ATPS ANTI-CORRUPTIONPOLICY

2020

This Anti-Corruption Policy outlines theprinciples, strategies, and mechanisms that ATPS
will employ to prevent, detect, and address
corruption in all its forms.

ATPS ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY 2020

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)The Chancery, 8th Floor, Valley Road
P. O. Box 10081-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: executivedirector@atpsnet.org
Phone No: +254-202714092

Date: January, 2020

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) Anti-corruption Policy 2020
Introduction and Rationale
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a trans-disciplinary network of researchers,policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society committed to the generation, dissemination, andapplication of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability, and global inclusion. Corruption undermines these objectives by eroding trust, wasting
resources, and impeding progress. Therefore, ATPS is dedicated to upholding the highest standards ofintegrity, accountability, and transparency to ensure that its operations and initiatives are free from corrupt
practices. This Anti-Corruption Policy outlines the principles, strategies, and mechanisms that ATPS willemploy to prevent, detect, and address corruption in all its forms.
Definition of Key Terms
Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It includes practices such as bribery,embezzlement, fraud, and nepotism.

Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to influence the actions of an
official or other person in a position of trust.

Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care.

Fraud: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Nepotism: Favoritism granted to relatives or friends, especially in job appointments.

Whistleblowing: Reporting suspected wrongdoing, typically by an employee, to expose unethical or
illegal conduct within an organization.

Conflict of Interest: A situation in which a person or organization has competing interests or loyalties
that could corrupt their decision-making.

Goals and Objectives
Goals
1. Promote Integrity and Accountability: Foster a culture of integrity and accountability within ATPS
to prevent corruption.
2. Enhance Transparency: Ensure transparency in all operations, transactions, and decision-making
processes.
3. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: Implement robust policies and procedures to detect,prevent, and address corruption.
4. Build Stakeholder Trust: Maintain the trust and confidence of stakeholders through ethical conduct
and anti-corruption practices.
Objectives
1. Establish Clear Anti-Corruption Guidelines: Develop and disseminate comprehensive guidelines
to prevent corrupt practices.
2. Train and Educate Staff: Provide regular training and education to employees on anti-corruption
policies and practices.
3. Implement Effective Monitoring: Develop and maintain effective monitoring and auditing
mechanisms to detect and address corruption.
4. Encourage Reporting and Whistleblowing: Create a safe and confidential environment for
Version 1/2020

2|

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) Anti-corruption Policy 2020
reporting suspected corruption without fear of retaliation.
5. Enforce Disciplinary Actions: Apply strict disciplinary measures against individuals involved incorrupt activities.
6. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work collaboratively with partners, donors, and stakeholders touphold anti-corruption standards.
Policy Framework
Anti-Corruption Guidelines

Code of Conduct: All ATPS staff, partners, and stakeholders must adhere to the ATPS Code ofConduct, which outlines expected behaviors and prohibits corruption.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Staff must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in a timelymanner.

Gift and Hospitality Policy: Establish clear guidelines for accepting and giving gifts and hospitality
to prevent bribery and undue influence.

Procurement Procedures: Implement transparent and competitive procurement procedures tominimize the risk of corruption in the acquisition of goods and services.

Financial Management: Enforce strict financial controls, including regular audits and financial
reporting, to ensure accountability and transparency.

Training and Education
Regular Training: Conduct mandatory anti-corruption training for all employees, covering topics
such as ethical behavior, conflict of interest, and reporting mechanisms.

Awareness Campaigns: Implement awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders about theimportance of anti-corruption measures and their role in maintaining integrity.

Resource Materials: Provide access to resource materials, guidelines, and tools to support staff inidentifying and preventing corruption.

Monitoring and AuditingInternal Audits: Perform regular internal audits to review compliance with anti-corruption policies
and identify areas for improvement.

External Audits: Engage external auditors to conduct independent reviews of ATPS operations andfinancial management.

Performance Indicators: Develop and track performance indicators related to anti-corruption efforts
to measure effectiveness and impact.

Reporting and WhistleblowingReporting Mechanisms: Establish confidential and secure channels for reporting suspected
corruption, including a whistleblower hotline and online reporting platform.

Whistleblower Protection: Ensure that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation and that theirreports are thoroughly investigated.

Investigation Procedures: Develop clear procedures for investigating reports of corruption, ensuring
fairness and impartiality.

Version 1/2020

3|

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) Anti-corruption Policy 2020
Disciplinary Actions
Zero Tolerance Policy: Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, with clear consequences forviolations.

Disciplinary Measures: Apply appropriate disciplinary measures, including termination ofemployment and legal action, for individuals found guilty of corruption.

Public Disclosure: Publicly disclose actions taken against individuals involved in corrupt activities
to maintain transparency and deter future misconduct.

Collaboration and Partnerships


Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and beneficiaries,
to promote shared anti-corruption objectives and practices.

Information Sharing: Share information and best practices on anti-corruption measures withstakeholders to foster a collaborative approach.

Joint Initiatives: Participate in joint initiatives and coalitions aimed at combating corruption at local,national, and international levels.

Implementation Strategy


Leadership Commitment: Ensure commitment from ATPS leadership to uphold and enforce theAnti-Corruption Policy.

Resource Allocation: Allocate necessary resources, including funding and personnel, to support anticorruption initiatives.

Policy Integration: Integrate anti-corruption measures into all aspects of ATPS operations anddecision-making processes.

Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the policy to reflect evolving best practices
and emerging threats.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Policy
ATPS is committed to monitoring and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of this AntiCorruption Policy. Regular reviews, feedback mechanisms, and performance evaluations will be conductedto ensure that anti-corruption measures are upheld and continuously improved.
Scope of Application
This policy applies to all ATPS staff, partners, and stakeholders involved in ATPS operations and activities.
Compliance with this policy is mandatory, and any breaches will be addressed promptly and decisively.

Conclusion
The ATPS Anti-Corruption Policy underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards ofintegrity, transparency, and accountability. By fostering a culture of ethical behavior, implementing robust
anti-corruption measures, and engaging collaboratively with stakeholders, ATPS aims to create anenvironment that is free from corruption and conducive to sustainable development and innovation.

Version 1/2020

4|

African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS)
Contact Executive Director:
executivedirector@atpsnet.org
8th Floor Chancery Building,Valley Road
P. O. Box 10081-00100, Nairobi
Tel: +254 (020) 2714092
www.atpsnet.org

AddressP.O Box 10081 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone+254 020 2714092

Websitehttps://atpsnet.org/