Integrity governance framework and assessment tool

About the framework and assessment tool

The integrity governance framework and better practice assessment and reporting tool are resources to assist Victorian public health services in assessing their integrity risks. They are designed to provide guidance on the development of appropriate policies and processes to strengthen integrity culture and reduce the likelihood of fraud and corruption in their organisations.

This framework and assessment tool have been developed by the Australian Centre for Healthcare Governance on behalf of the Department of Health, in response to community expectations that publicly funded health services will use their resources in a responsible and ethical manner. In recent times a number of public and private entities have come under question with regard to their integrity systems and practices, and the health sector has not been exempt.

This framework draws on contemporary risk management and integrity practice, adapted for the health service environment. It uses the three lines of defence model as a systematic and practical approach for addressing fraud and corruption vulnerabilities at frontline staff, management and board levels.

The assessment and reporting tool provides direction to health services on suggested practice through a simple self-assessment process. The tool focuses on four key organisational domains or ‘pillars’ at risk of integrity breach within a health service:

Employment
Procurement
Finance
Governance

The assessment tool provides a snapshot of gaps or vulnerabilities in integrity practice. This will then inform areas of focus and priority for actions to strengthen and embed a positive integrity culture and lift capability to prevent fraud and corruption.

From 2025-26 health services are required to report to the department on integrity governance practices in their organisations. This will include reviewing performance in relation to integrity questions in the annual People Matter Survey.

Although this framework and assessment tool sets out material of key importance to Victorian public health service boards and management, the boards and management of other public, private and not-for-profit health and community services may also find the material useful.