Probity is demonstration that the procurement process will be conducted ethically and fairly, with all participants provided an equal opportunity. All procurement processes need to win the trust of suppliers so that they feel confidant that their offers will remain confidential and that the best offer will win. However, probity is of especial concern to the public sector, as not only do public sector procurement processes need to be conducted in a transparent and impartial way, officers need to be able to demonstrate the integrity of the process in the event of challenge. For example, if one supplier asks a question about a tender, the answer may be shared with all tenderers. Probity policies and probity audits are an integral part of procurement governance to ensure that decision making is transparent, confidential information is treated appropriately, and that there is effective management of conflicts of interest. See also Governance.
Probity for Commercial Managers training is available at Academy of Procurement.
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