The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) hosted a presentation and public discussion of a draft model Code of Conduct for the private sector. It is intended to consolidate and strengthen corporate values, norms, and rules of conduct for employees and to direct efforts to build a culture of integrity in organizations and companies.
The draft model code of integrity contains provisions, in particular, on:
- company values
- liability for violation of the code;
- ethical standards of the recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for employees and preventing discrimination in teams;
- the procedure for interaction with government officials, the public, and business partners;
- corporate social responsibility and charitable contributions;
- conflict of interest and its settlement;
- handling of gifts and business hospitality;
- political activities;
- antitrust policy and fair competition;
- protection of a legal entity's property, confidential information and personal data, and intellectual property.
The global experience of combating corruption in the private sector indicates the need to use non-legal corporate instruments that can form an appropriate level of legal awareness in the business environment, which is the main condition for combating corruption in the private sector.
The NACP's goal is to become a reliable partner for the private sector in preventing corruption, provide tools for building anti-corruption compliance, and support with methodology and advice.
“Corporate ethics and integrity are a means of preventing corruption in the private sector. We recognize the existence of integrity problems in this area, in particular, the underdeveloped institution of anti-corruption compliance. This and other challenges outlined in the Anti-Corruption Strategy require urgent and effective solutions. The strategic course chosen by the NACP is in line with global trends and is necessary to ensure the competitiveness and sustainable development of the national economy,” said NACP Head Viktor Pavlushchyk.
The State Anti-Corruption Program (“SACP”) is aimed at solving the problems identified in the Anti-Corruption Strategy, which defines areas for the private sector and provides for the development of tools to effectively address the problem of tolerating corruption.
To implement subparagraph 2.4.4.5.1 of Annex 2 to the State Anti-Corruption Program, the National Agency, together with its partners, has developed a draft model Code of Integrity.
“The UN Convention against Corruption focuses on ways to enhance integrity in the private sector and recognizes the importance of establishing liability of legal persons for corruption offenses. Article 12 of the Convention emphasizes the importance of a code of integrity in the private sector for the prevention of corruption and encourages states to take measures that promote integrity through standards such as codes of conduct for businesses, ensuring ethical practices and preventing conflicts of interest,” emphasized Harsheth Virk, Head of the United Nations Office in Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ukraine.
