Updated 2025
Statement of Integrity
Al-Quds University maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward bribery, fraud, and all forms of corruption. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct across all university operations and relationships.
This policy outlines the rules, responsibilities, and response procedures for preventing and addressing bribery or corruption within the institution.
Objectives
Prevent the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of bribes or any form of improper payment.
Promote a culture of transparency and ethical behavior in all academic, administrative, and financial dealings.
Provide clear procedures for reporting suspected corruption and protecting whistleblowers.
Ensure compliance with Palestinian laws, university regulations, and international best practices.
Scope of Application
This policy applies to:
All employees, academic staff, and researchers
Students and student organizations
Board members and advisors
Third-party vendors, contractors, and external partners
Any representative acting on behalf of the university
Prohibited Practices
Under this policy, the following activities are strictly forbidden:
Offering, accepting, or soliciting bribes, gifts, or facilitation payments intended to influence decisions or gain unfair advantage
Using university funds, resources, or assets for corrupt purposes
Concealing or misrepresenting financial transactions to circumvent regulations
Reporting and Whistleblower Protection
Al-Quds University provides secure, anonymous mechanisms for reporting bribery, fraud, or unethical conduct:
Anonymous reporting platform (internal portal)
Direct reporting via the Office of Legal Affairs or Office of Internal Audit
Whistleblowers are protected under the university’s non-retaliation policy. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated promptly and impartially.
Policy Implementation and Review
The policy is implemented through training, awareness, internal controls, and regular audits.
Mandatory ethics training is provided to staff, administrators, and new employees annually.
The policy was last reviewed and revised in February 2024, and is scheduled for its next review in 2026.
Financial and procurement processes are periodically audited to ensure full compliance.
At Al-Quds University, we are firm in our belief that a culture of unswerving integrity forms the bedrock of a successful academic environment. Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy forms a fundamental part of this philosophy, aiming to deter, detect, and annihilate all instances of bribery and corruption within our precincts.
Our policy is clear and unequivocal in its stance: it prohibits the offering, promising, giving, accepting or soliciting of an advantage – financial or otherwise – as an inducement for an action that is illegal, unethical, or breaches trust. Such an advantage may span various forms such as cash, gifts, loans, fees, hospitality, services, discounts, the award of a contract, or any other advantage or benefit.
- Scope of Application: The policy is all-encompassing in its reach. It applies to everyone in the university community – students, faculty, staff, and administrators – in their individual conduct pertaining to the university. Equally, it covers dealings with external entities such as public officials, private sector workers, or consultants. Whether it involves giving or receiving, bribery is considered a grave offence that can result in strict disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal, and possibly, legal proceedings.
- Speak Up Culture: Al-Quds University fosters a culture of open communication and dialogue. We encourage members of our community to report any concerns or suspicions related to potential breaches of our policy. We ensure that the reporting channels are secure, confidential, and easily accessible. Moreover, we guarantee protection from retaliation for individuals who, in good faith, raise a concern.
- Business Associates: Our commitment to upholding integrity extends to our interactions with business associates. Any entity associated with the university, including suppliers, contractors, and consultants, is required to adhere strictly to our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy in all dealings related to the university.
- Anti-Bribery and Corruption Program: The policy is buttressed by an extensive Anti-Bribery and Corruption Program. This includes risk assessments to identify potential areas of vulnerability, training programs to ensure that all community members are aware of their responsibilities, and regular monitoring and review mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of our policy and program.
- Continuous Improvement: Our commitment to maintaining a corruption-free environment doesn’t end with the implementation of this policy. We are devoted to the continuous improvement and updating of our program. We diligently follow evolving legal frameworks and make necessary amendments to our policy to address emerging challenges in the fight against corruption.
Al-Quds University’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy is more than a set of guidelines; it’s our pledge to foster an environment of transparency, fairness, and integrity. By doing so, we ensure that every member of our community can focus on what they do best – contributing to the pursuit of knowledge in a thriving and inclusive setting.