Transparency International - Bulgaria is an independent non-political organization of people with long-term interest in the field of research, analysis and suggestions for an effective anti-corruption control. It was founded in June 1998 in Sofia as the first national chapter in South-East Europe. TI-Bulgaria actively participates in the global anti-corruption movement and contributes to the process of establishment of the national anti-corruption Integrity system.
New initiatives
In November 2003 TI-Bulgaria launched a new project - Building Capacity of the National Prosecution Office in the Context of Curbing Corruption. The project aims to support the National Prosecution Office when identifying an effective model for increasing the efficiency and transparency in the investigation of cases of corruption. It also aims to support the process of identification of the actual problems in the fight against corruption in view of improving the existing criminal legislation.
Transparency International Integrity Awards Nominations for 2004
Transparency International is now calling for nominations for the 2004 Integrity Awards. Launched in 2000, the Transparency International Integrity Awards were created to recognise the courage and determination of the many individuals and organisations fighting corruption around the world. The Integrity Awards winners are a source of inspiration to the anti-corruption movement because their actions echo a common message: that corruption is surmountable. For more information please see: http://www.transparency.org/integrityawards/about.html
New Publications
In October 2003 was published the new book of TI-Bulgaria "Political Party and Election Campaign Financing in Southeastern Europe: Avoiding Corruption and Strengthening Financial Control".
GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES FOR TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL BULGARIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Definition of Governance:
Transparent and accountable stewardship of all resources of an organization for its development
CODE OF ETHICS
TI- Bulgaria, its staff and Board of directors, will act its affairs due to the following vision, values and guiding principles:
Vision
A world in which government, politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free from corruption.
Values
Transparency
Accountability
Solidarity
Courage
Justice
Democracy
Integrity
Guiding Principles
We are a civil society organization committed to respecting the following principles:
1. As coalition builders, we will work co-operatively with all individuals and groups, with for profit and not for profit corporations and organizations, and with governments and international bodies committed to the fight against corruption, subject only to the policies and priorities set by our governing bodies.
2. We undertake to be open, honest and accountable in our relationships with everyone we work with and with each other.
3. We will be democratic, politically non-partisan and non-sectarian in our work.
4. We will condemn bribery and corruption vigorously and courageously wherever it has been reliably identified, although we ourselves do not seek to expose individual cases of corruption.
5. The positions we take will be based on sound, objective and professional analysis and high standards of research.
6. We will only accept funding that does not compromise our ability to address issues freely, thoroughly and objectively.
7. We will provide accurate and timely reports of our activities to our stakeholders.
8. We will respect and encourage respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.
9. We are committed to building, working with and working through national chapters world wide.
10. We will strive for balanced and diverse representation on our governing bodies.
1. TI Bulgaria’s Mission and Status
The Association Transparency International Bulgaria is a voluntary, independent, non-political organization of citizens with lasting interests in the sphere of developing studies, analyses and proposals for effective control of corruption.
The Association Transparency International Bulgaria is a part of the international network Transparency International which coordinates and organizes the efforts of scholars, scientists, public figures, experts financiers and citizens for opposing, controlling and curbing corruption both on a national and on an international scale.
2. Staff Relations
We will treat our colleagues openly and honestly, respecting their privacy.
In our work we will create conditions, which allow us to fulfil our duties and responsibilities efficiently.
3. Conflict of interest
If there is conflict between our personal interests and the interests of TI-Bulgaria, we will disclose such conflict and resolve it in the interest of Transparency International-Bulgaria.
3. 1. Making appointments
We will not allow any kind of privilege, based on family and friend relationships, when hiring staff. The appointments will only be made on personal merit.
3. 2. Refusing gifts
When fulfilling our duties we will not accept any gifts, favours, gratuities or any kind of presents, to avoid all types of influence over our work.
3. 3. Confidentiality
TI-Bulgaria staff has the obligation not to spread information obtained in the service of the Association and not to use such information for a private purpose, including after the staff's leaving TI-Bulgaria.
3. 4 Transparency
A Register of interests of the Board Members will reflect their current status. The Register will be updated annually by TI – Bulgaria and upon change of the status of the Board Members.
The Register is public and available on the website of TI – Bulgaria.
4. Board Member's Responsibility
All board members have equal rights.
Each member of the board has the same duties and has to work in accordance with the goals of the Association.
Members of the board should not act in any way so that to benefit particular agencies, companies, organizations or professional or academic groups.
4. 1 Chair’s Responsibilities
The chair of the TI-Bulgaria board has the obligation to inform all persons elected to the board or the executive for the policies and procedures concerning conflict of interest.
The Chair shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of directors are carried out.
The Chair provides general direction to the Executive Director.
4. 2. Duties and Responsibilities of Directors:
Each Director is responsible for:
· Being a member of TI-Bulgaria either through individual or corporate affiliation;
· Signing off on the conflict of interest statement;
· Signing off on the Code of Ethics.
The Board is responsible for approving strategy and exercising due diligence.
Board approval is required, before TI-Bulgaria mailing list (not Membership List, which is not given out) is given to other organizations.
4. 3. Duty to Inform:
Transparency in communication among Board Members is important. In particular, it is important for Board Members to inform the Chair, as soon as practicable, concerning their activities that relate significantly to TI-Bulgaria’s mandate.
5. Relationship to Transparency International Secretariat
One Director shall be nominated by the Board, on a yearly basis, to be TI-Bulgaria's Active Member at the Annual General Meeting of Transparency International
6. Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy
Persons traveling to TI events should only claim expenses from TI-Bulgaria when they would otherwise have to pay personally. They should make reasonable efforts to obtain other sources of funding. The basic principle behind the policy is fairness to the person traveling and complete honesty and fairness by the claimant in terms of amounts claimed.
Travel expenses include registration fees, accommodation and meals, as well as actual travel costs.
7. Amendments
Amendments to the Code shall be discussed with all stakeholders, and must be approved by the TI Board of Directors.