Photo: FiBAN ry, Wasim Al-Nasser. CEO Tiina Laisi-Puheloinen is determined to put an end to inappropriate behavior in the startup scene. According to the report of the Ethics Committee, over 60% of women working in the startup sector have experienced inappropriate behavior over the past five years. Read more about the Ethics Committee.
“As an investor organization, we want to set an example for our members and the startup sector. Inappropriate behavior and unethical conduct must end,” emphasizes FiBAN CEO Tiina Laisi-Puheloinen.
Reports can be submitted anonymously supporting FiBAN’s Code of Conduct
Since last Autumn, all FiBAN events have had a designated safety officer available for contact in case of inappropriate behavior. This practice has been further developed by introducing a notification channel on FiBAN’s website, where reports can be submitted anonymously.
“Everyone has to acknowledge and carry their responsibility. Our ethical guidelines help clarify this when needed, and we remind everyone of them at the start of each event. Through the notification channel, we can lower the threshold for reporting suspicions of misconduct, whether it involves disruptive behavior or other unethical and inappropriate actions,” Laisi-Puheloinen says.
The Notification Channel opened in Collaboration with the Finland Chamber of Commerce
FiBAN organizes several dozen events annually in collaboration with partners, attracting around a thousand attendees. “It is crucial for the entire startup network that investors and entrepreneurs feel safe attending events. To this end, we have prepared a clear process and channel in collaboration with an excellent partner,” describes Laisi-Puheloinen.
The Finnish Chamber of Commerce was chosen as the service provider due to their experience and the suitability of their channel for FiBAN’s needs. The organizations have also started collaborating in training.
“At the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, we help companies and organizations operate more responsibly,” says Mari Hakkarainen, Service Director at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. “The notification channel is part of responsible business practices and risk management, and with the Notification Channel service, we offer an easy way to report suspicions of misconduct or unethical behavior,” she adds.
The Finnish Chamber of Commerce has been offering the Notification Channel service for four years and has 300 clients.
Through the notification channel, attendees of FiBAN events can report inappropriate or unethical behavior by FiBAN network members or other participants anonymously or with their names.
“The channel is intended for reporting incidents related to FiBAN activities or memberships. Although we are a small organization with fewer than 10 people and are not legally required to have a notification channel, we hope this channel will strengthen an open, honest, and safe environment,” says FiBAN CEO Tiina Laisi-Puheloinen.
Find the notification channel at fiban.ilmoituskanava.fi or click the link in the footer to access it.
