Within 10 working days of receipt of a complete Complaint, the Lead Ethics Investigator will review and evaluate all documentation and determine if the complaint, if proved, would constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics.
If yes, an investigation will be opened, and the Response and Rebuttal phase of the investigation will begin.
If not, the FCB will notify the reporter of the decision not to investigate. The subject of the complaint will not be notified of the complaint or its denied status.
Respond to a Complaint
Individuals named in a complaint must submit a written response within 20 business days of receiving the investigation notice.
Important:
- Failure to respond is considered an admission of guilt and may result in disciplinary action.
- Investigators will not speak with subjects of a complaint until the initial response is received.
Response and Rebuttal:
The complete response is shared with the reporter, who then has 10 days to submit a rebuttal, though a response is not required. After this period, the investigator will decide whether to dismiss the case or proceed with a formal investigation.
Please refer to Sections 14 and 15 of the FCB Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct for further information on the Response and Rebuttal process.
Investigation Process Overview
Investigators will collect information to support or refute the allegations; prepare an investigative summary; and present the investigative findings to the FCB’s ethics committee for review and action.
Committee members determine one of the following outcomes:
- Continue the investigation.
- Dismiss the investigation.
- Implement Sanctions/Professional Discipline.
Committee recommendations are presented to the FCB’s CEO for final approval before notification and implementation of discipline. Investigative findings are confidential, and the Respondent will not be present at the time of the committee meeting. Please refer to Section 18, Disciplinary Sanctions of the FCB Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.