Leidos Strengthens Ethics and Compliance Programs

News Summary

Leidos has revamped its ethics and compliance programs to set a new benchmark in business ethics. Key initiatives include detailed data evaluations, transparency in tracking allegations, and employee training. The company promotes a culture of integrity, urging regular governance meetings and stringent data protection measures. Leidos is committed to fostering ethical practices in the defense industry, highlighted by its anti-retaliation policies and adherence to human rights principles.

Leidos Takes Big Steps to Strengthen Ethics and Compliance Programs

In today’s world, maintaining ethical practices in businesses is essential, and Leidos is leading the way with its revamped approach to ethics and compliance. By implementing comprehensive programs and robust reporting options, Leidos is setting a gold standard for how companies should handle these vital areas.

Evaluating Available Data

At the heart of this transformation lies a simple yet impactful piece of advice from the experts: organizations should assess data availability before diving into compliance audits. Many programs out there are missing critical formal processes that can enhance effectiveness. Conducting a gap analysis is recommended for those programs to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Tracking Allegations and Transparency

Transparency is key in any compliance program. It’s important for organizations to not only track allegations but also to monitor how quickly those issues are addressed. The speed of reviews plays an integral role in maintaining trust. Equally essential is how allegations are communicated to reporters—getting this right ensures that everyone stays informed and engaged.

Protecting Sensitive Information

Data protection is crucial, especially when it comes to matters like attorney-client privilege. Companies need to prioritize safeguarding these records to maintain integrity in their operations. It’s also vital for organizations to assess their efforts in encouraging whistleblowing. This includes evaluating managerial compliance training and ensuring that all staff members feel empowered and safe to report misconduct.

Regular Governance Meetings

Governance doesn’t just happen by accident; it requires regular attention and effort. Holding regular meetings for the compliance and ethics committee is crucial. These gatherings should have set agendas to guide discussions and actions aimed at maintaining ethical standards across the organization.

Investigation Support and Training

Thorough investigations are the backbone of any solid compliance program. To that end, organizations must ensure that their investigators receive proper training and that they are sufficiently staffed to handle the caseload efficiently. This helps guarantee that concerns are addressed swiftly and professionally.

Leidos’ Commitment to Ethical Culture

Leidos has a long-standing commitment to ethical behavior, dating back to its inception in 1969. The company boasts a well-structured Ethics and Compliance Program overseen by the Ethics and Business Integrity Office. With the formation of the Employee Ethics Council in 1984, integrity has been intricately woven into the very fabric of the company culture.

Leadership in Ethical Practices

To bolster its ethics framework, Leidos has introduced a dedicated senior management position focusing solely on ethics and compliance. The Chief Compliance Officer plays a crucial role, reporting directly to the CEO and Board. Regular audits are conducted to evaluate risks and ensure ongoing compliance with relevant laws.

Employee Training and Support Systems

Every employee at the company receives annual training in ethics and compliance, reinforcing Leidos’ core values of integrity and respect. Beyond training, they provide a 24/7 Helpline managed by a third-party administrator, allowing for anonymous reporting of concerns.

Zero Tolerance for Retaliation

Leidos firmly stands against retaliation, ensuring that any acts against whistleblowers are met with serious disciplinary action. This creates a safe environment for employees to come forward with their concerns without fear.

Leading by Example in the Defense Industry

As a member of the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct, Leidos takes pride in promoting ethical conduct among defense contractors. This commitment to integrity extends to their adherence to anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies while conforming to international laws.

Engaging Employees in Ethics Culture

To gauge the health of their ethical culture, Leidos regularly conducts employee engagement surveys. These surveys assess how comfortable employees feel when it comes to reporting misconduct. To keep the lines of communication open, the company produces an annual “Ethics Year in Review” email detailing the previous year’s investigative activities and statistics.

Commitment to Human Rights

On the human rights front, Leidos aligns its policies with the principles set forth by the UN. Their policies mandate compliance with anti-human trafficking laws and have specific procedures for reporting any suspected human trafficking during work on federal contracts.

A Culture Built on Trust and Transparency

The overall atmosphere at Leidos fosters trust, transparency, and accountability. This culture encourages employees to uphold ethical values in all aspects of their work, creating a strong foundation upon which the company continues to thrive.

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Additional Resources

• Leidos: Ethics and Business Integrity
• JD Supra: Auditing Your Hotline and Case Management
• CBIA: HR Hotline Live – I-9 Compliance
• Wikipedia: How to Report Workplace Harassment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Ethics