The Director-General and the Directorate’s Audit Committee approved the Fraud & Corruption, Prevention & Response Plan 2009-2011 (the Plan) in August 2009. The Plan was reviewed in 2010 with no consequential amendments. This reaffirms the Directorate’s commitment to ensuring all decision-making processes and practices are ethical, legal and financially sound and are in compliance with the ACT Government’s Integrity Policy.
This Plan and its associated framework describe fraud and corruption control processes for undertaking risk assessments, delivering education and awareness programs, recording and reporting fraud. The processes establish a robust approach to fraud and corruption minimisation and prevention and, ultimately, the promotion of voluntary compliance.
Risks identified in the Plan are addressed through the annual Risk Management and Audit Plans (including risks now managed by the ACT Shared Services Centre) and 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 Information, Communications and Governance 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 2009-10 and the 2011 Assurance Plan included audits of integrity risks designed to ensure that identified controls were working effectively and efficiently. During the year, audits were conducted on expenditure and procurement practices, funding agreements and receipting.
The Directorate’s fraud and corruption prevention strategy is presented to all probationary teachers and central office staff. 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 2 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. Copies are provided to schools on request and are available on the Directorate’s website.
The Directorate has a comprehensive information management process to ensure all allegations and instances of fraud are captured and recorded, in accordance with the ACT Integrity Policy.
There were no reported incidents of fraud in the 2010-11 financial year. During the year, four incidents of potential fraud were reported but investigations found none constituted fraud.
For more information contact:
Director
Information, Communications and Governance
(02) 6205 7661