THE NATIONAL INTEGRITY SYSTEM: BUILDING AND SUSTAINING ETHICAL

AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT

Jeremy PopeCo-Director, TIRI (the governance-access-learning

network)

TIRI

the governance-access-learning network

Introducing the National Integrity System

• Every society has one - whatever its condition...

• The precise pillars may vary... • If power is concentrated, abuse will follow• Inter-relationships crucial -can be mapped• Concept facilitates coherent and

monitored reforms• But what does the NIS look like…..?

S O C I E T Y’ S V A L U E S

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The Concept of a National Integrity SystemSUSTAIN-

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Pillars and Corresponding rules/practices - 1

• Executive = Conflict of interest rules• Legislature/Parliament = Fair elections• Public Accounts Committee (of

legislature) =Power to question senior officials

• Auditor General = Public reporting• Public service =Public service ethics

Pillars and Corresponding rules/practices - 2

• Judiciary = Independence• Media = Access to information• Civil society= Freedom of speech and

assembly• Ombudsman =Records management• Anti-corruption / watchdog agencies

=Enforceable and enforced laws

Pillar and Corresponding rules/practices - 3

• Private sector = Competition policy, including open public procurement rules

• International community = Effective mutual legal/judicial assistance Inter-relationships

“Horizontal Accountability”

• Each must have sufficient strength and capacity

• Each relates to others• Each is accountable to others• Each has elements of independence• If pillars fail to bear their load they

increase the pressure on others….• And then…………….?

The Concept of a National Integrity System

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Ethics the missing element• The human element overlooked• Donors focussed on laws, institutions• “If men were angels…”• Realisation that reform processes must be ethically-led• NIS coupled to an “Ethics Regime”

Institutional Integrity Systems• Exist within the NIS• The NIS cannot do it all…• Holistic approach imperative• Need to draw an institutional integrity system “map”• How might one look?

Possible System “pillars and practices” - 1

• Management (leading and listening)• Integrity and risk strategies• Internal inspection/audit• Codes of conduct and enforcement• Record management• Internal complaints mechanisms• Clear conflict of interest rules• Procurement procedures• External complaints• Monitoring of stakeholder perceptions

Possible System “pillars and practices” - 2

• Staffing - merit selection/promotion• Assets handling and disposal• External Inspection (public audit)• Transparent functioning• Ethics training• National Integrity system itself

• Horizontal accountability present through complaints mechanisms available to staff and to external stakeholders