16.2.5
Policy on Corruption, Bribery, and Organized Crime Prevention
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the principles, commitments, and procedures of the University of Thessaly to prevent and respond to corruption, bribery, and organized crime in all its operations. It reinforces the University’s ethical values, ensuring that academic integrity, public trust, and legal compliance remain central to all institutional activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All members of the University community, including faculty, administrative and technical staff, students, researchers, and contractors.
– All University operations, including procurement, research funding, admissions, partnerships, and financial management.
– All subsidiaries, foundations, research projects, and affiliated entities operating under the University’s name or authority.
It applies regardless of location, funding source, or collaboration framework, including national and international partnerships.
3. Definitions
– Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for personal or institutional gain, in violation of laws or ethical standards.
– Bribery: The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any undue advantage to influence actions or decisions.
– Organized crime: Coordinated illegal activity conducted by a group for material or political benefit, including fraud, trafficking, or money laundering.
– Conflict of interest: Any situation in which personal interests improperly influence the performance of duties.
– Whistleblowing: The act of reporting suspected unethical or illegal conduct through designated channels, under protection from retaliation.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly has zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, and organized crime. To uphold integrity and transparency, the University commits to:
1. Enforce full compliance with Greek and European anti-corruption legislation.
2. Promote an ethical culture emphasizing honesty, accountability, and fairness.
3. Prohibit offering or accepting gifts, payments, or advantages that could influence decisions.
4. Prevent and detect conflicts of interest in procurement, hiring, and academic evaluation.
5. Maintain transparent processes in financial management, admissions, and research funding.
6. Require annual declarations of interest from senior administrators and project leaders.
7. Establish clear whistleblower protection mechanisms to encourage reporting of misconduct.
8. Investigate all reported cases confidentially and without retaliation.
9. Cooperate fully with national authorities, the Hellenic Anti-Corruption Authority, and audit institutions.
10. Integrate ethics and integrity training into staff development programs.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Internal Audit and Ethics Committee (IAEC), under the authority of the Rector’s Office, is responsible for the implementation of this policy. Specific responsibilities include:
– Overseeing compliance and reporting to the Governing Council.
– Conducting regular internal audits and risk assessments.
– Reviewing declarations of interest and managing conflict-of-interest registers.
– Operating confidential reporting channels for ethical concerns.
– Coordinating with the Legal Affairs Office for disciplinary and legal actions.
– Ensuring staff and students receive anti-corruption and ethics training.
All University members share individual responsibility for upholding this policy and immediately reporting any suspicion of unethical conduct.
6. Reporting Mechanisms
Reports of suspected corruption, bribery, or unethical conduct may be submitted confidentially via:
– Internal Audit Office (ethics@uth.gr)
– Rector’s Office secure submission portal
– Anonymous reporting box (available at University campuses)
Reports will be reviewed promptly and handled under confidentiality. Whistleblowers are protected by law (Directive (EU) 2019/1937; Law 4990/2022) from retaliation or discrimination.
7. Monitoring and Compliance
The IAEC shall prepare an Annual Integrity and Ethics Report summarizing findings, actions taken, and preventive measures. The report shall be submitted to the Senate and made publicly available. External audits may be conducted to verify compliance with this policy. Violations will result in disciplinary or legal sanctions, consistent with University regulations and Greek law.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by changes in law, governance standards, or institutional risk assessments. Amendments shall be approved by the Governing Council upon recommendation of the Rector’s Office and the Internal Audit and Ethics Committee.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
– OECD Anti-Bribery Convention
– EU Directive 2019/1937 on Whistleblower Protection
– Greek Law 4557/2018 (Prevention of Money Laundering and Corruption)
– Greek Law 4990/2022 (Whistleblower Protection)
– Hellenic Anti-Corruption Authority Guidelines
– HAHE ESG 1.1, 1.4 (Governance and Ethical Conduct Standards)
– University of Thessaly Code of Ethics and Conduct