Probity support to governments is largely conducted as either an audit or review of a process that has already occurred, or as a more pre-emptive project probity support approach in parallel with a project. PSI has seen an increased demand for both over recent times.
PSI is able to provide truly independent structured Probity and Compliance Audits. These audits are typically associated with confirming the probity standards observed during a tendering and contracting process. Alternatively, the audit may involve reviewing the extent to which a process was undertaken in accordance with specified rules.
Project Probity Guidance provides government clients with increased confidence that their project approach will meet broader probity scrutiny over the life of the project. This independent support is conducted in an atmosphere of partnership, where the client is provided with continuing guidance and advice on the relevant probity issues as the processes are developed and then implemented, thus ensuring that:
probity is maintained throughout;
disruption to the momentum of the project is minimised; and
revisions are minimised.
To ensure that outcomes are visible, defensible and auditable, it is PSI’s practice to establish and agree with the client a clear expression of the protocols and standards that must be satisfied. Typically, these are based upon:
the requirements of all relevant legislation (if applicable);
the requirements of all relevant and formalised decisions, directives, guidelines and manuals that the process is required to observe;
equal opportunity and fair dealing; and
good business practice.
The PSI approach is to deal promptly with emerging issues and minimise the elapsed time between the conduct of the activity and the conduct of the associated audit. This allows the acceptability of each action and stage to be reviewed before the process moves to the next stage without any major dislocation to the process overall.
PSI is able to guarantee both independence and the avoidance of any conflict of interest. PSI has undertaken extensive probity support on behalf of a diverse range of clients.