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Transparency International board decision on independent investigation

On 22 August 2019, the Transparency International Board of Directors met and resolved to establish an independent external investigation into any alleged misconduct at the TI Secretariat in Berlin that might constitute a breach of rules, principles, and standards of an ethical nature. This decision was taken following a recommendation from the Board Ethics Committee.

Two days ago the TI Secretariat was subject to serious allegations of unethical behavior in an article in The Guardian newspaper. It is important to note that these complaints and other issues raised by The Guardian relate only to the TI Secretariat in Berlin and do not involve any allegations of misconduct in any of the many National Chapters of Transparency International.

The Board Ethics Committee has recommended that the Board establish an independent, external investigation to clarify the facts and persons involved, determine whether there has been misconduct as alleged, and to similarly identify and respond to any other similar or related issues. If identified, misconduct at any level of the organisation cannot, and will not, be tolerated.

The Board also endorsed key issues and actions by the Board’s Safeguarding and Wellbeing Support Group to assess and ensure the wellbeing and positive working environment of all our staff, in parallel to the investigation; including full reporting to Transparency International’s Members and stakeholders on these actions.


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