ON THE PROGRESS OF MEASURES TO ELIMINATE CORRUPTION RISKS IN THE PARTNERSHIP’S ACTIVITIES

The compliance officer of the anti-corruption service gave a report to the employees of Astana Venue Management LLP on the progress of measures to eliminate corruption risks in the partnership’s activities.

It was also reported that in September 2022 the compliance officer completed training in the “ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management and Compliance” standard.

The standard is a set of detailed requirements and recommendations for implementing, maintaining and improving anti-corruption systems in organisations.

The methods contained in the standard make it possible to combat any form of corruption effectively. Regardless of an organisation’s form of ownership, number of staff, scale of activity or the country in which it is located, the standard helps it meet the requirements and norms of leading international practice.

It is important to note that the standard defines in sufficient detail the anti-corruption compliance system, understood as a set of measures and control procedures aimed at combating corruption and improving the organisation’s corporate culture.

Overall, the standard includes the following main elements of the anti-corruption compliance system.

First, the standard contains detailed recommendations on assessing corruption risks, introducing control procedures, vetting counterparties, resolving conflicts of interest and conducting internal audits. It is also important to note that the standard contains an important provision that ensures compliance with international anti-corruption legislation – the functional subordination of the compliance service to senior management.

Second, one of the key elements of the anti-corruption compliance system in the standard is the implementation of the “tone at the top” principle. This principle implies the active participation of senior management in implementing the anti-corruption compliance system. The standard describes in detail the powers of senior management, which include providing compliance staff with the necessary resources and authority, demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the anti-corruption compliance system.

Third, in addition to vetting counterparties, the international standard describes the procedure for vetting a candidate when hiring or an employee when transferring them, since such actions involve increased corruption risks, including the risk of a conflict of interest.

Fourth, the standard contains detailed procedures for introducing controls in areas of the organisation’s activity such as giving and receiving gifts, organising hospitality events, and participating in charitable and sponsorship projects.

Fifth, the standard contains provisions on introducing channels in the organisation through which employees can report possible cases of corruption and unethical behaviour, as well as on the procedure for investigating and taking action on corruption.

The speaker proposed introducing this standard throughout the partnership’s activities, which was unanimously supported by all participants of the meeting.

In addition, the main provisions of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Combating Corruption” were explained.