Integrity and Corruption

Integrity. It’s a simple word, yet it embodies a commitment to earning people’s trust through honesty, ethical conduct and demonstrating accountability.

In recent years, the Australian media have run a string of stories on decisions made by governments, businesses and individuals that, taken at face value, would suggest we have lost our way and that decisions are anything but transparent, honest and fair.

The term “corruption” frequently dominates these narratives in the media, and various bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (VIC) and Independent Corruption Against Corruption (NSW) have been established at a national and state level to inquire and probe government and business dealings.

While the majority of transactions are made with due diligence and good governance, demonstrating this becomes challenging when bad news sells more stories than good news. Being able to demonstrate integrity and accountability is now a justification to the media, lawyers and integrity bodies.

What is Probity?

“Probity relates to ethical behaviour”, as defined by the NSW Government’s Key Principles of Grants Administration, “…complete and confirmed integrity, uprightness and honesty” (Victorian Government’s Buying for Victoria) and “the evidence of ethical behaviour, defined as complete, confirmed integrity, uprightness and honesty in a particular process” (Australian Government, Ethics and Probity in Procurement).

Probity is not just being seen to do the right thing; it is actually doing the right thing. In all decision-making processes, ethics, good governance, transparency and fairness are critical.

However, while poor behaviour is likely to be hidden, it is rare that we can showcase our good behaviour due to the confidential nature of procurement, grants management or government decision-making. Or is it?

How can you Demonstrate Integrity?

While we can’t show the inner workings of our decision-making, having an independent, third-party observer, such as a probity advisor, can help you demonstrate your actions. Probity advisors are with you from the beginning of your grant or procurement journey, briefing participants internally and externally to set the tone for integrity and transparency. They also monitor your behaviours to exemplify good governance.

With an independent organisation like Anchoram Consulting observing and advising to ensure integrity, the market, media, and public can see the hallmarks of honesty and fairness, and they can question and confirm the processes that established the procurement or grant outcome.