INTEGRITY FOR AN OPEN, CLEAN AND FAIR GOVERNMENT
Integrity is a crucial determinant of trust. Evidence suggests a link between trust in politicians, both from the business community and citizens, and the perception of corruption.
Integrity policies, aimed at preventing corruption and fostering high standards of behaviour, help to reinforce the credibility and legitimacy of those involved in policy decision making, safeguarding the public interest and restoring confidence in the policy making process.
Policies addressing high-risk areas, such as the working relationship between the public and private sectors, can limit undue influence and build safeguards to protect the public interest. Policy areas include effective management of conflict of interests, high standards of behaviour in the public sector, and adequate lobbying and political finance regulation.
MANAGING CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Defining an effective policy approach to dealing with conflict of interest is essential to the political, administrative and legal structure of a country’s public life.
The OECD Guidelines for Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Sector help member countries examine existing conflict of interest policy and practice relating to the behaviour of public officials. The majority of OECD countries have policies to manage conflict of interest according to the OECD Survey on Conflict of Interest (2012).
The "revolving door" phenomenon, involving an increased movement of staff between the public and private sectors, has raised concerns over pre- and post-public employment conditions and its negative effects on trust in the public sector (i.e. the misuse of “insider information”, position and contacts). To combat this countries are modernising polocies to effectively prevent and manage conflict of interest in pre- and post-public employment.
The principles presented in OECD Survey on Conflict of Interest (2012). Post-Public Employment: Good Practices for Preventing Conflict of Interest serve as a point of reference for policy makers and managers to review and modernise post-public employment policies.
LOBBYING: INFORMED POLICY MAKING
Lobbying can contribute to good decision making and improve governments’ understanding of policy issues by providing valuable insights and data as part of open consultation processes. Yet, lobbying can also lead to unfair advantages for vocal vested interests if the process is hazy and standards are lax.
The OECD Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying provide guidance to decision-makers on how to promote good governance in lobbying.
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FINANCING DEMOCRACY
Money is a necessary component of the democratic processes, enabling elections for representation and help competition but can also put at risk the legitimacy, inclusiveness and fairness of public decision making.
The forum on Restoring Trust in Government: Addressing Risks of Influence in Public Decision Making shaped a common understanding of the policy road ahead for political financing.
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Report which provides a framework on financing democracy and highlights policy options and the mapping of related risks. |
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Multiple public events relating to policy, best practices, and recent developments in the fields of integrity and anti-corruption.
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Good Practices for Preventing Conflict of Interest. A point of reference for policy makers and managers to review and modernise post-public employment policies.
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This forum shaped a common understanding of the policy road ahead in the realm of political finance with key partners and stakeholders.
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