Based on the experiences of many successful local integrity projects in Europe and Central Asia, we have developed seven steps to design and implement integrity systems in the cities and municipalities.
SEVEN STEPS TO PREVENT CORRUPTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Leadership and commitment. Develop a straightforward integrity policy statement and commit to a Code of ethics. Work with the local assembly in integrity management and assign responsibilities and authorities to manage integrity.
Risk assessment and planning: Conduct a thorough corruption risk assessment, and develop an integrity plan, to define integrity risk treatment measures, responsibilities, and terms.
Provide the necessary resources: Ensure competence and awareness of all staff and commit to strong anticorruption partnerships with CSOs, media and businesses. Implement an effective internal and external communication system, with maximal transparency and protecting access to information. Use “open data” projects to maximize gains for prevention of corruption.
Implementation: Implement the integrity plan timely and adequately, and systematically apply strict integrity controls to minimize risk levels in all processes.
Reporting of violations, investigation and disciplinary procedures: Ensure safe and effective internal and external reporting of integrity violations, fully protecting whistle-blowers. Maintain an appropriate system to detect and investigate integrity violations, taking disciplinary measures, as required.
Monitoring and treating non-compliances: Implement effective monitoring over implementation of integrity plans and integrity performance, robust citizens feedback mechanisms, and regular internal audits. Treat adequately non-implementation of regulations, code of ethics and internal procedures to prevent non-compliance in the future.
Improvement: Through consistent annual review of implementation and monitoring, integrate all data generated, including lessons learnt, to define the necessary improvement framework and plan for the future.