Corruption can significantly undermine trust in a university, its decisions and its integrity:
Corruption at a university occurs when a position of trust in research, teaching, transfer or administration is exploited to secure unjustified material or non-material benefits for oneself or others.
This is not limited to traditional bribery. Even seemingly harmless invitations, gifts or small favours can be problematic because they can create dependencies, influence decisions or, at the very least, give the impression that decisions can be influenced.
As staff members of Paderborn University, we bear responsibility for ensuring that research, teaching, transfer and administration are conducted transparently, independently and lawfully. We have a particular duty to avoid even the impression that we might be susceptible to personal gain whilst performing our official duties.
It is therefore in our shared interest to prevent, combat and eradicate corruption. The central task and objective of the office is therefore to raise awareness amongst all staff, to provide them with guidance in their day-to-day work and to support them in identifying potential risks at an early stage and acting transparently.
In cases of doubt, staff members should seek advice from the office, thereby helping to safeguard the university’s integrity, independence and trustworthiness.