Compliance Begins with a Conversation
Associate Attorney Lauren Simonelli and Partner Ann Ford.
Sometimes, preventing a compliance problem comes down to asking a question that might otherwise have gone unasked. For Compliance and Ethics Week, we asked Ann Ford and Lauren Simonelli what drew them to compliance, which misconceptions they want to dispel, and what helps people feel comfortable speaking up. We also asked how they respond when the right answer is unclear and what they want team members to understand about compliance.
Their answers reveal the people behind the guidance and underscore why these conversations matter. A question raised early or a concern taken seriously can change how an organization operates.
Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week, observed November 1–7 this year, is sponsored by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) and its sister organization, the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA). The annual observance builds awareness, recognizes ethical conduct, and reinforces everyone’s role in compliance. As a proud member of both SCCE and HCCA, MBF welcomes the opportunity to share perspectives that make compliance approachable, practical, and part of everyday work.
Lauren’s path began at a medical device company, where she worked across several departments before pursuing a law degree. Although she was drawn to health law and healthcare compliance, the scope of the work surprised her. “It is not just a matter of implementing and overseeing policies and procedures,” she explains. Compliance also supports communications, business decisions, investigations, and the development of an ethical culture throughout the organization.
That breadth makes collaboration essential. Team members who see compliance as the “No Police,” as Lauren describes the misconception, may hesitate to seek guidance or may involve compliance too late. A question can take time to resolve because the team must understand the facts and evaluate the options. Even when a proposed approach raises concerns, another way forward may exist.
“Compliance officers want to collaborate and support the business by offering other ways to find compliant solutions,” Lauren says. Ann puts it simply: “Compliance Officers are in your corner.”
Making that message credible requires more than inviting people to speak up. They need to see that raising a concern can lead to meaningful action.
Lauren recalls an individual who repeatedly reported unethical business practices to management and senior leadership but saw no response. Still concerned and feeling powerless, the individual contacted compliance. The ensuing investigation led to a companywide process change within days of its completion.
That experience also shows why team members should understand their reporting options. Lauren emphasizes that her compliance team would not turn away someone who had not approached a manager first. Everyone should know how to contact compliance directly and where to escalate unresolved concerns.
Ann emphasizes that a leader’s response carries particular weight. “How you treat people who report issues speaks volumes,” she says. Being available, communicating openly, sharing information when possible, and following through on commitments all help build trust.
Both attorneys also recognize the value of paying attention when something feels wrong. Ann’s advice is direct: “Trust your gut.” Lauren recommends pausing to ask, “Does this feel right?” Hesitation can be a signal to gather more information and seek guidance before proceeding. Team members, including executive team members, do not need to resolve an issue themselves before asking for help.
For healthcare organizations, these perspectives point to practical priorities: make reporting channels easy to use, give concerns focused attention, follow through on commitments, and involve compliance early in business decisions.
“Compliance is everyone’s responsibility,” Lauren reminds us. Leaders, managers, and staff each shape whether ethical conduct becomes part of daily operations.
Ann’s message offers a fitting place for Compliance and Ethics Week: “There are no stupid questions when it comes to making sure you are on the right path.” Asking a question and taking the time to answer it can be the first step toward identifying a problem, improving a process, or helping a colleague make a sound decision.