New confidential disclosure procedure from NEB

The National Energy Board (NEB) has released its new Confidential Disclosure (Whistleblower) Procedure, which will provide the NEB with a formalised way to receive, track and handle confidential disclosures with respect to activities at NEB regulated pipelines and facilities.

The procedure will lead to a new online anonymous reporting tool and mechanism for confidential communication with tipsters. Based on a wide review of best practices, it also establishes roles within the NEB responsible for guarding the security and confidentiality of the disclosure and assessing the information received to determine follow-up actions.

The NEB has long encouraged the reporting of non-compliances associated with regulated companies. The refinement of the NEB’s internal processes for the receipt and assessment of confidential disclosures will help verify that companies are complying with regulations and support a robust process to address the increased volume of reports over the past two years.

The procedure also provides that follow up on disclosures will continue to use established NEB compliance and enforcement tools.

“Protecting the safety of workers, the public and the environment is the National Energy Board’s top priority and we need to know if and when people believe that regulations aren’t being followed. This modern Confidential Disclosure policy puts us on the leading edge of doing it right,” said Peter Watson, Chair and CEO, National Energy Board.

Edited from source by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/27042016/new-confidential-disclosure-procedure-from-neb/