(Note: Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the end of this PACS Standard for further guidance on this standard)
This PACS Standard makes the following recommendations in relation to the reporting of suspected or actual corruption on infrastructure projects.
Corruption will only be materially reduced or prevented if individuals are aware that there is a real probability that corrupt activity will be reported, and that it will then be properly investigated and prosecuted. In order for reports of corruption to be made, individuals who wish to make a report need to be confident that they will not be subject to discrimination or physical harm, and that their reports will be properly investigated. Consequently, safe and effective reporting processes must be set up.
These are the project participants whose role in the project could result in significant corruption. Consequently, this is likely to include the project owner, project funders, major contractors, and major sub-contractors. The decision as to who is a “major” contractor or sub-contractor will depend on the size of the project and size of the relevant contract or sub-contract.
In order to reassure personnel of the safety and confidentiality of making reports, many organisations appoint a professional external third party organisation to receive reports from personnel. In addition to receiving reports of suspected corruption, this organisation may also receive reports relating, for example, to employment, health, safety and quality issues. This organisation will be instructed to feed back the reports to the relevant manager within the organisation (e.g. the compliance manager).
Updated on 10th April 2020
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