The Ethics and Integrity Commission has today launched a call for evidence on codes of ethical conduct.
The commission has been tasked with producing guidance for public authorities to support them in producing and embedding codes of ethical conduct to meet the expected requirements under the public office (accountability) bill, also known as the Hillsborough Law.
Last month, the commission unveiled its terms of reference for the codes of conduct work, which is part of a directive last year from then-prime minister Keir Starmer to establish the EIC as a centre of excellence on ethical codes of conduct.
Building on the foundation of the Seven Principles of Public Life, the commission has been asked to respond directly to the systemic institutional failings which lie at the core of the bill, including those identified in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
The EIC is now seeking submissions to help inform the work from people who have experience in designing and embedding a code of conduct.
Anyone with an interest may make a submission, but the commission said it “particularly welcomes submissions from current and former public sector employees”.
The Commission is inviting responses to a series of questions and seeking illustrative examples from people’s experience of what worked well – any indicators or evidence of success – as well as any lessons identified about what to avoid. Respondents can pick which questions to answer.
The questions are:
- How was the code created? (This might include how the content or language was chosen, and by whom, and the extent to which the code was adapted to your organisation’s activities.)
- What training do you provide staff in respect of the code, and when?
- Do you recognize and reward compliance with the code, and if so how?
- How do you address breaches of the code?
- Do you monitor compliance with or application or awareness of the code, and if so how?
- What role does the code play, if any, in your day-to-day activities or decision-making (at all levels)?
- What role is adopted by leaders within your organisation in terms of the promotion and application of the code?
- What opportunities are there within your organisation for staff to raise concerns about behaviour which might not comply with the code?
- Does your organisation have its own ethical values, and if so, how does your code link to those values?
The EIC intends to make its initial guidance available to public authorities ahead of the public office (accountability) bill achieving royal assent. It is therefore asking for all submissions to be sent by 27 September.
Doug Chalmers, chair of the EIC, said: “This project isn’t just about preparing for a new law; it’s about restoring public trust. We want to help public authorities move past basic compliance and foster a genuine culture of everyday selflessness.”
EIC independent member Lady Arden of Heswall added: “As the lead commission member for this project, my goal is to ensure the EIC delivers meaningful guidance that not only meets the rigorous requirements of the upcoming public office (accountability) bill, but actively weaves the Nolan Principles into the daily fabric of public service.”
Click here for more details on how to make a submission.