Audit

Audits are performed to ascertain the transparency, validity and reliability of financial information; also to provide an assessment of a system’s internal control. Together has an outside firm audit our business financial records annually. The results are used to ensure proper business practices and use in grant applications.

Internal Checks and Balances

Internal control is defined as a process affecting an organization’s structure, work and authority flows, people and management information systems, designed to help the organization accomplish specific goals or objectives.

Together’s resources are directed, monitored, and measured. Our processes and procedures play an important role in preventing and detecting fraud and protecting the organization’s resources, both physical (e.g., machinery and property) and intangible (e.g., reputation or intellectual property such as trademarks).

At the organizational level, internal control objectives relate to the reliability of financial reporting, timely feedback on the achievement of operational or strategic goals, and compliance with laws and regulations. At the specific transaction level, internal control refers to the actions taken to achieve a specific objective (e.g., how to ensure the organization’s payments to third parties are for valid services rendered.) Internal control procedures reduce process variation, leading to more predictable outcomes.

Conflicts of Interest

The Executive Director or his/her designee must review and approve the employment of persons who are deriving income from or who have an interest in a vendor doing business with Together.  Employees who enter into outside employment must discuss his/her employment with his/her supervisor or Executive Director or his/her designee to be certain that a conflict does not exist.  Dual employment for full-time employees is discouraged.

No employee may carry on political activities as a representative of Together. No political activities may be carried on while on the premises, in Together owned vehicles, or while using or wearing property of any kind of Together.

Together’s Board of Directors annually reviews their relationships and discloses potential conflicts. These records are kept on file.

Code of Conduct

It is expected that all employees, board and volunteers of Together, abide by the following:
 

To the best of his or her ability and with regard for efficiency and economy of operation, faithfully discharge his or her duties.

Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, honesty and fortitude in all public activities so as to inspire and promote public confidence and trust in Together.

Refrain from all forms of fraud and mismanagement of resources, and assist the people who are responsible for correcting and preventing those abuses.

Be thorough and objective in the use of facts and information.

Perform his or her duties with Together foremost in his/her mind.

Strive continuously to grow in knowledge and skills, be alert and receptive to new ideas, share knowledge with and contribute to the professional growth of colleagues, and make a commitment to the advancement of the profession.

Ensure that undue personal gain is not made from the performance of official duties and that personal acts do not conflict with the conduct of professional duties.

Approach organizational and operational duties with a positive attitude and compassion, and foster open communication, creativity and dedication to Together.

His or her conduct shall be above reproach at all times.

Serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness; recognizing that service to the public is a greater good than service to one’s self.

Will not directly or indirectly accept for himself or another person any gift of money, goods, services, or other arrangements for personal benefit.

Have primary loyalty to Together for employment and professional resources and not engage in any employment for private gain outside Together during normal working hours, without prior written approval from the Executive Director or his/her designee.

Will not receive, grant, or make available to any person any consideration, treatment or advantage that is or may be in conflict with established procedures, practices or policies of Together.

 
Background Checks

Together is committed to providing a safe and secure work environment for staff, volunteers and clients. As part of the decision to hire or continue employment, Together has established guidelines for the retrieval, review and use of background screening information for staff and select volunteers.