Civil Service values

Last updated - 29th December 2008

1. The Civil Service is an integral and key part of the government of the United Kingdom1. It supports the Government of the day in developing and implementing its policies, and in delivering public services. Civil servants are accountable to Ministers, who in turn are accountable to Parliament².
2. As a civil servant, you are appointed on merit on the basis of fair and open competition and are expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. In this Code:
   • ‘integrity’ is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests;
   • ‘honesty’ is being truthful and open;
   • ‘objectivity’ is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence; and
   • ‘impartiality’ is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well Governments of different political persuasions.
3. These core values support good government and ensure the achievement of the highest possible standards in all that the Civil Service does. This in turn helps the Civil Service to gain and retain the respect of Ministers, Parliament, the public and its customers.
4. This Code³ sets out the standards of behaviour expected of you and all other civil servants. These are based on the core values. Individual departments may also have their own separate mission and values statements based on the core values, including the standards of behaviour expected of you when you deal with your colleagues.

1 This Code applies to all Home civil servants. Those working in the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales, and their Agencies, have their own versions of the Code. Similar Codes apply to the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Diplomatic Service.

2 Constitutionally, civil servants are servants of the Crown. The Crown’s executive powers are exercised by the Government.

3 The respective responsibilities placed on Ministers and special advisers in relation to the Civil Service are set out in their Codes of Conduct: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics [External website].