The Ethos Institute and Brazil’s Office of the Comptroller General have created a “pro ethics list” to recognize companies that meet a high standard of anti-corruption practice. Some of the requirements for making this list are a rigorous code of conduct, effective training, a reporting system and complaints procedure, financial disclosure and participation in collective action. Assessments are conducted by the Office of the Comptroller General in the role of Executive Secretariat of the programme, with oversight by an independent group of experts. There is periodic updating of both benchmark standards and company assessments.
Empresa Pró Ética (Pro-Ethics Register) is a biannual evaluation established by a regulation requiring companies to answer profile/conformity questionnaires and submit specific documents. The companies that are recognized in the “Pro-Ethics Register” receive public recognition of their commitment to implement compliance measures and are authorized to use the “Pro-Ethics Register” brand. The programme promotes the organizational culture of integrity and aims to reduce risks of fraud and corruption in public and private relations.
In addition to the evaluation report with improvement recommendations sent to each participating company, the Office of the Comptroller General publishes a dedicated report for each edition that presents a critical analysis of the profile of companies and the strengths and shortcomings found in the evaluated anti-corruption programmes. The results are announced in an award ceremony and can have a substantial beneficial impact on the reputation of a company.
Source: Serviços e Informações do Brasil, https://www.gov.br/cgu/pt-br
