Online Anti-Corruption Training Modules
Overview of Modules
GIACC has published a suite of eleven online anti-corruption training Modules.
They are free of charge.
Each Module requires between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. A certificate of completion can be downloaded or printed at the end of each Module. Each Module covers a specific topic, so users can choose whether to take one, some, or all Modules.
The Modules are of particular benefit for persons working in the infrastructure sector, who need to understand how corruption takes place, and how to avoid, deal with, prevent or investigate it. They are applicable to persons working for small or large organisations, in both the public and private sectors, anywhere in the world.
Organisations and professional institutions may find these Modules useful in providing anti-corruption training to their employees and members.
The analysis and examples given in the Modules focus on the infrastructure sector, but are also applicable to other sectors. While the analysis and examples are likely to be similar in most countries, there are differences in practices and laws between countries, so it is important that you understand the practices and laws of the country where you are working.
Taking the Modules
Module 1 is designed as an overview, and therefore can be taken on its own without taking Modules 2 to 11.
If you wish to take some or all of Modules 2 to 11 so as to gain a more detailed insight, then you should take Module 1 first, as it explains the corruption offences which are referred to in Modules 2 to 11.
Modules 2 to 11 can be taken in any order.
The Modules have been set up so that when you move to the next page, the previous pages viewed remain open. This enables you easily to look back at previous pages and to revert to your current page without needing to navigate through the forward and back buttons.
Module Content
The content of each Module is summarised below.
Click on the Module title to commence that Module.
Module 1: Understanding and avoiding corruption – Overview:
An explanation of: the risks of involvement in corruption; what is meant by corruption; the costs of corruption; the likelihood of encountering corruption while working in the infrastructure sector; the different types of corruption (bribery, extortion, fraud, cartels, abuse of power, embezzlement, and money laundering); the circumstances when gifts and hospitality, facilitation payments and conflicts of interest may constitute criminal offences; liability for corruption; and avoiding, recording and reporting corruption.
Module 2: Why infrastructure projects are prone to corruption:
An explanation of the factors which facilitate corruption on infrastructure projects, such as: complex contractual structure and documentation; diversity of skills; number of project phases; cost of large projects; uniqueness of projects; technical complexity of projects; location of projects; ability to conceal corruption; lack of transparency; insufficient reporting and prosecution; and insufficient anti-corruption controls.
Module 3: Common types of corruption in project procurement:
Examples of common types of corruption which occur during the procurement phase of an infrastructure project, such as: corrupt manipulation of pre-qualification and design; false representations in bid documents; bribery through an agent; cartels (price fixing and losers’ fee); entertainment as a bribe; and fake competitors. Additionally, an explanation, with examples, of how procurement procedures can be abused, and when this abuse can amount to a corruption offence.
Module 4: Common types of corruption in project construction:
Examples of common types of corruption which occur during the construction phase of an infrastructure project, such as: supply of inferior quality and inadequate quantities; concealment of defects; over-claim for equipment and materials; false variation claims; false extension of time and delay claims; false certification; addition of a false negotiation margin to a claim; refusal to issue final certificate; facilitation payments; extortion; excessive entertainment.
Module 5: Preventing corruption in project procurement:
An explanation of necessary measures which should be implemented by an organisation to help prevent corruption during the procurement phase of an infrastructure project. These include the implementation of an anti-corruption management system, together with the following specific procurement controls: controls over procurement personnel; due diligence on bidders; bidder anti-corruption controls; bid and contract conditions; competition; transparency; sufficient time; objectivity; equal treatment; control of exemptions; fair bid evaluation; auditing; monitoring; reporting; investigating; enforcement.
Module 6: Preventing corruption in project construction:
An explanation of necessary measures which should be implemented by an organisation to help prevent corruption during the construction phase of an infrastructure project. These include the implementation of an anti-corruption management system, together with the following specific construction controls: controls over construction personnel; contractor anti-corruption management system; project code of conduct; training; records; controls over quality, quantity, rates, rate adjustment, variations, programme, certification and payment; transparency; auditing; monitoring; reporting; investigating; enforcement.
Module 7: Investigating corruption in project procurement:
An explanation of good investigative practice in relation to suspected corruption during the procurement phase of an infrastructure project, including: factors which complicate investigation; proving the corruption; who should investigate; considering the plausibility of reports; appointing technical and commercial experts; understanding the project and parties; understanding the bid process and documentation; investigating (with examples) the allegations; identifying which participants are responsible.
Module 8: Investigating corruption in project construction:
An explanation of good investigative practice in relation to suspected corruption during the construction phase of an infrastructure project, including: factors which complicate the investigation; proving the corruption; who should investigate; considering the plausibility of reports; appointing technical and commercial experts; understanding the project and contract; inspecting the site; undertaking tests; reviewing documentation (contract, quality, quantity, programme, meeting records, correspondence, equipment records, photographic records, claims for payment); personnel interviews; identifying inconsistencies in evidence; investigating (with examples) the allegations; identifying which participants are responsible.
Module 9: Project contractual structure, rights and obligations:
An explanation of common project contractual structures, rights and obligations, to assist the understanding of how corruption can utilise and be concealed within the structure and documentation, including: the different categories of participant in an infrastructure project (project owner, engineer, contractor, funder, consultant, sub-contractor, supplier); the different types of contract and contract structure; the various contractual documents (general conditions of contract, special conditions of contract, bill of quantities, technical specification and drawings); specific contract obligations (measurement, approval, payment, variations, delay, and role of project engineer).
Module 10: Benefits and requirements of ISO 37001:
An explanation of the benefits and requirements of the internationally recognised anti-bribery management systems standard, ISO 37001, including: an overview of ISO 37001; how it was developed; how it can benefit an organisation; what types of bribery it aims to help prevent; a summary of its specific requirements; how compliance can be certified; and the cost of implementation.
Module 11: Corruption dilemmas:
Eight corruption dilemmas which are relatively common in the infrastructure sector. You read the dilemma and consider what you would do before moving onto the next page. The next page will give some analysis of the dilemma, with suggestions as to what you should do in that situation. The dilemmas include: submitting a contract claim for delay; submitting a contract claim for a variation; threat of dismissal due to your unwillingness to participate in a corrupt act; appointment of a supplier; cartels; entertainment; facilitation payments; and extortion. The final page contains advice on avoiding and dealing with potentially corrupt situations.
Terms used in Modules
The following terms are used in these Modules:
- “business associate” means a party with which the organisation has a business relationship, e.g. customers, joint venture partners, consultants, sub-contractors, suppliers, agents
- “corruption” is used to include bribery, extortion, fraud, cartels, abuse of power, embezzlement, and money laundering, which are the most common criminal offences in infrastructure
- “infrastructure project” is used to include any project in the built environment: e.g. roads, railways, airports, bridges, power stations, hospitals, schools, commercial and residential buildings
- “organisation” means the organisation taking the relevant action
- “personnel” means the organisation’s directors, officers, employees, staff or workers (whether full time or part time, permanent or temporary)
- “project owner” means the organisation which owns or controls the construction of a project (e.g. a government department having a road or hospital built, or a bank having an office block constructed).
Updated on 17th April 2025
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