Political and public service Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Here I present an example of a Code of Ethic and Professional Conduct that any politician or public worker should observe and apply in their professional development. Due to their special position it is not enough for them to observe the law. A special office in the Supreme Court of each country should supervise its fulfilment and expel from their function the individuals who violate it, either they are democratically elected or not.
CHAPTER 1. VISION AND APPLICABILITY
1.1 Vision and Purpose
As politicians and public workers, we are committed to doing what is right and honourable. We set high standards for ourselves and we aspire to meet these standards at work in service to our profession.
This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct describes the expectations that we have of ourselves and our colleagues in the political and public service communities. It articulates the ideals to which we aspire as well as the behaviours that are mandatory in our professional role.
The purpose of this Code is to instil confidence in the political and public service professions and to help an individual become a better practitioner. We do this by establishing a profession-wide understanding of appropriate behaviour. We believe that the credibility and reputation of the political and public service professions are shaped by the collective conduct of individual practitioners.
We believe that we can advance our profession, both individually and collectively, by embracing this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. We also believe that this Code will assist us in making wise decisions, particularly when faced with difficult situations where we may be asked to compromise our integrity or our values. We agree to assume the consequences (legal or professional) derived from the no observation of this Code.
1.2 Persons to Whom the Code Applies
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to:
1.2.1 All politicians democratically elected.
1.2.2 All not elected political or non political members and public workers:
- Directly appointed persons by the politicians democratically elected;
- All civil servants; and
- Any other individual who gets a salary as worker for the State.
1.3 Values that Support this Code
The values that the political and public service community define as most important are: responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. This Code affirms these four values as its foundation.
CHAPTER 2. RESPONSIBILITY
2.1 Description of Responsibility
Responsibility is our duty to take ownership for the decisions we make or fail to make, the actions we take or fail to take, and the consequences that result.
2.2 Responsibility standards:
As politician and/or public worker:
2.2.1 We make decisions and take actions based on the best interests of society, public safety, and the environment.
2.2.2 We accept only those assignments that are consistent with our background, experience, skills, and qualifications.
2.2.3 We fulfil the commitments that we undertake – we do what we say we will do.
2.2.4 When we make errors or omissions, we take ownership and make corrections promptly. When we discover errors or omissions caused by others, we communicate them to the appropriate body as soon they are discovered. We accept accountability for any issues resulting from our errors or omissions and any resulting consequences.
2.2.5 We protect proprietary or confidential information that has been entrusted to us.
2.2.6 We uphold this Code and hold each other accountable to it.
Regulations and Legal Requirements:
2.2.7 We inform ourselves and uphold the policies, rules, regulations and laws that govern our work, and professional activities.
2.2.8 We report unethical or illegal conduct to appropriate management and, if necessary, to those affected by the conduct.
Ethics Complaints:
2.2.9 We bring violations of this Code to the attention of the appropriate body for resolution.
2.2.10 We only file ethics complaints when they are substantiated by facts.
2.2.11 We pursue disciplinary action against an individual who retaliates against a person raising ethics concerns.
CHAPTER 3. RESPECT
3.1 Description of Respect
Respect is our duty to show a high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us. Resources entrusted to us may include people, money, reputation, the safety of others, and natural or environmental resources.
An environment of respect engenders trust, confidence, and performance excellence by fostering mutual cooperation — an environment where diverse perspectives and views are encouraged and valued.
3.2 Respect standards
As politician and/or public worker:
3.2.1 We inform ourselves about the norms and customs of others and avoid engaging in behaviours they might consider disrespectful.
3.2.2 We listen to others’ points of view, seeking to understand them.
3.2.3 We approach directly those persons with whom we have a conflict or disagreement.
3.2.4 We conduct ourselves in a professional manner, even when it is not reciprocated.
3.2.5 We negotiate in good faith.
3.2.6 We do not exercise the power of our expertise or position to influence the decisions or actions of others in order to benefit personally at their expense.
3.2.7 We do not act in an abusive manner toward others.
3.2.8 We respect the property rights of others.
CHAPTER 4. FAIRNESS
4.1 Description of Fairness
Fairness is our duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively. Our conduct must be free from competing self interest, prejudice, and favouritism.
4.2 Fairness standards
As politician and/or public worker:
4.2.1 We demonstrate transparency in our decision-making process.
4.2.2 We constantly re-examine our impartiality and objectivity, taking corrective action as appropriate.
4.2.3 We provide equal access to information to those who are authorized to have that information.
4.2.4 We make opportunities equally available to qualified candidates.
Conflict of Interest Situations:
4.2.5 We pro-actively and fully disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate stakeholders.
4.2.6 When we realize that we have a real or potential conflict of interest, we refrain from engaging in the decision-making process or otherwise attempting to influence outcomes, unless or until: we have made full disclosure to the affected stakeholders; we have an approved mitigation plan; and we have obtained the consent of the stakeholders to proceed.
Favouritism and Discrimination:4.2.7 We do not hire or fire, reward or punish, or award or deny contracts based on personal considerations, including but not limited to, favouritism, nepotism, or bribery.
4.2.8 We do not discriminate against others based on, but not limited to, gender, race, age, religion, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation.
4.2.9 We apply the rules of the organization (employer or other group) without favouritism or prejudice.
CHAPTER 5. HONESTY
5.1 Description of Honesty
Honesty is our duty to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner both in our communications and in our conduct.
5.2 Honesty standards
As politician and/or public worker:
5.2.1 We earnestly seek to understand the truth.
5.2.2 We are truthful in our communications and in our conduct.
5.2.3 We provide accurate information in a timely manner.
5.2.4 We make commitments and promises, implied or explicit, in good faith.
5.2.5 We strive to create an environment in which others feel safe to tell the truth.
5.2.6 We do not engage in or condone behaviour that is designed to deceive others, including but not limited to, making misleading or false statements, stating half-truths, providing information out of context or withholding information that, if known, would render our statements as misleading or incomplete.
5.2.7 We do not engage in dishonest behaviour with the intention of personal gain or at the expense of another.
This Code is an extract and modification of this one.
