Reporting Misconduct or Corruption
Your legal obligation to report fraud, corruption, nepotism, or other misconduct — who to report to, what protections exist, and what happens if you fail to report.
Understand Your Reporting Obligation
The Code of Conduct requires every civil servant to report to the appropriate authorities any fraud, corruption, nepotism, maladministration, and any other act which constitutes an offence discovered in the course of official duties. This is not optional — failure to report is itself a form of misconduct. Concealing or compounding theft, fraud, or acts contrary to the interest of Government is classified as Gross Misconduct.
What type of misconduct have you witnessed?
What Happens After Your Report
Your Head of Department is obligated to act on the report. Depending on the severity, the officer may face progressive discipline (verbal warning, written warnings, final warning) or immediate formal proceedings for Gross Misconduct. Penalties range from a reprimand to dismissal, and may include demotion, salary reduction, suspension, or compulsory retirement. You should cooperate fully if called to provide evidence.
Protect Yourself
You are acting within your duty when you report misconduct. The Code of Conduct establishes that honest, impartial advice and reporting are core obligations. Do not communicate details of the case to the press or external persons without authorization from your Head of Department, PMO, or the Secretary General. Keep a personal record of what you reported, when, and to whom.
Scenario Complete
For the full legal text, see: Code of Conduct and GO Ch. 3 and PPM Ch. 9