Internal audit finds errors in work of Estonian Education Ministry's ex-secgen

TALLINN - An internal probe at the Ministry of Education and Research has identified shortcomings in the work of the ministry's former secretary general, Mart Laidmets, and the former head of the Estonian Education and Youth Board, Ulla Ilisson.

The ministry said in a press release on Friday it will make changes to the institution's work processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

At the ministry's request, the law firm Ellex Raidla compiled an analysis of the probe's summary, which was a follow-up to the criminal proceedings that concluded in December of last year.

According to Triin Laasi-Õige, the ministry's secretary general, the purpose of commissioning the additional analysis was to ensure that the ministry's employees had adhered to the official's code of ethics and good practices, and that the organization's work structure was efficient and functional.

"Unfortunately, the internal probe revealed several shortcomings. This is a very important learning opportunity from an organizational management perspective. Our goal is to enhance management and ensure that such situations do not arise in the future. As of today, we have reviewed our internal procedures and are planning training for employees," said the secretary general, adding that based on the results of the internal probe, they will continue to improve work arrangements and enhance the internal control system.

The analysis prepared by attorney Marko Kairjak from Ellex Raidla examines the ministry's potential obligations toward the former officials. In addition, it assesses whether the circumstances revealed during the criminal proceedings could indicate a breach of duty by the officials, and whether there are grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings or file claims for damages against them.