Transformation of the ESBU: new management approaches and partnership with transparent business

 Transformation of a state institution is not merely about personnel changes or a formal «reboot» of the system. Above all, it is about changing values, work methodologies, and the institution's role in its interaction with the state, business, and society.

This was the focus of the latest «CEO for Criminal Justice» episode on the JustTalkClub YouTube channel. Specifically, Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, Yurii Bielousov, Deputy Director of the ESBU for Digital Development and Transformation, and Tymur Demchuk, Head of Corporate Programs at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School, discussed the transformation of state institutions, the role of human capital, and a new model of ESBU’s interaction with transparent business. The discussion was moderated by Vasylyna Yavorska, Head of JustGroup.

The processes currently unfolding within the institution are more accurately described specifically as a transformation.

«A reboot is when a system was working well, but a glitch occurred, and it is being restored to its previous state. That is not our story. What is happening at the ESBU is specifically a transformation—a change in approaches, principles of operation, and the institution's positioning,» noted Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi.

The Director of the ESBU emphasized that the changes began primarily with a reimagining of core values, as these form the foundation for all subsequent management decisions:

«Our position is that the institution must be a partner to «white» business. We are building an interaction based on trust and fair rules of the game. The task of the ESBU is to create a level playing field for all market participants.»

Yurii Bielousov, Deputy Director of the ESBU, noted that changes occur primarily through people and the transformation of the organization's internal culture.

The «re-coding» of an institution happens through its people. Our experience shows that among ESBU employees, there are many professionals ready to work in a new way, provided they understand the organization's new mission and values.

He also emphasized that these processes are taking place under challenging conditions, specifically due to staffing shortages, lengthy recruitment procedures for new hires, and high requirements for candidates. While some employees left the system after the changes began, a significant number of professional experts continue to work and adapt to the new principles.

Thus, the ESBU is currently developing new processes, management principles, and an internal culture that will enable the institution to operate stably and effectively, regardless of changes in leadership.