Integrity is one of our five core values supporting a culture in which we are honest and ethical. Our success as an institution depends upon advancing the University’s good reputation through the promotion of a campus culture of ethical behaviour.
The University is also committed to complying with all applicable laws and standards, and encourages the reporting of corrupt practices, breaches of the law and matters detrimental to the University or its reputation.
University Officers are considered ‘public officers’ under the Western Australian Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913, and the University is an ‘appropriate authority’ with obligations under the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003.
To support the University’s zero tolerance of fraudulent or corrupt conduct, the University has adopted a clear framework consistent with the Australian Standard for Fraud and Corruption Control (AS 8001:2008). The framework includes measures for:
- Prevention
- Detection; and
- Response
Fraud and Corruption - Framework and policy
UWA’s Fraud and Corruption Control Framework includes:
- the Fraud and Corruption Control Plan (on the staff intranet);
- the Fraud and Corruption Policy, Guideline and Procedure;
- the Fraud Risk Register (on the staff intranet);
- the Public Interest Disclosure Policy, Guideline and Procedure;
- the Fraud Risk Assessment Program (on the staff intranet);
- the Internal Audit Plan (on the staff intranet); and
- the Audit and Risk Committee.
Fraud is —
Dishonest activity causing actual or potential financial loss to any person or entity including theft of personal identity, money or other property by employees or persons external to the University and where deception is used at the time, immediately before or immediately following the activity.
Fraudulent activity includes, but is not limited to, the deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose or the improper use of information or position for personal financial benefit.
Corruption is—
Dishonest activity in which an individual(s) abuses their position of trust in order to achieve some personal gain or advantage for themselves or provide an advantage/ disadvantage for another person or entity.
University Officers must abide by the University’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (the Codes), and the following policies:
- the Fraud and Corruption Policy;
- the Conflicts of Interest Policy;
- the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy
Wrongdoing and Policy Breaches
Wrongdoing is a term used describe specific staff conduct. It includes fraud, corruption, maladministration, serious waste of funds and other criminal activity. UWA recognises the invaluable contribution of those who report suspected wrongdoing and under both law and policy will support those coming forward. More information on reporting, including anonymous reports, can be found on the ISU Reports and complaints page.
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Conflicts of Interest (COI)
It's normal for University Officers to have conflicts of interest in a large organisation like UWA. Identifying and disclosing a conflict of interest isn't a judgement on anyone's character or actions – it's simply the first step towards managing the conflict.
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Gifts, benefits and hospitality
If you are giving or receiving a gift, you must avoid situations that could lead to or be seen to lead to a conflict of interest, or which would be considered inappropriate or unlawful.