UNIT 6: PUBLIC SECTOR INTEGRITY

Public sector integrity

Consistent alignment of, and adherence to, shared ethical values, principles and norms for upholding and prioritising the public interest over private interests in the public sector”.

In other words, public integrity means Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching; Putting the public interest ahead of your own interests; Carrying out your duties in a way that would withstand public scrutiny: if your actions were reported in the newspaper the next day, everyone could agree that you did the right thing, based on the information you had.

Integrity management

refers to the activities undertaken to stimulate and enforce integrity and prevent corruption and other integrity violations within a particular organisation

The integrity management framework of an organisation

refers to the whole of those instruments within that organisation, taking into consideration their interdependence, as well the processes and structures that bring those instruments to life.

The integrity context of an organisation

refers to all the factors, other than the integrity management framework, that can have an impact upon the integrity of the members in public sector organisations

Enhancing integrity in the Public sector

Enhancing integrity is not just the responsibility of one institution, nor is it solely focused on the core elements. A wide range of actors (e.g. finance, legal, internal control, human resource management, procurement) have a role in integrating public integrity into the public management and governance framework.

How can we ensure proper integrations of Integrity in the Public sector: Fair Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion Processes

• Recruitment and promotion based on ability, not connections

• Use of predetermined qualifications and performance criteria

• Open application processes to enhance transparency

• Objective and consistent personnel management

• Oversight and recourse mechanisms to ensure fairness

• Reduces risks of nepotism, favoritism, and patronage

How can we ensure proper integrations of Integrity in the Public sector: How does a risk-based approach enhance integrity in public organizations?

• Tailors risk management to organizational context

• Regular risk assessments detect vulnerabilities

• Establishes internal control frameworks to meet goals

• Promotes fraud and corruption prevention

• Internal audits provide independent assurance

How can we ensure proper integrations of Integrity in the Public sector: Why is external oversight vital for public integrity?

• Ensures accountability through independent scrutiny

• Involves institutions like supreme audit institutions, ombudsmen, courts

• Provides mechanisms for complaints and investigations

• Promotes organizational learning and responsiveness

How can we ensure proper integrations of Integrity in the Public sector: Capacity-Building and Training for Public Officials

• Clear communication of policies and procedures

• Induction and on-the-job training to build awareness and skills

• Accessible guidance and consultation services

• Integration of integrity standards in legal codes and codes of conduct

• Standards emphasize public over private interest

How can we ensure proper integrations of Integrity in the Public sector: Open and Safe Environments for Speaking Up

• Encouraging ethical discussion and airing of dilemmas

• Leadership must be credible and responsive

• Clear reporting procedures for integrity violations

• Whistleblower protections to prevent retaliation

Principles of Integrity: COMMITMENT

1. Commitment is demonstrated when mutually supportive integrity reforms are backed by the necessary legislative and institutional frameworks that clearly delineate responsibilities with the following in place:

   • Integrity is mainstreamed in governance frameworks.

   • Laws empower public officials to uphold integrity.

   • Leaders model ethical behavior in everyday actions.

Principles of Integrity: STANDARDS

Clear standards are essential for understanding what is meant by "right" conduct. These standards of conduct should be set high, going beyond minimum requirements and prioritising the public interest and public service values.
Key Points:

• Embedded in laws (administrative, civil, criminal) and organizational policies.

• Codes of Conduct = Specify acceptable/prohibited behavior.

• Codes of Ethics = Express overarching values/principles.
  Examples: No bribery, uphold impartiality, manage conflicts of interest, serve the public interest, ensure accountability.

Principles of Integrity: MERIT

A merit-based and professional public sector, where staffing is based on ability rather than political patronage or nepotism, is fundamental to public integrity
Key Points:

• Prevents nepotism and patronage.

• Builds a professional and impartial bureaucracy.
  Essential Features:

• Clear qualifications.

• Transparent, objective assessments.

• Open recruitment.

• Oversight and appeal mechanisms.

Principles of Integrity: WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY

A whole-of-society approach asserts that as these individuals, civil society and companies that shape interactions in society interact with public officials and play a critical role in setting the public agenda and influencing public decisions, they also have a responsibility to promote public integrity.

• Shared responsibility for integrity.

• Include stakeholders in integrity system design.

• Promote integrity education (especially in schools).
  Example: Civic campaigns encouraging whistleblowing and ethical behavior.

Principles of Integrity: RISK MANAGEMENT

Applying internal control and risk management frameworks safeguards integrity in public sector organisations

• Create a control environment showing leadership commitment.

• Include strategic risk assessment and mitigation procedures.

• Respond quickly to suspected violations.

Principles of Integrity: ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement mechanisms are the necessary "teeth" of an integrity system, providing appropriate responses to suspected violations of public integrity standards to ensure compliance and deter misconduct.

• Applies to disciplinary, administrative, civil, and criminal processes.

• Must deter misconduct and encourage compliance.

• Enforcement should be impartial and consistent.

Principles of Integrity: OVERSIGHT

External oversight and control mechanisms strengthen accountability within the public integrity system.

• Strengthens responsiveness and transparency.

• Includes auditors, ombudsmen, courts, and regulators.

• Must have authority and independence.

Principles of Integrity: PARTICIPATION

Encouraging transparency and stakeholders' engagement promotes accountability and the public interest.

• Transparency builds trust.

• Includes civil society in policy-making.

• Manages lobbying and political financing.

• Supports watchdog organizations and media.

Principles of Integrity: LEADERSHIP

Ethical leaders model integrity and guide their institutions to do the same.

• ensuring that the people appointed to leadership positions have an integrity profile-”moral people with the skills to be moral managers”

• Integrity leadership is recognised as a trait and as a style, and developed early in future leaders.

• Incentives and accountability support ethical leadership.

• supporting these leaders as they carry out their functions as integrity leaders

• Example: Leaders reward whistleblowers and prioritize public interest over personal gain.

Principles of Integrity: STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

This is an essential process for a coherent and comprehensive integrity system. It involves developing an evidence-based, strategic approach aimed at mitigating public integrity risks.1.       The process includes problem analysis (identifying, analysing, and mitigating risks), strategy design (prioritising objectives, consulting stakeholders), drafting action plans, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the strategy.

Principles of Integrity: PERSONAL MANAGEMENT

Human resource policies that uphold merit, performance, and integrity.
Key Points:

• Open, fair recruitment.

• Performance evaluations support public service values.

• Competency frameworks include integrity dimensions.

Principles of Integrity: RESPONSIBILITIES

Assigning clear roles within the integrity system to prevent gaps or overlap.

• establishing clear responsibilities at the relevant levels (organisational, sub-national or national) for designing, leading and implementing the elements of the integrity system for the public sector

• ensuring that all public officials, units or bodies (including autonomous and/or independent ones) with a central responsibility for the development, implementation, enforcement and/or monitoring of elements of the public integrity system within their jurisdiction have the appropriate mandate and capacity to fulfil their responsibilities;

• promoting mechanisms for horizontal and vertical co-operation between such public officials, units or bodies and where possible, with and between sub-national levels of government, through formal or informal means to support coherence and avoid overlap and gaps