VA audit managers

[Sean Harrison]

In the interest of transparency, should it not be a requirement for these position to 'not hold a management position at a VA.'?

 

I personally see a huge potential for conflict of interest if a VA audit Manager is a member of a VA they are expected to audit, even a competing VA.

[Andrew Ogden]

I agree, I do know the current Audit Manager is the CEO of Air New Zealand Virtual.

[Ernesto Alvarez 818262]

why stop there, why not make it so they cant be a member of a VA either so theres no conflict at all.

 

end of the day, remember they are here to enjoy simming just like the rest of us. up to them if they p[Mod - Happy Thoughts] an audit to someone else that wont present a conflict (if thats even part of the procedure)

[Sean Harrison]

Totally agree Ernesto. But that may be going a little too far.

[Roger Curtiss]

Audit managers utilize established criteria in conducting their evaluations that do not incorporate great deal of subjectivity. Further, a VA that is found by a manager to be in non-compliance cannot be removed from Partner status by said manager-such action can only be performed by an administrator.

 

Further, any VA that feels the results of an audit are unfair may appeal such a finding and it will be reviewed.

 

Provided the audit manager utilizes the same criteria in auditing a VA of which he is a staff member and does not disregard any discrepancies in approving an audit, I see no reason why this would be a conflict or a problem.

 

If some question of objectivity should arise the audit can easily be performed or verified by a different manager.

 

Persons who hold staff positions at a VA are demonstrating their strong support for the VA concept and that support and enthusiasm are welcomed attributes for an audit manager.

[Sean Harrison]

Thanks for explaining VATSIM position Roger, and their belief in an honest world.

 

I do not agree with the notion of such objectivity existing as you believe, but respect the authority to make decisions on such matters. Conflict of Interest is indeed a complex beast.

 

Again thank you for the position statement.

[David Zhong]

Of course, the biggest factor in COI issues is not actual conflicts, but the perception of a conflict which can undermine trust in the system.

[Kyle Ramsey 810181]

Most people who are involved with and have a keen interest in the VA/VSOA office are hired from VAs or VSOAs so it would eliminate 95% of the most qualified people to take a hard line on 'you can't belong to any VA' to be an audit manager. VAs are an integral part of VATSIM and members up to and including BOG and Founders belong to them.

 

There are layers of oversight on such processes. As Roger has said the audit requirements and template are very prescriptive so it is hard for a conflict of interest to interfere. If the VA can provide the requested information there isn't any room to equivocate. There are also avenues of appeal if a VA thinks they have been treated unfairly. If a trend develops with a particular audit manager it is dealt with, but for the most part the people we hire, while not perfect, try to do a credible job.