The Fraud and Corruption, Prevention and Response Plan 2013-15 (the Plan), Director-General's Instruction (Integrity and Reporting) and the School Management Manual (Fraud Control and Auditing) describe the fraud and corruption control processes for undertaking risk assessments, delivering education and awareness programs, and recording and reporting fraud. The processes establish a robust approach to fraud and corruption minimisation and prevention and, ultimately, the promotion of voluntary compliance. Staff can access the Plan on the Directorate's intranet site.
A scheduled review of the Fraud and Corruption, Prevention and Response Plan and Integrity Risk Assessment and Action Plan are currently underway. As part of the review a Directorate wide fraud and corruption control survey was undertaken in November 2014 to raise awareness of policies and procedures for the prevention and response to fraud and corruption.
Risks identified in the Plan and mitigation strategies are reported to the Director-General and the Audit Committee. This ensures that the potential for fraud or corruption is mitigated with appropriate controls.
The Director of the Governance and Assurance branch is the Directorate's Senior Executive Responsible for Business Integrity Risk. The Director reports to the Director-General on matters of fraud and integrity and also reports to the Audit Committee. Formal reports are provided to the Committee twice a year.
The Internal Audit Program for 2014-15 included the following audits of integrity risks designed to ensure that identified controls are working effectively and efficiently:
- Financial Management Framework; and
- Legislative Obligations.
The Directorate's fraud and corruption prevention strategy is presented to all probationary teachers. The ethics training raises awareness of fraud and is included in induction training sessions. Staff can access the Plan on the Directorate's internet and intranet sites. Principals are required to affirm that they have held training sessions with staff by the end of term two each year.
The Directorate, in conjunction with the Australian Education Union, has developed the Teachers' Code of Professional Practice, which incorporates guidelines and case studies of a wide range of issues related to teacher conduct and principles of ethical public service. A copy is provided to all new teachers, including casual teachers, upon commencement and new teachers are also required to undertake an online learning program on the Teachers' Code of Professional Practice as part of their induction program. Copies are provided to schools on request and are available on the Directorate's website.
There was one reported incident of fraud in the 2014-15 financial year. Following an investigation it was found that fraud had not occurred.
For further information contact:
Director
Governance and Assurance
(02) 6205 9328
Calwell High School featured at launch of Australian Dance Week
Calwell High School was invited by Ausdance ACT to attend Canberra's Biggest Dance Jam for the launch of Australian Dance Week. The event's media launch included an opening speech by the Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch MLA, with two senior Calwell High School dance students giving the International Dance Day official message.
The invitation to Calwell High School arose out the school's reputation for excellence in dance from their many years' successful competition in the ACT Rock Eisteddfod.
Calwell High School has the largest dance program in the ACT with seven classes offered from years 7 to 10 including separate boys and girls junior classes, senior ensemble classes and a specialist choreography class. These classes cater for approximately 120 to 150 dance students.
Photo: Lorna Sim, courtesy of Ausdance ACT