OGE discouraged the use of crowdsourced fundraising platforms since they often list the names and donation amounts of donors. Image: II.studio/Shutterstock.com
The Office of Government Ethics has cautioned about possible ethics violations in soliciting, giving or accepting monetary or other gifts among federal workers even in “times of crisis” such as a house fire, natural disaster or serious illness of an employee or close family member.
A legal advisory (at www.oge.gov) notes that donations in such situations could fall under the “special, infrequent occasions” exception to the general ethics rule against the giving or acceptance of gifts between supervisors and subordinates and between higher- and lower-paid employees.
“However, soliciting for individuals in the federal workplace is rife with potential ethics pitfalls, both because of the diverse nature of the federal workplace (which includes employees with varying pay and relationships) and because of the structure of crowdsourcing websites, which are a common tool for donations for people in need,” it says.
For example, it says that an employee generally should not personally solicit donations in the workplace if they or their loved ones are facing a crisis—and should consult the agency ethics office first if considering doing so. “Moreover, supervisors should never solicit their subordinates if they or their loved ones are facing a crisis—even if the crisis fits the definition of a special, infrequent occasion.”
It also advises consulting the ethics office if soliciting on behalf of another employee, for a determination of whether if the occasion is of sufficient “personal significance” to qualify under the exception. For example, the serious illness of a supervisor’s spouse or child likely would qualify but the illness of a more distant relative likely would not, it said.
OGE further discouraged the use of crowdsourced fundraising platforms since they often list the names and donation amounts of donors, which “can create inappropriate pressure for employees to donate. Further, crowdsourcing websites do not account for the fact that ethics rules apply differently to different employees.”
It added that where exceptions to gift-giving restrictions apply, the exceptions apply to both monetary gifts and to in-kind gifts such as donation of clothing. Even then, gifts of “high monetary value” would raise concerns.
Also, “if a group collection is being organized in the office, the collecting employee must clearly indicate that any contribution is voluntary, and a statement that the employee may choose to contribute less or none at all must accompany any recommended amount.”
Shutdown Meter Ticking Up a Bit
Judge Backs Suit against Firings of Probationers, but Won’t Order Reinstatements
Focus Turns to Senate on Effort to Block Trump Order against Unions
TSP Adds Detail to Upcoming Roth Conversion Feature
White House to Issue Rules on RIF, Disciplinary Policy Changes
Hill Dems Question OPM on PSHB Program After IG Slams Readiness
See also,
How Do Age and Years of Service Impact My Federal Retirement
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire