Ethics and Business Conduct Department

ETHICS HELPLINE

EBC manages an Ethics Helpline to address questions or report alleged misconduct of World Bank Group staff. Issues addressed include conflicts of interest, discrimination, financial interests and disclosure, G-5 domestic employee issues, gifts, harassment (including sexual harassment), honoraria, misuse of assets, retaliation, abuse of authority, failure to meet personal legal obligations, outside employment, and political activities -- among others. EBC may address issues of alleged misconduct of World Bank Group staff (including consultants) regardless of whether the person reporting is a Bank Group staff member.  

This toll-free number provides a safe channel of communication with EBC that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish. No call-tracing or recording devices are ever used. The Helpline is staffed by trained Communication Specialists who do not work directly for the Bank Group and callers may request to speak in a language in which they feel more comfortable. EBC will receive a written report for follow-up and callers may indicate a preferred method of contact. 

All reports are managed as strictly confidential information and with care for all parties involved. This information will be reviewed, but corroborating evidence must be obtained before any disciplinary action can be taken. The World Bank Group's Staff Rules are clear: people who report misconduct must not be retaliated against or otherwise mistreated for a report made in good faith even if it turns out to be unsubstantiated.

Calling in to the Helpline

From the United States (TTY/TDD): 1-877-576-2569

From outside the United States: Use AT&T direct access code for the country, then  1-800-261-7497. If an AT&T direct access code is not available, use a World Bank Group office phone and dial 5220.9 followed by 1-800-261-7497 or 1-877-576-2569.

Other Ways to Contact EBC (not anonymous):

+ 1 202-473-0279 or ethics_helpline@worldbank.org

If you are World Bank Group staff or a family member seeking help against domestic abuse, click here.

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2017

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The World Bank Group endeavors to be a leader in international efforts to eliminate corruption and improve governance. To ensure public confidence, it is important to comply with corporate governance best practices of transparency and disclosure. Financial disclosure is a well-established practice in financial institutions, governments, and other public and private sector organizations in many countries.

World Bank Group staff at the Vice President level and above are required to file an annual Declaration of Interests. In addition, staff members at the VP level and above who are coming from outside the Bank Group file a new entrant Declaration of Interests. These declarations include a public portion, which is published here.