A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed on Friday 04.02.2022 by the NTA Governor, Mr. Angelos Binis, and the Rector of the West Attica University (PADA), Mr. Panagiotis Kaldis.
The MoC’s purpose is to provide expertise and advisory services form the NTA on internal control issues and the strengthening of integrity mechanisms. In particular, the establishment of an Integrity Advisor's Office at the West Attica University was discussed, in accordance with the provisions of Law 4795/2021, as well as the exploitation of synergies in the design and implementation of educational seminars and awareness-raising activities on integrity issues.
Given that the strategic direction of the West Attica University is the continuous strengthening of transparency and accountability, PADA is the first Greek University that has submitted a request for the establishment of an Integrity Advisor's Office to the NTA, while the members of the University’s internal audit department have already been appropriately certified by the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government.
It is stated that among the responsibilities of the Integrity Advisor is to assist with ethics and integrity issues faced by an employee in the performance of official duties, including issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, ethical harassment and conflict of interest. Furthermore, the Integrity Advisor participates in the formulation of internal policies and the development of tools to enhance integrity and transparency, such as Codes of Ethics and Conduct, Conflict of Interest Management Regulations, Fraud and Corruption Protocols.
In the context of further strengthening the staff of the University’s Internal Audit Department, it was agreed that the PADA would participate in the pilot programme of consultancy and audit projects organised by the NTA with selected institutions to support the operation of internal audit units in the public sector.