The following policy applies to the operations of RFSU’s personnel and consultants in Sweden and internationally as well as to RFSU’s cooperation with financiers and partner organisations.
A society free from corruption is a basic prerequisite for fair and democratic development and for a sustainable reduction in poverty. Corruption in developmental efforts reduces confidence in, and the desire to finance, these types of projects. Corruption goes against basic values such as justice, democracy, equality, dignity, integrity, transparency and the possibility to demand accountability.
Definition of Corruption
RFSU follows Transparency International’s definition of corruption: ”The abuse of entrusted power for illegitimate individual or group benefit”.
Accordingly, corruption is an abuse of trust or position.
The concept of corruption includes occurrences such as the giving or receiving of bribes, blackmail, favouritism, nepotism, swindle, threats and embezzlement. Other abuses of power such as negligence and mismanagement can also be considered a form of corruption.
Anti-corruption Commitment
RFSU’s basic principle is to never accept corruption, and to always take action and report cases of suspected corruption. RFSU will ensure:
- that workers have sufficient knowledge concerning the anti-corruption policy and that it is applied to all undertakings
- that documented routines, supervision, forms, and contracts that contribute to counteracting corruption are known and used within the organisation
- that there are clear routines and systems for handling suspected cases of corruption
- that all partner organizations are aware of RFSU’s anti-corruption policy
A deciding factor in the prevention of corruption is the strengthening of organisational culture as it pertains to good governance. This can take place through:
- • work for democratic processes characterized by broad participation and transparency
- • evaluation of corruption risks when creating routines, delegation of authority agreements, as well as operational plans, program plans and project plans, including budgets.
- • ensuring that planned projects have clearly formulated goals, expected results and activities as well as routines for follow-up
- • learning from experiences and continually improving working methods and routines
- • assessing the partner organisation’s capacity for handling funds in a satisfactory way (for projects that include the handling of funds)
- • ensuring that reports from partner organisations are submitted in accordance with deadlines and that the reports are analysed and followed-up on
- • carrying out random control checks at partner organisations that specifically aim to discover corruption
- • ensuring that gifts to and from partner organisations and suppliers only have a symbolic value
- • ensuring that when receiving gifts it should be made clear that they are accepted on behalf of RFSU
- • ensuring that in the case of entertainment, a restaurant of normal standard is chosen and that alcohol is consumed in accordance with accepted cultural norms
Suspected Corruption
It is the responsibility of every employee involved to be vigilant and to report any suspected corruption.
The final responsibility for investigating corruption lies with the general secretary. The general secretary can delegate the responsibility of investigation to the relevant operational managers. The project manager concerned and personnel responsible for finances may also be included in the investigation work.
The general secretary, operational manager, and press secretary shall immediately be informed about the issue, as should the board of directors in more serious cases. If the funds in question come from an external source the financier shall be notified immediately.
In the case of suspected corruption RFSU shall, if deemed necessary, ensure that an external audit takes place. In the case of a suspected crime the issue will be reported to the police.
If proof of mismanagement or corruption within a partner organisation is revealed, RFSU shall consider terminating its support to the organisation in accordance with the contract. If corrections are not made the contract shall be terminated and RFSU will demand that allocated funds are returned.
An “action plan in case of suspected misconduct” should be followed in cases of suspected corruption.
Implementation and Assessment
RFSU’s financial officer is appointed as responsible for annually coordinating and following-up on the implementation of the anti-corruption policy. The action plan and follow-up shall be documented in writing and be included in the day-to-day work in regard to planning and assessment.
Additional Information
The following policies, white papers and forms amend the anti-corruption policy:
- Delegation of authority
- Code of conduct for work done under RFSU’s direction
- Accounting routines
- Policy for purchases and procurements
- Checklist for assessing the standard of economic practices of partner organisations
- Action plan in case of suspected misconduct
- Reporting of misconduct