Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the anticipated role of the centre?

Subject to capacity, the role of such a centre will evolve over time in response to need. Initially, the scope of activities would be very limited, but will eventually include provision of services related to the following functions, if they are not already being provided adequately by other organisations.

External verification of Anti-Corruption Procedures;

  • Provision of advice on best practice in anti-corruption policies and procedures for companies bidding for construction and infrastructure contracts, particularly in developing countries.
  • External review/auditing of anti-corruption procedures.

Accreditation of Independent Assessors

  • Development and implementation of procedures for both providing and withdrawing professional accreditation for independent assessors, as required when Integrity Pacts are used.
  • Development and publication, in consultation with the construction sector, IFIs and other anticorruption bodies, of relevant standard documents relating to the work of Independent Assessors in a range of pre-defined situations. General documents would include Codes of Conduct and associated Guidelines. Other specific documents would define the scope of work and related appointment documents for the main types of work to be undertaken.

Maintenance of related databases

  • Development and maintenance of a database of standard documentation related to anti-corruption policies and procedures, as developed by a range of UK and international institutions.
  • Development and maintenance of an international database of approved independent assessors (IAs). This would require close collaboration with regional centres in the developing world, and the achievement of consensus on the required qualifications and code of conduct for independent assessors.
  • Development and maintenance of a database of companies that claim to follow robust anti-corruption policies and procedures, together with an indication of the nature, timing and conclusion of any independent verification that has been conducted.
  • Access to secondary data on the blacklisting of companies.
 

What is an Independent Assessor?

An independent Assessor is someone who is trusted by all parties contractually involved in a project to impartially investigate and report on suspicions or allegations of corruption. The most common situation when an Independent Assessor would be required are:

  • When all parties to a project (in the case of a conventional construction project, this would be the Client, the Engineer, and the Contractor) each sign an Integrity Pact that outlines expected standards of ethical behaviour, and gives powers to the IA to investigate and report on any suspicions or allegations of breach of the pact.
  • To undertake independent reviews or audits of a company’s internal Business Integrity Management System (BIMS).
  • To undertake a due diligence review of a proposed sub-consultant or sub-contractor on behalf of a company considering working with them.
  • To undertake due diligence reviews on behalf of IFIs or other investors.

Depending on the role, an IA could be an experienced Engineer, a forensic Accountant, a Lawyer, or some other professional with relevant experience and capability, likely to be trusted by the relevant parties.

 

What are the next steps?

The development of a robust concept for Ethical Edinburgh will entail the following steps:

  1. Identification of and engagement with key stakeholders, in order to use their input to develop the initial concept further.
  2. Strengthen the working group to discuss the concept, establish guiding principles, and develop a sound buisness plan. This group should include anti-corruption and development professionals, the construction sector, political representatives, and representatives of potential backers.
  3. Seek support and endorsement from suitable bodies, including potential funders.
  4. Undertake a consultative process to ensure that relevant ideas are taken on board.
  5. Consult with existing international anticorruption bodies to clarify the role that such a centre should play, and ensuring no duplication of effort.
  6. Modify the concept in line with feedback, and proceed according to recommendations.

This web site is intended to facilitate all of these steps.

 

What will it cost?

Preliminary Phase: While some preliminary work can continue through voluntary endeavours, financial support is now needed to facilitate and secure this process.   The cost estimate of the preliminary phase of this initiative will be detailed in the initial business plan, but is thought likely to be about £50k.   Activities covered by this will include consolidation of the working group, the direct costs associated with this web site, and a systematic review of existing sources of relevant information and contacts, including an initial assessment of the nature of database needed, and likely sources of information, to enable governments, donors and companies to conform more consistently. more effectively and more fairly with with the requirements of their own anti-corruption policies and procedures.

Development Phase: Considerable work would be required to set up the documentation required, and establish an ongoing database of approved independent assessors.    The cost of preparing suitable documentation is likely to around £50k, while the databases can be expected to cost at least £100k to establish.  On-going running costs will depend on the volume of work, but may be around £120k per year when the institution is up and running.   Annual revenue from registrations and fees can be expected to start low and rise after 3 years to about £60k per year.   The costs of hiring the services of the IAs themselves would be financed directly by the parties who engage and benefit from their services.   External financing will be required, particularly during the start-up phase, though the aim will be that the centre will become self-financing within about 5 years

These are preliminary figures only, and presuppose that the centre is attached to an existing institution with access to basic infrastructure and support facilities. This could be an academic institution or a suitable development NGO.

 

What is needed now?

Ethical Edinburgh is currently seeking the following:

  1. An Active, Committed Working Party: Corporates, development NGOs and professionals interested in supporting the initiative through joining the Ethical Edinburgh working group
  2. Funding: for the Preliminary Phase (£50k)
  3. Endorsers – companies and organisations willing to endorse the project.

To find out more about Ethical Edinburgh or to get involved please complete the form on the contact page.

 

Who is behind this idea?

This initiative originated with Hamish Goldie-Scot, a Borders-based Consultant in Pro-Poor International Development, who is actively engaged in the work of the UK Anti-Corruption Forum.   Hamish’s aim is to facilitate discussion of the concept, in the expectation that a growing team of committed individuals will emerge who can eventually take the lead in implementing the idea.   Following the initial meeting of the working group, a core group has emerged comprising Hamish, Neill Stansbury of TI (UK), and Kate Beckman of Engineering without Frontiers, hosted by the Scottish Institute of Sustainable Technology.   This group is expected to grow as interested organisations go through the process of formally endorsing direct involvement by their members.

 

Will the “Ethical Edinburgh” title be retained?

For a while.   This title is helpful during the preliminary stage when the focus is on generating local interest in Edinburgh.   Once the centre has been established, and a suitable title chosen, it is anticipated that the “Ethical Edinburgh” title will be dropped.   Ideally, it is hoped that this title will then be used as an umbrella for a broader range of ethical initiatives for which Edinburgh has established an international reputation, with the proposed anti-corruption centre being just one of those initiatives.