Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “freedom of information” is as follows:

• The legal framework establishes a parliamentary FOI regime, which is in line with national and international obligations and best practice. Any citizen or organization can request information under the parliamentary FOI regime.
• Parliament follows detailed FOI guidelines, which require maximum disclosure of information, including information relating to parliament’s procedures and processes and to the parliamentary administration.
• Any exceptions are clearly and narrowly defined by law, with a strong “public interest” test for disclosure. Parliamentary privilege may limit access to information in very specific and clearly defined circumstances.
• The parliamentary FOI regime sets standards for the proactive publishing of predetermined categories of information, including in open and machine-readable formats.
• Information is provided in response to parliamentary FOI requests in a consistent and timely manner. Refusals to disclose information, or failures to disclose full information, are reviewed by an independent external body, whose decisions are binding.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “public procurement” is as follows:

• Parliament’s procurement process is governed by a legal framework. Parliament has clear and comprehensive procurement guidelines that are in line with national and international obligations and best practice.
• Parliament has staff with expertise in undertaking procurement, managing contracts, achieving value for money and communicating about complex procurement procedures.
• All stages of the procurement process are completely transparent and open. All information on procurement is made publicly available.
• Internal and/or external audits or other reviews provide assurances regarding compliance with the legal framework and procurement guidelines. The reports and findings of such audits or reviews are made publicly available.
   

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “parliamentary expenditure” is as follows:

• Parliament has clear and transparent rules and procedures on the expenditure of parliamentary funds, including the remuneration and allowances paid to MPs and their staff, as well as spending related to parliamentary office holders and political parties and groups.
• Parliament is required to report regularly to the public on its expenditure.
• Parliamentary expenditure is subject to regular, independent audits. Audit reports are made public.
• A parliamentary committee provides oversight, including by scrutinizing the reports of the parliamentary administration and the audits of expenditure. Committee findings and reports are made public.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “lobbying” is as follows: 

• The legal framework contains provisions on the lobbying of MPs and other public office-holders. It sets out clearly defined categories of lobbyists who are required to register.

• There are clear rules on transparency, confidentiality and conflicts of interest for lobbyists, as well as for MPs and other public office-holders.

• There is a publicly available statutory register of parliamentary lobbyists, with complete information about lobbyists’ clients and finances. Information in the register is updated in a timely manner. 

• MPs and other public office holders are obliged to report any suspicions of illegal lobbying activity to parliament and/or to other relevant authorities.

• A non-partisan body is tasked with periodically reviewing compliance with disclosure requirements, and with holding lobbyists, MPs and other public office holders to account in the event of a breach of the rules.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “parliamentary income and use of parliamentary resources” is as follows:

• Parliament routinely publishes information about MPs’ salaries, allowances and other benefits, as well as the expenses they claim.

• Political groups are required by law to report regularly on their funding and expenditure, and these reports are published on the parliamentary website.

• Parliament’s rules of procedure contain clear provisions on recruitment, funding, remuneration and expenditure for MPs’ personal staff who are not part of the parliamentary administration. Information about such recruitment, funding, remuneration and expenditure is publicly available.

• Parliament has rules and procedures in place to prevent the misuse of parliamentary resources, including parliamentary staff, for party-political or other purposes.

• A parliamentary body is responsible for monitoring the compliance of MPs and political groups with disclosure requirements, and for holding them to account in the event of non-compliance.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “code of conduct” is as follows:

• Parliament has adopted a clear and enforceable code of conduct, which sets out the expected standards of conduct for MPs. Every MP must formally accept the code of conduct at the beginning of their parliamentary mandate.

• The code of conduct has been developed via an inclusive, transparent and consultative process, has the support of all political parties in parliament, and is publicly available. 

• A designated body is tasked with overseeing compliance with the code of conduct, including receiving complaints, enforcing standards of conduct in parliament, and carrying out regular reviews and updates.

• Training is provided on the standards defined by the code, including induction training for new MPs. Guidance from the parliamentary administration is available to help MPs comply with the code.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “conflicts of interest” is as follows:

• The legal framework codifies the rules on conflicts of interest and measures for addressing them. Any exemptions to these rules are limited and clearly defined.

• Parliamentary mechanisms are in place to prevent, detect and address conflicts of interest within parliament and, where necessary, to hold MPs and staff to account.

• Parliament’s rules of procedure contain provisions regarding potential conflicts of interests, including the registration of MPs’ private interests in parliamentary debates, the holding of multiple offices, the declaration of assets, the accepting of gifts and hospitality, and the advising of foreign governments.

• A non-partisan or independent body is tasked with monitoring compliance with these rules and procedures, and with initiating procedures in the event of non-compliance. The process of identifying, resolving and managing conflicts of interest is transparent.

• Guidance is available to help MPs and staff ensure that they avoid conflicts of interest.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “anti-corruption” is as follows:

• A comprehensive anti-corruption legal framework is in place and complies fully with all the mandatory and recommended legislative measures set out in the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 

• Parliamentary committees conduct regular, in-depth oversight of the implementation of national anti-corruption commitments, laws and policies.

• Parliament ensures that national anti-corruption bodies are adequately funded and able to operate independently, and regularly interacts with them.

• The anti-corruption legal framework contains provisions relating to all elected officials, including MPs. Parliament’s rules of procedure include measures to prevent, detect and address corrupt practices within parliament and, where necessary, to hold MPs and staff to account.

• Parliament engages constructively with efforts by the public and CSOs to raise awareness, and to prevent and address corruption at all levels. 

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “physical access to parliament” is as follows:

• The legal framework provides for public access to all venues where parliamentary proceedings take place, and to all parliamentary activities that are not explicitly closed to the public.
• Any restrictions on public access to parliament are established in the legal framework, and are limited, proportional and imposed on reasonable grounds.
• Clear guidelines for parliamentary staff outline the management of all aspects of public access, and are applied consistently.
• In practice, parliament encourages people to visit parliament and dedicates sufficient resources to welcoming visitors to parliament.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “outreach activities” is as follows:

• Parliament has an outreach policy or strategy or has made outreach a part of its overall communication strategy and has annual plans for outreach activities.
• Parliament has sufficient human and financial resources to support effective outreach to all groups in society.
• Parliament regularly opens its doors to the public and organizes outreach activities throughout the country.
• Parliament produces explanatory and educational materials to facilitate public understanding of its work and functions.