The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has published a report on evaluating the practices, policies and procedures of TAFE SA, finding the TAFE had greatly improved its governance and strategic direction in recent years but may still have some fraud and corruption risks to deal with.
In its evaluation of TAFE’s vulnerability to corruption, ICAC assessed a number of areas, including its management of human resources, procurement, assets and facilities as well as information.
The Commission also explored the corruption risks arising from TAFE SA’s commercial activities, industry engagement and the interactions between teaching staff and students.
“The Commission found that while TAFE SA has greatly improved its governance and strategic direction since 2017, it may underestimate fraud and corruption risks,” ICAC said.
“The Commission has made 34 recommendations to assist TAFE SA to strengthen its awareness and management of these risks, which extend to its educational and corporate activities,” it said.
It said the TAFE lecturers worked as educators and skilled industry professionals to maintain industry currency.
It said that although it was necessary for those staff to wear ‘two hats’ and interact with the private sector, it exposed them to greater risk than many other public officers.
“The Commission has recommended that TAFE SA implement policies and procedures regarding industry engagement and secondary employment so that it can better manage the conflicts of interest that might arise,” ICAC said.
“Many of TAFE SA’s Education Managers are responsible for supervising up to 60 staff in multiple campuses,” it said. “Corruption risks are heightened in settings where staff are not adequately supervised.”
ICAC recommended TAFE SA review its workforce structure to improve lines of accountability and strengthen supervisory relationships.
TAFE SA welcomed the Commission’s recommendations and had already taken action to implement a number of them.
Access to ICAC’s 164-page report can be arranged at its website at this PS News link.
