SALIENT FEATURES OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS (MINISTRY OF CIVIL SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS)

1.    Purpose of the Code

The Code of Ethics sets out the standards of correct conduct expected of Public Officers.  It emphasizes the importance of a responsible, responsive and caring Civil Service and is intended to promote effective administration and responsible behaviour.

2.    Values and Principles

The three guiding principles of the Code are as follows:

1)    Public Officers shall fulfill their lawful obligations to Government with professionalism, integrity and loyalty;

2)    Public Officers shall perform their official duties honestly, faithfully and efficiently while respecting the rights of the public and their colleagues; and

3)    Public Officers shall not bring the Civil Service into disrepute through their private activities.

Moreover, to inspire public confidence and trust, this code rests upon a number of core values, which require that Public Officers behave with:

Integrity          -           Putting the obligations of the Civil service above one’s

                                own personal interests.

Selflessness -           Avoid seeking personal gain or financial or other material

                                benefits for one’s family or friends through one’s official

                                position.

Impartiality     -           Acting solely according to the merits of a case and 

                                serving the Government of the day, irrespective of one’s

                                own political affinity or preference.

  

Objectivity      -           Favouring meritocracy and basing one’s advice and

                                decisions on rigorous analysis of evidence.

Accountability -         Being responsible and accountable for one’s decisions

                                and actions.

Openness     -           Being as open as possible in one’s decisions and

                               providing justification for one’s actions whenever required.

Honesty         -           Acting in good faith and being truthful.

Justice           -           Adhering to the principles of natural justice.

3.    Personal and Professional Behaviour

Public Officers have a duty to treat the public and their colleagues with courtesy and respect.  They shall therefore:

·         Not cause embarrassment to colleagues or members of the public by their dress, speech of behaviour;

·         Not consume alcoholic beverages while on duty;

·         Not engage in gambling by any means at the workplace;

·         Not smoke where it is illegal or where it is likely to inconvenience others;

·         Not cause distress to their colleagues, or otherwise contribute to disruption of the working atmosphere in the workplace;

·         Not discriminate against any person on ground of sex, marital status, colour, race, ethnic or national origin, disability, political opinion, occupation, status, sexual orientation, religious or ethical beliefs;

·         Not harass, bully or otherwise intimidate members of the public or colleagues;

·         Respect the privacy of individuals;

·         Have due regard for the safety of the public and colleagues at the workplace.