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I am a civil servant

The Civil Service Code

Standards of behaviour

Integrity

5. You must:
   • fulfil your duties and obligations responsibly;
   • always act in a way that is professional⁴ and that deserves and retains the confidence of all those with whom you have dealings;
   • make sure public money and other resources are used properly and efficiently;
   • deal with the public and their affairs fairly, efficiently, promptly, effectively and sensitively, to the best of your ability;
   • handle information as openly as possible within the legal framework; and
   • comply with the law and uphold the administration of justice.
6. You must not:
   • misuse your official position, for example by using information acquired in the course of your official duties to further your private interests or those of others;
   • accept gifts or hospitality or receive other benefits from anyone which might reasonably be seen to compromise your personal judgement or integrity; or
   • disclose official information without authority. This duty continues to apply after you leave the Civil Service.

Honesty

7. You must:
   • set out the facts and relevant issues truthfully, and correct any errors as soon as possible; and
   • use resources only for the authorised public purposes for which they are provided.
8. You must not:
   • deceive or knowingly mislead Ministers, Parliament or others; or
   • be influenced by improper pressures from others or the prospect of personal gain.

Objectivity

9. You must:
   • provide information and advice, including advice to Ministers, on the basis of the evidence, and accurately present the options and facts;
   • take decisions on the merits of the case; and
   • take due account of expert and professional advice.

10. You must not:
    • ignore inconvenient facts or relevant considerations when providing advice or making decisions; or
    • frustrate the implementation of policies once decisions are taken by declining to take, or abstaining from, action which flows from those decisions.

Impartiality

11. You must:
    • carry out your responsibilities in a way that is fair, just and equitable and reflects the Civil Service commitment to equality and diversity.
12. You must not:
    • act in a way that unjustifiably favours or discriminates against particular individuals or interests.

Political Impartiality

13. You must:
    • serve the Government, whatever its political persuasion, to the best of your ability in a way which maintains political impartiality and is in line with the requirements of this Code, no matter what your own political beliefs are;
    • act in a way which deserves and retains the confidence of Ministers, while at the same time ensuring that you will be able to establish the same relationship with those whom you may be required to serve in some future Government; and
    • comply with any restrictions that have been laid down on your political activities.
14. You must not:
    • act in a way that is determined by party political considerations, or use official resources for party political purposes; or
    • allow your personal political views to determine any advice you give or your actions.

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4 Including taking account of ethical standards governing particular professions.