Maintaining Neutrality and Independence
By instituting a series internal policies and procedures, OST has constructed a wall of protection around all programs, processes and products overseen, produced or commissioned.
We invite you to roll over the boxes of this interactive diagram to learn more about how our internal policies and external oversight mechanisms together form a firewall that guards our organization from bias.
Hover your mouse over the boxes to read more details.
Ensures multiple layers of oversight, including by state government, the public, our board and the scientific community, are consistently exercised over OST's handling of our programs, processes and products.
Provides a system of checks and balances to guarantee compliance with all of OST's legal and financial obligations, and provide strategic direction and outreach on OST's programs, projects and products.
OST staff have multiple avenues available to raise any concerns or objections regarding the quality or objectivity of products, and are steadfast in their commitment to the integration of rigorous, unbiased science into policy and management.
Ensures fiduciary responsibility and oversight.
Ensures fiduciary responsibility and oversight.
All OST board meetings are noticed in advance on our website, open to the public, and include public comment on the agenda.
Assures that products are of high quality, reflect solid scholarship, and that the information contained is accurate and based on sound research.
Established procedures for addressing potential or actual conflicts of interest. While not required, OST managers and senior officers all participate in filing conflict of interest statements with the Fair Political Practices Commission.
In addition to federal and state whistleblower laws, OST provides an added layer of protected, unfettered access and established procedures for staff to submit complaints or concerns.
Provisions that establish the official roles and responsibilities of the Board, including a formal commitment to OST's mission to ensure the integrity of the organization is upheld.
