Jabu M. Sengova is Ethics Officer for the City of Atlanta, GA.
An interview by Adam Turteltaub, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & International Programs, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics & Health Care Compliance Association.
AT: What are the key risk areas that government ethics programs focus on?
JS: Government ethics programs, such as those of the City of Atlanta, primarily focus on conflicts and disclosures of personal and financial interests, misuse of government property, and receipts of gifts/gratuities. Conflict of interest risk areas are primarily based on outside employment/outside business interests as well as certain personal and financial relationships an official or employee may have. Gift rules in government ethics programs are often very stringent to discourage corruption and high-risk conduct, and any allowable gifts are subject to certain restrictions. Additionally, misuse of city property such as city vehicles, credit/purchase cards, or labor/time/services is a key risk area that government ethics programs must focus on. As you know, government service often comes with significantly lower compensation than that in the private sector; therefore, each of these areas pose a significant risk and can erode good government practice.