14.1 Management of probity

Good process and probity are consistent with achieving value for money in commercial engagements. Probity management is an integral part of the process, not a separate obligation.

A commercial engagement which conforms to the expected standards of probity has clear procedures, consistent with government policies and legislation. It also takes into account the impact on bidders of participating in the transaction. The procedures are established, understood and observed from the outset and throughout the process. Decisions should be made in a transparent way so they can be understood. The justification for any decision should be clear.

The essential tool of probity management is a wellcrafted probity plan that helps foster a probity culture, spells out proper process, results in records demonstrating the equity of the process and assists with the efficient achievement of project objectives.

Probity must be an integral part of a process and not a last-minute consideration. Departments and agencies should have systems, policies and procedures in place that can withstand public scrutiny and are consistent with existing government policy.