Forecast is Brighter for Compliance and Ethics Professionals: Increase in Compliance Budgets, Greater Sense of Job Security, but only Slight Increase in Staffing

Results of a survey conducted by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Health Care Compliance Association

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The picture for compliance departments is getting brighter according to a recent survey conducted by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) and the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA). Economic conditions have improved. Compliance budgets are on the rise, and job security is less of a concern than it has been in the past. However, recent research indicates compliance and ethics professionals are experiencing great stress. So it is a grave concern that a brightening economic picture is not translating into more people to do the work and to relieve the stress of those already working in compliance.

This study also found that management's perceptions of compliance are for the most part positive. More than half of survey respondents reported that management views compliance as very positive or somewhat positive asset in helping the organization through the current economic conditions. One concern here is that from 2009 to 2011 a significant proportion see compliance as somewhat or a great hindrance. This view could portend future compliance failures.

"The growing number of individuals reporting an increase in compliance spending is a result of an increase in the recognition of the value of compliance and ethics programs. Yet, the compliance profession remains under great stress, as our earlier survey demonstrated with 60% reporting they have considered quitting in the last 12 months due to job related stress. Spending does not appear to be rising as quickly as the demands on compliance programs, and it doesn't appear as if the staffing levels are growing to meet the demand either. This gap could be problematic as companies seek to meet their legal and regulatory risks," said SCCE/HCCA Chief Executive Officer Roy Snell.

Survey Results

The data reveals 38% of respondents reported that their budgets had increased in 2011; an increase from 32% in 2010 and 26% in 2009. In addition 43% expect 2012 spending to increase.

Increase in staffing levels is incremental in comparison. In 2011, 33% indicated an increase in staffing with just 34% of respondents expecting staff to increase in 2012.

The survey revealed that job stability is improving with 52% respondents reporting they were not at all concerned with losing their job and 4% reporting they were very concerned.

The complete results may be downloaded from the SCCE and HCCA Websites at:

SCCE: http://www.corporatecompliance.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Surveys&Template=/surveyform.cfm&survey=economy11

HCCA: http://www.hcca-info.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Surveys&Template=/surveyform.cfm&survey=economy11

Survey Background

Beginning in 2009, shortly after the market meltdown, the SCCE and HCCA have annually surveyed the compliance community to determine what has happened to compliance programs and staffing, as well as where budgets and staffing are likely to go in the coming year. The survey has also examined the job security of compliance professionals, and the related measure of management attitudes towards compliance and ethics programs.

About the HCCA

The Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), established in 1996 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is a non-profit professional membership organization made up of compliance and ethics professionals working in the health care industry. HCCA is dedicated to improving the quality of compliance. Visit HCCA's Web site at www.hcca-info.org. Tel: 888/580-8373.    

About the SCCE

The Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE) is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Its mission: SCCE exists to champion ethical practice and compliance standards in all organizations and to provide the necessary resources for compliance professionals and others who share these principles. Visit the SCCE Web site at http://www.corporatecompliance.org, Tel: 888-277-4977. Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics is located at 6500 Barrie Road, Suite 250, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435. E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Health Care Compliance Association; Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics