Ethics Matters
The independent Ethics Matters hotline and web site allow citizens and employees to anonymously report concerns about the conduct of county employees, officials or agents of the county. Ethics Matters adds to Washington County’s existing framework for maintaining ethical conduct and supporting organization-wide values among the County’s employees. The hotline and website simplifies the reporting of inquiries and complaints about the County’s ethical conduct by providing a single point of contact through a third-party, contracted service provider. This service is intended to enhance, not replace, the system and structures ensuring ethical practices the County already has in place.
Organizational Values
The Ethics Matters hotline and website exist within a context of Washington County’s organizational values and guiding principles. We strive to provide services in an environment of trust, loyalty and civility which comes from open, honest, and direct interactions with each other and our residents. Our actions are intended to be in accord with the law and the public interest. We seek to ensure quality supervision and accountability throughout the organization.
Washington County also places a high value on all of our employees, priding ourselves on developing – and supporting – a capable and professional staff. We commit ourselves to employee development and active performance management.
In keeping with these guiding principles, Washington County encourages its employees and members of the public to report any known or suspected improper governmental conduct to a responsible County representative or to the confidential Ethics Matters hotline.
Resources
More guidance about the ethical conduct of public employees can be found here:
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A Guide for Public Officials (2010) by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission
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Supplement to the Guide for Public Officials (2011-2015) by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission
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Washington County Ethical Foundation (2016) by Washington County
Annual Reports
Need to Make a Report?
Submit an anonymous report by phone or website:
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855-236-6972 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada)
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File an online report at www.washingtoncounty.ethicspoint.com
Follow Up on an Existing Report
After you complete your report you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After five to six business days, use your report key and password to check your report for feedback or questions. Track reports through this link:
