Integrity & Corruption Control

Integrity & Corruption Control

• The Integrity & Corruption control unit is a recognized unit of public service inspectors.
• This unit falls under the division of the PSPSM.
• Integrity is the foundation of workplace trust and accountability.
• Integrity involves upholding ethical principles.
• It requires ensuring compliance with regulations
• It is important to encourage a culture of honesty and transparency among employees.
• Employees should follow the organizational code of ethics.
• It is critical to take corrective actions when needed.
• Key elements of an anti-corruption strategy include:
  • Clear objectives
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Transparency mechanisms
  • Monitoring and evaluation processes
  • Capacity building initiatives

Public Service Integrity

• Establishing the Public Service Integrity and Corruption control unit under the PSO is crucial
• It highlights the GOK's commitment to fighting corruption domestically
• It contributes to the global effort against corruption.
• The vision is to build a public service that actively despises corruption.
• Mission includes promoting the principles of the UNCAC (Kiribati party since 2013).
• Mission includes promoting ethical values like transparency, accountability, and integrity to curb corruption.
• The mandate focuses on combating corruption and economic crime.
• Creating preventive measures, standards, awareness programs, and law enforcement is important.

Defining Corruption

• Petty corruption is the everyday abuse of entrusted power by low to mid-level public officials when interacting with citizens.
• State capture corruption is a systematic political corruption.
• Private interests significantly influence a state’s decision-making processes for their own advantage in state capture corruption.
• Forms of corruption include bribery, nepotism, abuse/misuse of power, political influence, collusion, false claims, conflict of interest, embezzlement, and extortion.
• Legislation/Policies include:
  • Penal code
  • Proceed of crime act
  • NCS

Key Challenges

• Working under pressure and meeting deadlines is a key challenge.
• Working outside working hours when required is a key challenge.
• Working with various stakeholders, both local and abroad is a key challenge.
• Working with Technical Advisors and maintaining a good working relationship is a key challenge.
• Attending training and/or overseas meetings is a key challenge.
• Managing the change of a new initiative, such as Integrity & Anti-Corruption, for all civil servants/public service is a key challenge.

Key Attributes (Personal Qualities)

• Knowledge of policy review/development is needed to know how to review or develop policies.
• Strategy development knowledge is needed for planning processes and developing strategies.
• Management knowledge is needed to manage and handle big tasks or projects from start to finish successfully.
• Change management knowledge is needed to manage change when introducing new reforms or policies.
• One must be computer literate and know how to use basic Microsoft programs such as Word and Excel, and the internet.
• Report writing abilities/ knowledge of how to write reports is importnat.

Key Skills

• Time management skills are needed to manage several tasks and meet deadlines.
• Communication skills are needed to know how to communicate effectively.
• Good interpersonal skills are needed to relate well with a variety of stakeholders.
• Being a team player is important to work well in a team.

Key Attributes

• Important personal attributes include:
  • Stress tolerance
  • Cooperation
  • Self-control
  • Concern for others
  • Adaptability/flexibility

Required Manager Referrals

• Advice and approval from the Senior ICCO are needed prior to implementing anti-corruption activities/roles.
• Decisions requiring budget/funding of any activities require approvals.
• Major changes to the work plan affecting the whole Anti-corruption unit’s business plan require approvals.
• Taking leave outside the agreed leave roster requires approvals.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Senior ICCO and the Anti-corruption committee to develop the anti-corruption strategy is essential.
• One must collect/compile stakeholder information on their progress and submit a compiled report to the Senior ICCO.
• Based on the Anti-corruption strategy, one must work with the Senior ICCO to develop mechanisms that ensure control of corrupt practices.
• It is important to boost the integrity of civil servants and the public service.
• Drafting agendas, taking minutes during meetings, and circulating minutes to the Senior ICCO prior to circulation to members is required.
• It is important to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the UNCAC provisions and reporting to relevant UN agencies.
• Collecting and compiling data required for reporting purposes and drafting a report to the Senior ICCO is required.
• One must liaise with counterparts and donors to maintain a good working relationship with them.
• One must compile data and draft regular reports to the Senior ICCO and Director PSPSM to show progress and impacts of the Anti-Corruption initiative.

Corruption Investigation

• Investigations into allegations of corruption include those that fall under the Ministry and CEOs in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
• PSIs may start investigations on the Secretary’s motion or as directed by the Minister.
• PSIs may investigate allegations across the public service on the Secretary’s motion or as directed by the Minister.
• A PSI may engage another agency if the investigation requires expertise or capacity that the PSI does not possess.
• If legal matters are involved, they may engage the AOG, or if financial matters are involved, they may consult with Finance or Audit.
• If the investigation involves a leader subject to the Leaders Code of Conduct Act 2016, it will be referred to the Leadership Commission.
• After the investigation, the report must be provided to the Minister with findings and recommendations on what action should be taken.
• If findings require staff termination or discipline, a submission will be sent to the PSC (for public service staff) or the Board of Directors (for SOE staff).
• Every submission copy will be provided to the OAG for further considerations and actions.

Gathering Progress Information

• Conduct periodic surveys.
• Hold meetings.
• Request written updates.
• Cross-check information with independent data sources.

Report Data Accuracy

• Use a standardized reporting template.
• Verify data with stakeholders.
• Conduct quality assurance checks.

Corruption Control Mechanisms

• Whistleblower protection programs
• Mandatory ethics training for civil servants
• Transparent public procurement processes

Investigating Ethics

• Gather all relevant information through confidential interviews, data analysis, and document reviews.
• Ensure objectivity and fairness throughout the process.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Document findings and recommend corrective actions.

Job Motivation

• A recent graduate completed a two-month contract under the graduate scheme at the Public Service Office (PSO).
• Although working in a different unit, insight was gained into the vital role of integrity, corruption, and control.
• A commitment to transparency and accountability influenced my motivation.
• I have a background in HR and management and possess strong organizational and analytical skills.

Responsibility

• Develop and monitor anti-corruption strategies.
• Coordinate with stakeholders.
• Draft reports.
• Ensure compliance with UNCAC provisions.

Strategy Purpose

• Anti-corruption strategies are plans to prevent, detect, and respond to corruption.
• Stakeholder consultations, risk identification, mitigation measures, and monitoring implementation are important steps.

Identifying Security Protocols

• Some employees were bypassing required security protocols to speed up their work processes, during the situation.
• The task was to ensure the team adhered to company security policies and maintained compliance.
• The actions including bringing the issue to my supervisor's attention and suggesting refresher training on security protocols for the team.
• After refresher training was conducted the results showed improved compliance with security protocols, reducing risk of data breaches.

Addressing Unethical Behavior

• A colleague was repeatedly taking credit for work that wasn't theirs, which caused tension in the team (situation).
• The task was to address the issue professionally and ethically to prevent further conflict.
• Privately approach the colleague and discuss the situation & suggest speaking with the manager to clarify credit distribution for future projects (action).
• The issue was resolved through open communication, establishing clearer guidelines for crediting contributions (results).

Managing Integrity and Anti-Corruption Standards

• Three key strategies to use:
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Clear communication
  • Adaptability
• Prioritize tasks by assessing deadlines and urgency to manage workloads under pressure.
• Maintain an updated action plan to monitor progress and prevent overlooking any critical tasks.
• Foster open & clear communication when working with diverse stakeholders to discuss and align expectations and goals early.
• Adaptability is crucial for managing different working styles and environments.
• Familiarize yourself with cultural differences by tailoring your communication style to build trust and collaboration when attending oversees meetings or working across different time zones.
• A real-world approach: create a structured reporting system to track integrity and anti-corruption progress & ensure accountability across all stakeholders while effectively managing time-sensitive demands.

Defining Whistleblowing

• An act of reporting or exposing wrongdoing, misconduct, or illegal activities within an organization.
• An insider usually conducts the reporting, it is typically an employee.
• Whistleblowers disclose information to authorities, the media, or the public.
• Belief that these actions are harmful or unethical prompts disclosure.
• It holds organizations accountable and ensures transparency.

Reporting Wrongdoing Confidentially

• Solid evidence must be presented for misconduct.
• Understand the risks & protections, as whistleblowers can face risks.
• Know your legal protections & rights in your jurisdiction before proceeding.
• Confidentiality of the reported information must be maintained, including the right of the person who reports.
• No leaking of information should occur.