Foundation

GIACC was founded in May 2008 by Catherine Stansbury and Neill Stansbury.  They are both lawyers, each with over 35 years experience working in the international infrastructure sector, and over 20 years experience in corruption prevention.  They are the authors of the GIACC Resource Centre.

There has been a significant change in attitude over the last twenty years towards corruption in the infrastructure sector.  Corruption, in the form of bribery, extortion, fraud and cartels, is still widespread in many countries.  However, whereas previously corruption may have been tolerated as a necessary or unavoidable practice, it is now increasingly acknowledged that corruption is unacceptable.  

As a result of this change in attitude, a policy of zero-tolerance for corruption is being increasingly adopted by many governments, project owners, funders, and organisations and individuals working in the sector.  The concern for these stakeholders is no longer whether they should seek to eliminate corruption in their organisations, projects or business dealings, but how to do so. 

Consequently, while it is still necessary to continue to raise awareness about corruption, there is a growing need for practical tools and advice as to how to implement anti-corruption measures.

GIACC was founded to help fulfill this need.  It was established with the purpose of developing, publishing and promoting, on an independent and impartial basis, effective and achievable anti-corruption measures for the infrastructure sector.

Growth

GIACC has grown rapidly in size and reach since its foundation in 2008.  In particular, it has:

• established an Advisory Council and Affiliate Council comprising leading and highly experienced infrastructure and compliance professionals;
• developed a network of Affiliates in eight countries;
• formed Alliances with 22 international, regional and national organisations whose reach covers over 110 countries. 

Activities

GIACC Resource Centre

GIACC in May 2008 published the GIACC Resource Centre (see menu on the left) which provides on-line information, advice and tools designed to help organisations and individuals in the public and private sector understand, prevent and deal with corruption.  The Resource Centre is periodically expanded and updated.  These resources are provided free of charge by GIACC, as it is believed that the best chance of reducing corruption is if all governments, project owners, funders, and organisations and individuals working in the sector worldwide move towards common anti-corruption practices.  To do this, they need access to good practice resources regardless of their ability to pay.

Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks

The Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks were published in April 2021.  They were produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with GIACC and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).  They were developed in consultation with representatives of the African Union, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Commonwealth law ministries, anti-corruption agencies, and partner organisations.  Catherine Stansbury of GIACC is the principal author of the Benchmarks.

International standards

GIACC played a leading role in the development and publication of the anti-bribery standards BS 10500 and ISO 3700, and continues actively to promote the use of, and certification to, ISO 37001.  Neill Stansbury of GIACC was the Chairman of the ISO Project Committee which wrote the standard.

Raising awareness, training and promoting implementation

GIACC, either itself, or through its Affiliates, Alliances and Council Members:

• raises public awareness of the damage and risks of corruption;
• encourages organisations in the public and private sectors to implement effective anti-corruption measures;
• supports national and international public sector bodies develop good practice;
• provides anti-corruption training.