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.” To read the article click here:
http://www.projo.com/news/content/abuse_hotline_08-14-08_2NB7CK0_v6.403e606.html
12-aug-2008 | Forbes.com
Auditor's Office Sets up Fraud, Abuse Hotline
The State of New Mexico recently partnered with The Network to implement a hotline for government employees to report fraud, waste and abuse. The article, “Auditor’s office sets up fraud, abuse hotline,” appeared in the online newsletter, Forbes.com and quotes State Auditor, Hector Balderas. “The fact that New Mexico didn’t have a comprehensive statewide system I believe was a hole in fraud detection,” according to Balderas.
Now, government employees at all levels have the option to report issues such as the use of government property for personal use, violation of contracting rules or theft 24/7 and remain anonymous if they choose to do so. To read the article in its entirety, click here: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/08/12/ap5314156.html
Summer 2008 | Journal of Governmet Financial Management
Hotlines Can Help Government Agencies Control Misconduct
The summer issue of Journal of Government Financial Management featured The Network’s Vice President, Ralston McCracken in an article discussing the value of hotline programs within government agencies. As mentioned in the article, more and more government agencies utilize hotlines for detecting and deterring fraud, waste and abuse. Agencies such as Buncombe County, NC, Montgomery County MD and even the Social Security Administration all espouse hotlines as an important component of their compliance program.
Like many corporations, these government agencies also actively promote the hotline and educate employees about recognizing fraudulent behavior through ethics communications. To read the article, “Hotlines Can Help Government Agencies Control Misconduct,” visit: http://www.agacgfm.org/publications/journal/.
Please note: membership may be required.
1-aug-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network Inc. Completes SAS 70 Type II Audit - Extensive Evaluation Validates Company's Internal Controls
The Network Inc., the leading provider of ethics and compliance hotline programs for over 25 years, today announced the completion of the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 70 (SAS 70) Type II audit by independent firm Porter, Keadle and Moore (PKM). The review states that The Network, Inc. is SAS 70 Type II compliant as of July, 2008. More »
1-jul-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, a technology-based company providing hotline,
insurance claim reporting and employee communication services
to nearly half the Fortune 500, announced today its recently
earned Stevie Award for Interactive Media Professional
Education from The 2008 American Business Awards.
The Network won for the creation of a hosted Flash module
focused on ethics in the workplace. More »
11-mar-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, Inc., a leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management, service quality and critical
incident reporting for over 25 years, has announced the promotion
of top executive, Luis Ramos to the position of Chief Operating
Officer. More »
11-mar-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, Inc., a leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management, service quality and critical
incident reporting for over 25 years, has announced the promotion
of top executive, Rick Hollahan to the position of Chief
Information Officer. More »
4-mar-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
New Ad-hoc Reporting System Delivers Custom Analytics
for Improved Data Interpretation
The Network, Inc., the leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management and critical incident reporting
for 25 years, today announced its ad-hoc reporting system
that will better enable organizations to track and measure
trends over time and utilize critical organizational data
to drive systemic change. More »
29-feb-2008 | PRESS RELEASE
New Program Helps Companies Enhance Customer Experiences
Through Trend Analysis and Issue Management
The Network, Inc., the leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management and critical incident reporting
for over 25 years, today announced the launch of a new program
to help organizations better manage issues at any point in
the customer experience process and increase customer satisfaction
and retention. More »
17-august-2007 | St. Louis Review
Archdiocesan Hotline to Nip Financial Fraud
The Archdiocese of St. Louis announced the availability
of a fraud hotline provided by The Network. Archbishop Raymond
L. Burke notified priests, offices and agencies that the
hotline would be available for parishioners and employees
to report information and all information will be stored
in a central database. Michael Duffy, director of the department
of internal audit for the archdiocese said that offering
a central hotline was one of the recommendations made by
the U.S. bishops in a financial guidelines report earlier
in the year.
Duffy also provided examples of potential incidents of misconduct,
such as “a parish that doesn’t publish financial
information according to archdiocesan policy, cases of fraud
within an office or agency or an employee who is not receiving
an entitled retirement benefit from his or her employer.”
The hotline will be available for any entities that fall
under the auspices of the archdioceses, but not for those
run independently, such as private Catholic high schools
or Catholic hospitals.
To read the entire article, click here: http://www.stlouisreview.com/article.php?id=13510
June 2007 | The Fraud Examiner Newsletter
The ACFE Tells How “Hotlines Offer New Insights to
Success”
The Fraud Examiner Newsletter discusses the hotline – a
long time friend for detecting fraud – and the continued
effectiveness of the tool. Proven valuable by the 2006 Corporate
Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking Report,
the anonymous hotline prevails over web and face-to-face
reporting of illegal and unethical behavior.
The first of its kind report was produced by The Network,
CSO Executive Council and the ACFE. Key findings include:
- 65% of reports warranted an investigation
- 10% of reports involved corruption or fraud
- Corrective action was taken in nearly half of all cases
- In 71% of cases, hotline reports were the first notification
of issues
- Nearly 54% prefer to remain anonymous
Any organization can use the report to help evaluate the
health of their organization. Careful evaluation can reveal
underlying issues to address in future communications, investigations
and direction of the company.
To read the article in its entirety, click here: http://www.acfe.com/newsletters/6-2007-tfe-hotline.asp
4-jun-2007 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, Inc., the leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management and critical incident reporting
for nearly 25 years, has named Ralston McCracken as its new
vice president of sales and business development. Mr. McCracken
will be responsible for establishing new relationships with
prospects and strategic partners as well as expanding partnerships
with The Network's existing customers. More »
23-apr-2007 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, Inc., the leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs, risk management and critical incident reporting
for nearly 25 years, has announced promotions of two top
executives. Luis Ramos is now Senior Vice President of Operations
and Technology. Gerry Halphen is now Senior Vice President
of Strategic Development. More »
15-apr-2007 | Risk & Insurance
The Network was featured in the April 15 issue of Risk & Insurance magazine
to explain how anonymous reporting can help the insurance
industry reduce loss associated with insurance fraud. The
insurance industry typically loses hundreds of millions of
dollars each year.
The article, “The Case for Anonymous Hotlines,” covers
industry best practices for implementing a successful anonymous
reporting program including:
- 24/7 access to a live trained interviewer
- Standardized interview process
- Rapid dissemination and escalation
- Comprehensive communications campaign
- Ongoing communication with anonymous reporter
The article referenced a variety of sources including, the
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and National
Business Ethics Survey (NBES).
View
Full Article »
March 2007 | Directors Monthly
What ingredients are needed to make a whistleblower program
truly effective? Brad Preber, CPA, CFE and managing partner
of Grant Thornton’s Economic Advisory Services provides
this information for Directors Monthly readers:
- Consider all stakeholders (whistleblowers, accused, shareholders,
auditors, creditors) and their different interests in the
program
- Set guidelines for each process, from initial notification,
through investigation and resolution – including
communication of the issues.
- Utilize metrics to determine program success
Directors Monthly also highlights findings from
the 2006 Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline
Benchmarking Report. The ACFE, The Network and CSO Executive
Council produced the report
Download
This Article [PDF]
First Quarter | Ethics & Compliance
Officer Association
The Network Featured in the ECOA 2007 Quarterly Edition
The concept of organizational health was discussed in the
first quarter edition of the ECOA Quarterly magazine.
The article, “Enhancing Organizational Health Through
Benchmarking,” refers to the findings from the 2006
Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline Benchmarking
Report, released in November 2006 by The Network, Inc.
the CSO Executive Council and the Association of Certified
Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to draw the connection between anonymous
reporting programs and assessing the health of an organization.
The article discussed highlights of the report and also included
practical advice regarding:
- Reviewing compliance compared to organizational policies
- Spotting trends in organizational integrity
- Determining key findings from incident post mortems
- Comparing activity before and after program implementation/enhancements
The article provides other advice for using benchmarking
information to initiate change while also addressing the
ongoing issue of a changing workforce environment.
The full article can be seen at www.theecoa.org.
Please note: membership may be required.
19-jan-2007 | PRESS RELEASE
The Network, the leading provider of ethics and compliance
hotline programs for nearly 25 years, announced that independent
firm Porter, Keadle and Moore (PKM) has conducted a service
auditor's review, commonly known as a SAS 70 audit. The review
states that The Network, Inc. is SAS 70 Type I compliant
as of November, 2006. More »
3-jan-2007 | Compliance Week
The 2006 Corporate Governance and Compliance Hotline
Benchmarking Report was the feature of this recent
article in Compliance Week magazine. The article
discusses the findings from the report, released in November
2006 by The Network, Inc. and CSO Executive Council, that
reveal how employees use an anonymous whistleblower hotline. More »
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