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Whistleblower Program

The Washington State Whistleblower Program provides an avenue for state employees to report suspected improper government action. The whistleblower program is a part of Washington State law under RCW 42.40.

  • Improper governmental action, is defined as any action by an employee undertaken in the performance of the employee’s official duties which:
  • Is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature
  • Is a gross waste of public funds or resources
  • Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety
  • Is gross mismanagement
  • Prevents dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings
  • Using a state computer or email for a private business

The Whistleblower Act specifically states that improper governmental action does not include personnel matters, for which other remedies exist. These types of actions include, but are not limited to, employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments, reinstatements, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions, demotions, violations of state civil service laws, labor agreement violations, reprimands or other disciplinary actions.

More information about the Whistleblower Program is available at the Washington State Auditor’s website, and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions.

Any current Washington state employee may report a suspected improper governmental action.

Reporting

An employee may report improper governmental action to the Chief Human Resources Officer, directly with the State Auditor, or with the Executive Ethics Board. 

The Chief Human Resources Officer’s contact information is:

Chief HR Officer
Seattle College District
1500 Harvard Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
1DO100
(206) 934-4100
Charles.Sims@SeattleColleges.edu

The report should include a description of the improper action, the name of the employee(s) involved, the campus & department and any other details necessary to conduct an investigation.  The notification should be signed; however, complaints may be filed anonymously.  The whistleblower’s name will be held in strict confidence. 

The State Auditor contact information is:

Washington State Auditor's Office
Attention: Whistleblower Program Manager
PO Box 40031
Olympia, WA  98504-0031
Website
Fax: (360) 586-3519
Email: whistleblower@sao.wa.gov
Online Complaint Form