Corruption crimes often go undetected because they occur in secret behind closed doors. Once committed, the damaging effects of corruption on the economy and the state are often irreversible. It is therefore important for preventive anti-corruption bodies to strengthen the integrity of public administration by identifying and addressing corruption risks.
Clause 21 (c), (d) and (e) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 13/2008 mandates the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct research on the prevention of corruption; to make preventive recommendations against corruption; to promote the values of honesty and integrity in the operations of the State; and to promote public awareness on the harmful effects of corruption through seminars, workshops and conduct other programs on the prevention and prohibition of corruption.
Corruption risks in the public sector undermine good governance and integrity in state institutions, and these risks can be effectively diagnosed and addressed through corruption risk assessments. To address this issue, the Anti-Corruption Commission has developed the Corruption Risk Self-Assessment Handbook, which serves as a guide for the Corruption Risk Self-Assessment Toolkit. The Handbook, together with the Toolkit, will guide public institutions in assessing the corruption risks inherent in the public institution and provide the necessary training that staff may need to conduct a Corruption Risk Self-Assessment (CRSA) in their respective institutions.
How to use the ToolkitThe objectives of Corruption Risk Self-Assessments are:
- To prevent corruption through identification and analysis of corruption risks entailed in;
- Performance of public functions
- Upholding integrity through amendment of institutional policies and practices susceptible to corruption risks.
- To ensure public institutions function with minimal risks of corruption and in accordance with the principles of integrity.
- To strengthen good governance and integrity in public institutions.
Corruption Risk Self-Assessment
According to McDevitt (2011), a corruption risk assessment is an analytical tool that identifies weaknesses within a system or institution where corruption may potentially occur. It is important to emphasize that corruption risk assessments are not intended to conclude whether corruption exists or not, or to identify corrupt individuals. Instead, its primary purpose is to identify potential risks of corruption and devise measures to mitigate those risks .
Corruption risk self-assessment involves a process led by government or public sector agencies. Implementing self-assessment tools at the institutional level not only facilitates critical self-reflection and learning but also enhances understanding of institutional intricacies, yielding practical and realistic results. This handbook outlines a standardized self-assessment framework applicable across diverse public institutions. Its aim is to instill ownership and commitment to anti-corruption standards, policies, and practices, promoting a culture of vigilance and integrity within the institution through internal usage.