1. What is TELUS To Improve?
 
Telus To Improve is a Ministry of Health (MoH) policy which provides an avenue for MoH employees to raise their concerns and report any suspected misconduct / improper activity in MoH that may impact service delivery and organizational image.
 
 
2. Who can report under TELUS To Improve?
 
MoH employees.
 
 
3. Can the public report under TELUS To Improve?
 
No. This is a policy for MoH employees only. However, if the information from the public has come to the knowledge of an MoH employee and there is reasonable basis for the information to be genuine, then he/she may report to Internal Audit.
 
 
4. What can I report under TELUS To Improve?
 
You may, in good faith, report any misconduct / improper activity in MoH that you may have witnessed or that may have come to your knowledge/attention.
 
Acts of misconduct / improper activity include, but are not limited to:
 

• Fraud (wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain) including financial fraud, corruption and breach of trust;
  
• Clinical malpractice;
  
• Violation of laws and regulations;
  
• Violation of MoH’s policies;
  
• Unethical behaviour or practices;
  
• Endangerment to public health or safety; 
  
• Negligence of duty.
  

 
However, any concerns raised and reported must have a reasonable basis to makes you believe for the report to be true and that it was made without malice or consideration of personal benefit.

5. Do you have any examples of misconduct / improper activity?
 
Kindly watch the presentation video on TELUS To Improve for examples.
 
 
6. Can I report anonymously?
 
No. You are mandatorily required to self-identify so that you can be contacted for further clarification of the concerns raised.
 
 
7. To whom do I report a misconduct / improper activity under TELUS To Improve?
 
Internal Audit, MoH.
 
 
8. Must I report to Internal Audit if I wish to raise my concern on a suspected act of misconduct? / is it compulsory to use this policy?
 
No. You may still report to your line manager or lead clinician or supervisor or head of department.
 
If you feel it is unsafe doing so or that the concerns you raised were not taken up, for whatever reason, then you may report to Internal Audit.
 
 
9. How can I report a misconduct / improper activity under TELUS To Improve?
 
You may write to Internal Audit at the following address:
 
Internal Audit
1st floor, Central Block
Ministry of Health
Jalan Menteri Besar
Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Brunei Darussalam

Or, you may call Internal Audit directly at +673 2 380948;
 
Or, you may email Internal Audit at  internal.audit@moh.gov.bn; 

Or, you may come and see Internal Audit at the Internal Audit office.
 
Also, you are encouraged to use the TELUS To Improve Reporting Form for documentation purposes.
 
 
10. What will Internal Audit do with the concern I raised?
 
Internal Audit will conduct a preliminary investigation to assess the legitimacy of the report. If there are elements of truth in the report, the matter will be convened by the Audit Committee, MoH.
 
Depending on the matter raised, the report may either be submitted to an external enforcement agency for further action or be acted upon internally.
 
Kindly refer to the TELUS To Improve Process Flowchart for further information.
 
 
11. What is the time frame for investigating a report?
 
There are many factors that may affect the time frame of an investigation such as the unique nature of the report, the availability of tangible evidence, etc. As such, the time frame for investigating a report may be different for each case.
 
 
12. Will I be updated on the outcome of the investigation into a report I made?
 
No. However, you can be assured that Internal Audit will act on your report and investigate the concerns raised. At most, we will inform you whether your report has already been investigated.
 
 
13. Will I still be involved in the investigation after I have made a report to Internal Audit?
 
Yes, you may be called by Internal Audit to assist with the investigation following submission of your report. Furthermore, if the matter reported has been forwarded to an internal department or an external enforcement agency, you may also be called to further assist with their investigation.
 
 
14. Can I share with my family/colleagues/friends the matter that I reported?
 
We advise you that you do NOT share any information regarding the matter you reported at all times, even after the matter has been investigated.

 
15. Is it safe for me to raise my concerns and report them to Internal Audit?
 
We assure you that we take your concerns seriously and we shall treat them strictly confidentially and promptly.
 
Your identity will be made confidential at all times and never disclosed to other parties.
 
Under TELUS To Improve, we assure you that, whether you are the Reporting Individual or an Investigation Participant, you are always protected. In the event that any individual or party who retaliates against you for raising your concern or participate in the investigation, they may be subjected to disciplinary action if the act of retaliation is an act prescribed in any of the following:
 

• Regulations 11 and 29, Public Officers (Conduct And Discipline) Regulations, Chapter B, 1961, Civil Service Commission Act, General Orders
  
  
• Prime Minister’s Office Circular No. 19/1998
  
  
• Sections 12A and 12B, Prevention of Corruption Act (2015)
  

 
16. What if I was victimized by interference, reprisal, retaliation, threats, coercion, punishment, unfair treatment or intimidation for raising/reporting my concern?
 
If you feel there are reasonable grounds to assume such acts are because of you reporting your concern, you may lodge a complaint to Internal Audit and it will be investigated.
 
 
17. What if my identity is somehow known as the Reporting Individual or Investigation Participant?
 
Internal Audit will take due care in acting on your concern so as to ensure your identity is not leaked to other parties. If, however for some reason, your identity was known by other parties, kindly inform Internal Audit immediately.
 
 
18. How can I be protected from malicious false reports?
 
If you are unfortunately made a Suspect as a result of someone raising his/her concern, do not be alarmed. Your identity will be made confidential at all times and never disclosed to other parties.
 
In the event that you have been reported as a Suspect based on a malicious false report, you can be assured that the individual or party filing that report will be subjected to disciplinary action as prescribed in the following:
 

• Chapter 22 Penal Code
  
  
• Regulations 29, Public Officers (Conduct And Discipline) Regulations, Chapter B, 1961, Civil Service Commission Act, General Orders
  
  
• Prime Minister’s Office Circular No. 19/1998
  
  
• Sections 12A and 12B, Prevention of Corruption Act (2015)
  

 
Unless proven true, any reports against you will not have an impact on your performance appraisal or your employment in MoH.