Transparency International Secretariat adopts new integrity system
Transparency International is pleased to announce the adoption of a new integrity system at its Berlin-based Secretariat, which had been under review since 2018. In close collaboration with Transparency International’s Board Ethics Committee, the Secretariat’s management and body representing its staff have agreed on key internal policies, underpinned by a comprehensive framework, to ensure an ethical culture and compliance practice at the organisation.
Among other significant improvements, the new integrity system contains measures for preventing sexual harassment and bullying, increased protections for staff members who come forward to report integrity violations as well as provisions to foster mutual responsibility of all staff to challenge unethical behaviours and practices.
“At a time when corrupt and illicit actors spare no resources to weaken independent voices through disinformation, surveillance and other forms of harassment, it is ever more important that we do everything we can to protect our people,” said Daniel Eriksson, Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International Secretariat. “With the new integrity system, we are committing ourselves to the highest possible standards of integrity and protections to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone who works for us.”
In 2018, an independent expert firm conducted a comprehensive review of Secretariat’s ethics and integrity framework, kickstarting a reform process. With the adoption of the new Code of Conduct, Integrity Violations Reporting Policy and the Strategic Framework, the review is complete as of August 2021.
Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of Transparency International, said: “The Secretariat’s new integrity system embodies our values and guiding principles, and provides that we practice what we preach. We are proud of the institutional reforms we have achieved, but the work to guarantee a respectful and inclusive environment continues. This requires regular oversight and attention as well as the capacity to learn from failures and to make changes.”
The new policies will be subject to periodic reviews to ensure fitness-for-purpose and ongoing compliance with wider changes in labour law and relations.
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