A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the enhancement of transparency and improvement of the operation of the Internal Audit System in the National Social Security Fund (e-EFKA) was signed today by the Governor of e-EFKA, Mr. Panagiotis Doufexis, and the Governor of the National Transparency Authority (N.T.A.), Mr. Angelos Binis, in the presence of the competent e-EFKA’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Alexandros Varveris.
The MoC aims at a multi-level cooperation for the design, development and implementation of a three-year Implementation Plan of the mechanisms and individual elements of the Internal Audit System in the e-EFKA, in particular as regards the organization of the Internal Audit and Internal Affairs Control Directorate and its more effective operation.
The MoC is based on the exchange of information, conclusion and findings with the ultimate aim of strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability, but also with the aim of improving governance structures and systems.
In the context of bilateral cooperation, the following initiatives are being launched:
- Certification of the e-EFKA Internal Audit Unit’s auditors at the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government.
- Development of a Code of Ethics for the staff of the Regional Insurance Audit Centres.
- Evaluation of the Code of Ethics for the staff of the e-EFKA
The start of implementation of the above design was set for the coming September and the implementation horizon was set for the second half of 2022. In order to achieve the objectives, a joint project team is to be set up, composed of e-EFKA and NTA staff.
The Governor of e-EFKA, Mr. Panagiotis Doufexis, said: "With the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation today and the launch of joint actions, the NTA is a valuable ally for e-EFKA in the direction of strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms within the organisation. Principles that are, after all, a priority for the whole Greek society and that we should shield and highlight for every aspect of public administration".
The N.T.A. Governor Mr. Angelos Binis, stated that “NTA aspires to be a valuable ally of the administration and staff of e-EFKA in their efforts to improve the system and governance processes in order to better serve citizens. Strengthening internal audit mechanisms is a necessary condition and guarantee for the consolidation of transparency and accountability in all services and procedures of e-EFKA. I am confident that our joint actions will become a pilot and best practice for public administration. We are therefore starting with great enthusiasm and a clear plan to achieve our common goals".