EthicsPoint FAQs

We work with a third party, Global Compliance, which provides EthicsPoint which can be reached by web or phone: 844.957.2596

EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool to assist our Company to address fraud, abuse, misconduct and any other violations of laws or policies in the workplace, all while cultivating a positive work environment.

1. We believe that our employees STRIVE to do their best and do the right thing. By creating open channels of communication, we promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity.
2. An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
3. Publicly traded companies are expected, and required by law, to have an anonymous reporting vehicle with access by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?

Yes. With EthicsPoint, you have the ability to file a confidential, anonymous report via the telephone or the Internet.

What type of situations should I report?

The EthicsPoint system is designed for employees to report any violation of our Code of Conduct, fraud, abuse, misconduct and any other violations of laws or policies in the workplace or other concern you may have.

If I see a violation, shouldn’t I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?

When you observe some behavior that you believe violates our Code of Conduct, we expect you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct supervisor, or other member of your management team. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances that we have partnered with EthicsPoint. We would rather you report anonymously than keep the information to yourself.

Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?

We all have the right to work in a positive environment and with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a culture of integrity and a healthy and productive environment. Corporate misconduct can threaten the livelihood of the entire company.

Does management really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in our company – both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the company and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.

Where do these reports go? Who can access them?

Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to the Audit Committee Chairmen of GPRE and GPP, and the General Counsel.

I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn’t affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?

Our company chooses to promote ethical behavior.  All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and all employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see the disastrous effects that a seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy company. So if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, it is your duty to report it.

I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of company policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?

File a report. EthicsPoint can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly understood. We’d rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked because you weren’t sure.

What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?

The EthicsPoint system and report distribution are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?

When you file a report at the EthicsPoint website or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique username and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions if posed by a company General Counsel and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer company questions. You and the company now have entered into an “anonymous dialogue” where situations are not only identified but can be resolved, no matter how complex.

Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?

All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.

Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?

You can file an EthicsPoint report from any computer that can access the Internet. You can file from home. Many public locations, including the public library, have Internet computers. If you don’t have access or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline 1-877-874-8416 which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.