The seven principles of public life
The Code meets the recommendations of the Nolan Committee’s Standards in Public Life establishing the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’. These are:
Selflessness
Decisions should be based solely on the Council’s best interests. Employees should not take decisions which would result in any financial or other benefit to themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity
Employees should always act with integrity and not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to an individual or other organisation which might influence them in their work with the Council.
Objectivity
Any decisions which are made in the course of an employees work with the Council, including making appointments, or writing contracts or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits, must be based solely on merit.
Accountability
Employees are accountable to the Council as their employer. The Council, in turn, is accountable to the general public.
Openness
Employees should be as open as possible in their decisions and their actions that they take. Employees should give reasons for their decisions and should not restrict information unless this is clearly required by Council policy or the law.
Honesty
Employees have a duty to declare any private interests which might affect their work for the Council.
Leadership
Managers should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.