The head of Western Australia's corruption watchdog admits it will take the organisation years to regain the public's trust, after it kicked "spectacular own goals" in recent years.

Corruption and Crime Commission head John McKechnie conceded issues related to a covert operations unit that was found to have engaged in serious and systemic corruption had taken a severe toll on the agency.

The Operational Support Unit was alleged to have misused identities and falsified records, leading to several criminal charges and staff being dismissed by the commission.

Speaking to 720 ABC Perth, Mr McKechnie conceded those issues had taken a significant toll on the CCC's public standing.

"The CCC has been subject to a fairly effective whispering campaign against it over many years and of course it has kicked some spectacular own goals a couple of years ago," he said.

"We had a covert unit who quite frankly engaged in lawless behaviour ... as a West Australian it was extraordinarily disappointing for what should be the integrity agency above all.

"Its reputation is blighted and it is responsible for a fair bit of that.

"It will take more than just a little publicity to reassure the public and regain the public trust, that will take years and effective work on our part."

Mr McKechnie said he had been impressed by the quality of commission staff since taking over, but admitted previous issues meant employee morale had taken a battering.

He also questioned the need for elected officials and public servants to receive gifts, saying he had no idea why it was necessary.