code of ethics.pdf

7/25/2019 code of ethics.pdf

1/278

Print book

Code of Ethics for Public Officers

Site: Mauritius civil service -Training Portal

Course: Code of Ethics for Public Officers

Book: Code of Ethics for Public Officers

Printed by: Divya Sowdagur

Date: Sunday, 1 May 2016, 5:53 PM
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243


2/278

Table of contentsUnit 1.0 - Course ContentUnit 2.0 - Course ObjectivesUnit 3.0 -Values and PrinciplesUnit 3.1 - Value Your Work ValuesUnit 4.0 - Personal and Professional

BehaviourUnit 4.1 - 10 Traits of Work EthicsUnit 5.0 - Adopting a Green BehaviourUnit 5.1

- Energy Eco Tips at the OfficeUnit 6.0 - Obligations to the Government of the Day and

Relationship with MinistersUnit 7.0 - Good Practices during a Pre-Election PeriodUnit 8.0 -

Political impartialityUnit 9.0 - Responsibility towards the PublicUnit 10.0 - Conflict of

InterestUnit 11.0 - Outside EmploymentUnit 12.0 - Disclosure of Information
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch72http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch74http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch74http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch133http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch133http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch147http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch152http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch152http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch156http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch156http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch161http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch161http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch165http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch165http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch165http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch161http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch161http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch161http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch156http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch156http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch156http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch152http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch152http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch152http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch147http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch147http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch133http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch133http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch133http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch74http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch74http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch74http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch72http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch72


3/278

Unit 13.0 - Use of Public Resources
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch166http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch166http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=243#ch166


4/278

Unit 14.0 - Acceptance of Gifts and Other Benefits


5/278

Unit 15.0 - Course Summary


6/278

Unit 1.0 - Course Content


7/278


8/278

Unit 2.0 - Course Objectives


9/278


10/278


11/278

Aim of this course:


12/278

(i) It sets out the standards of correct conduct expected of Public Officers;


13/278

(ii) It emphasizes the importance of a responsible, responsive and caring Civil Serviceand is intended to promote effective administration and responsible behaviour; and


14/278

(iii) It helps to complement existing legislation and rules and its guiding principles aredesigned to maintain and enhance values that inspire trust and confidence in the

integrity of Public Officers.


15/278


16/278

Objective of this course:


17/278

To provide the direction - a self-imposed vigilance is required to achieve the higheststandards of ethical conduct. Each Ministry may however develop further specific

standards of conduct which address its own special circumstances.


18/278


19/278

Relevance of this course:


20/278

It applies to all Public Officers permanent, part-time, casual, temporary andcontractual employees of the Civil Service, the Local Government Service and the

Rodrigues Regional Assembly - irrespective of gender, grade and rank.


21/278


22/278

Public Officers are also required to comply with the relevant legislation andprocedures in force in the Service.


23/278


24/278

Unit 3.0 - Values and Principles


25/278


26/278


27/278

The three guiding principles of the Code:


28/278

(i) Public Officers shall fulfil theirlawful obligations to Government withprofessionalism, integrity and loyalty;


29/278

(ii) Public Officers shall perform their official duties honestly, faithfully and

efficientlywhile respecting the rights of the public and their colleagues; and


30/278

(iii) Public Officers shall not bring the Civil Service into disrepute through theirprivate activities.


31/278


32/278

Moreover, to inspire public confidence and trust, this code rests upon a numberof core values, which require that Public Officers behave with:


33/278

Integrity: Putting the obligations of the Civil Service above one's own personalinterests.


34/278

Selflessness: Avoid seeking personal gain or financial or other material benefits forone's family or friends through one's official position.


35/278

Impartiality: Acting solely according to the merits of a case and serving theGovernment of the day, irrespective of one's own political affinity or preference.


36/278

Objectivity: Favouring meritocracy and basing one's advice and decisions on rigorousanalysis of evidence.


37/278

Accountability: Being responsible and accountable for one's decisions and actions.


38/278

Openness: Being as open as possible in one's decisions and providing justification forone's actions whenever required.


39/278

Honesty: Acting in good faith and being truthful.


40/278

Justice: Adhering to the principles of natural justice.


41/278


42/278


43/278

Unit 3.1 - Value Your Work Values


44/278

Unit3.1-ValueyourWorkValues-F-07.03.16.flv
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F143%2FUnit3.1-ValueyourWorkValues-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F143%2FUnit3.1-ValueyourWorkValues-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F143%2FUnit3.1-ValueyourWorkValues-F-07.03.16.flv


45/278


46/278

Unit 4.0 - Personal and Professional Behaviour


47/278


48/278


49/278

Public Officers, in the performance of their duties, shall:


50/278

(i) demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and carry out their roles withdedication and commitment to the Civil Service and its core values;


51/278

(ii) comply with and uphold the law, and project a good, right and positive image ofthe Civil Service;


52/278

(iii) deal with the public fairly, efficiently, promptly, effectively and to the best oftheir abilities; and


53/278

(iv) not act arbitrarily or to the detriment of any person, group or body and shall havedue regard for the rights, duties and relevant interests of others.


54/278


55/278

They are, in addition, required to respect the privacy of individuals when dealing withpersonal information and have due regard for the safety of the public and colleagues at

the workplace.


56/278


57/278

Public Officers have the duty to:


58/278

(a) always conduct themselves in such a way that confidence and trust of the public inthe integrity, impartiality and effectiveness of the Civil Service are preserved and

enhanced; and


59/278

(b) treat the public and their colleagues with courtesy and respect.


60/278


61/278

They shall therefore:


62/278

(i) not cause embarrassment to colleagues or members of the public by their dress,speech or behaviour;


63/278

(ii) not consume any alcoholic drink, not use and/or abuse illicit drugs or controlledsubstances; consuming alcoholic drinks in a public place, which also includes the

workplace, is an offence liable to a fine not exceeding Rs 10,000 and imprisonment

for a term not exceeding 12 months under the Public Health Act;


64/278

(iii) not smoke any tobacco product while on duty or in any public place or any otherindoor area which is open to the public or where the public is permitted to have

access; smoking in a public place is an offence liable to fine and to imprisonment for a

term not exceeding 12 months and a third or subsequent conviction;


65/278

(iv) not engage in gambling by any means at the workplace;


66/278

(v) not cause distress to their colleagues, or otherwise contribute to disruption of theworking atmosphere in the workplace;


67/278

(vi) not discriminate against any person on ground of sex, marital status, colour, race,ethnic or national origin, age, disability, political opinion, occupation, status, sexual

orientation, religious or ethical beliefs; and


68/278

(vii) not harass, bully or otherwise intimidate members of the public or colleagues.


69/278

Unit 4.1 - 10 Traits of Work Ethics


70/278

Unit4.1-10TraitsofWorkEthics-F-07.03.16.flv
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F142%2FUnit4.1-10TraitsofWorkEthics-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F142%2FUnit4.1-10TraitsofWorkEthics-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F142%2FUnit4.1-10TraitsofWorkEthics-F-07.03.16.flv


71/278


72/278

Unit 5.0 - Adopting a Green Behaviour


73/278


74/278


75/278

Public Officers, as responsible citizens, have a key role to play to ensure thesustainable development of Mauritius.


76/278


77/278

A 'Green Government'requires the effort of one and all so as to achieve itsenvironmental goals.


78/278


79/278

Both policies and day to day activities should be in line with best environmental andsustainable development practices. This implies making judicious use of limited

resources to meet current development imperatives without jeopardizing the

availability of these same scarce resources for future generations.


80/278


81/278

Public Officers should encourage 'green behaviour' at work and lead by example bydeveloping a 'green mindedness' demonstrated by the following concrete measures,

amongst others:


82/278

Policy


83/278

Saving Paper


84/278

Saving Energy


85/278

Saving Water


86/278

Recycling


87/278

Sustainable Choices.


88/278


89/278

1. Policy


90/278

by taking into account the environmental aspect and sustainable developmentpractices when adopting policies


91/278

by mainstreaming environmental considerations whilst adopting policies.


92/278


93/278

2. Saving Paper


94/278

by reducing paper used


95/278

by re-utilizing used envelopes


96/278

by using both sides of a sheet


97/278

by limiting the number of photocopies


98/278

by thinking twice before pushing the 'print' command


99/278

by always asking "is the copy/print really required? Is the whole document needed oronly a few pages?


100/278

by sharing documents


101/278

by capitalizing on the use of IT- send more documents, especially bulky ones, by e-mail


102/278

by using misprints as notepaper.


103/278


104/278

3. Saving Energy


105/278

by optimizing the energy settings for computers and other electrical devices


106/278

by switching off office lights in unutilized spaces and electrical appliances such asair conditioners, fans and computers when not in office and at the end of the working

day


107/278

using natural lighting and ventilation as far as possible


108/278

by using air conditioners carefully as per set norms


109/278

by plugging in scanners and other devices that are used periodically only when inuse


110/278

by cutting down on the use of the lift - using the stairs is so much better for thehealth!


111/278

by walking short distances instead of using the car


112/278

by promoting the use of renewable energy.


113/278


114/278

4. Saving water


115/278

by using water in a responsible way


116/278

by turning off taps when not in use


117/278

by ensuring proper maintenance of water works to avoid leakages


118/278

by using water efficient devices, e.g. installing taps which shut off automaticallyafter use.


119/278


120/278

5. Recycling


121/278

by sorting paper from other wastes


122/278

by recycling paper and disposing of wastes in a responsible way.


123/278


124/278

6. Sustainable Choices


125/278

by always making sustainable choices


126/278

by purchasing products and services that are environmentally friendly


127/278

by using water efficient devices, e.g. installing taps which shut off automaticallyafter use.


128/278

Unit 5.1 - Energy Eco Tips at the Office


129/278

Unit5.1-EnergyEcoTipsattheOffice-F-07.03.16.flv
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F150%2FUnit5.1-EnergyEcoTipsattheOffice-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F150%2FUnit5.1-EnergyEcoTipsattheOffice-F-07.03.16.flvhttp://training.civilservice.govmu.org/pluginfile.php?file=%2F555%2Fmod_book%2Fchapter%2F150%2FUnit5.1-EnergyEcoTipsattheOffice-F-07.03.16.flv


130/278

Unit 6.0 - Obligations to the Government of the Day


131/278

and Relationship with Ministers


132/278


133/278


134/278

In broad terms, the first priority of Public Officers is to carry out Government policy.


135/278


136/278

They shall fulfil their lawful obligations to the Government with professionalism andintegrity.


137/278


138/278

In so doing, they are expected to act in a manner that will bear up against the closestpublic scrutiny.


139/278


140/278

Ministers bear political responsibility for government policies and Public Officershave a long-established role in assisting with the development as well as

implementation of such policies.


141/278


142/278

The relationship between Public Officers and Ministers shall be based on mutual trustand confidence. Public Officers shall work with their Ministers to the best of their

abilities, with integrity, courtesy and respect.


143/278


144/278

Public Officers shall:


145/278

(i)provide Ministers with honest, impartial and comprehensive advice;


146/278

(ii) not wilfully supply incorrect or misleading information to Ministers;


147/278

(iii) not withhold relevant information from Ministers;


148/278

(iv) not obstruct or unduly delay any decision;


149/278

(v) not attempt to undermine or improperly influence any Government policy; and


150/278

(vi) carry out decisions of Government efficiently, effectively and economically.


151/278

Unit 7.0 - Good Practices during a Pre-Election Period


152/278


153/278


154/278

The pre-election period, starting as from the date of issue of writs for an election ordissolution of the National Assembly until the declaration of the election results, or in

the event of a change of Government, until the new Government is appointed, is

characterized by a period of reduced decision making.


155/278


156/278

Care should be exercised when taking decisions, particularly with regards toexpenditure.


157/278


158/278

While routine government business should proceed as usual, Public Officers should,during such a period, exercise restraint in so far as the making of significant

appointments or entering into major contracts or undertakings are concerned, where

they may unduly limit the freedom of action of any incoming Government.


159/278


160/278

Public Officers should, in particular:


161/278

(i) avoid becoming possibly the subject of complaints for having been used to furtheror foster partisan purposes;


162/278

(ii) not use government resources or their positions to support particular issues orparties during the election campaign;


163/278

(iii) not become caught up in party political activities or be used for logistical supportfor political functions;


164/278

(iv) not wear political badges or display political matter; and


165/278

(v) when scheduled to speak at public functions, avoid controversial issues and limittheir statements to facts and matters of administration.


166/278

Unit 8.0 - Political Impartiality


167/278


168/278


169/278

Whatever be their own political beliefs, Public Officers:


170/278

owe loyalty to the Government of the day


171/278

should always serve the Government of the day


172/278

should observe political neutrality in their day-to-day functions and avoid activitieslikely to impair, or seen to impair, their political impartiality or the political

impartiality of the Civil Service


173/278

should not, therefore, act in a way that is determined by party politicalconsiderations or use official resources for party purposes.


174/278

Unit 9.0 - Responsibility towards the Public


175/278


176/278


177/278

Public employment carries with it a unique obligation to uphold the public interest andthis demands that people working in the Civil Service attain standards of professional

behaviour which will maintain public confidence and trust.


178/278


179/278



180/278

(i) in all circumstances be polite, courteous and respectful towards the public;


181/278

(ii) treat members of the public with fairness and equity;


182/278

(iii) address the needs of any member of the public regardless of the status, religion orsex of the person;


183/278

(iv) understand that, while discharging their duties, they are doing no favour tomembers of the public;


184/278

(v) diligently, fairly and sympathetically attend to inquiries from members of thepublic;


185/278

(vi) help the public to understand their rights and obligations;


186/278

(vii) when exercising discretionary powers, ensure that they take all facts relevant tothe case into consideration; and


187/278

(viii) also respect the confidential nature of certain information disclosed to them bymembers of the public for procedural purposes.


188/278


189/278

It is the duty of Public Officers to give to the public any information required or

adviceand to provide reasonable assistance.


190/278

Unit 10.0 - Conflict of Interest


191/278


192/278


193/278

A conflict of interest may be defined as:


194/278

a situation where the private interests of a Public Officer compete or conflict with theinterests of the Government or the Officer's public duties in such a manner as to

influence the objective exercise of his official or public duties.


195/278


196/278

Conflicts of interest include pecuniary interests(i.e. financial interests or othermaterial benefits or costs) or non-pecuniary interests (i.e. favouritism, cronyism,

nepotism, political, religious, family or other interests).


197/278


198/278

They can involve the interests of the Public Officer, members of his immediate familyor relatives (where these interests are known), business partners or associates, or his

friends.


199/278


200/278

Public Officers shall avoid:


201/278

(i) situations in which their private interests conflict, or might reasonably be perceivedto conflict, with the impartial fulfilment of their official duties and the public interest;

and


202/278

(ii) having any financial or other interests or embark on any undertaking that coulddirectly or indirectly compromise the performance of their duties.


203/278


204/278

In many circumstances, the conflict, or potential conflict, is known only to the

Public Officer.


205/278


206/278

Therefore, in case a conf li ct of interest arises, the onus is on the Publ ic Off icer to

disclose promptly, full y and appropri ately any actual or potential conf li ct of in terest,

he may have in a matter that is the subject of a considerati on.


207/278


208/278

Any Public Officer who fails to disclose his direct or indirect interest in a company,partnership or other undertaking with which the public body (which employs the

Public Officer) proposes to deal, shal l commit an of fence under the Preventi on of

Corruption Act 2002.


209/278

Unit 11.0 - Outside Employment


210/278


211/278


212/278

A Public Officer is engaged in outside employment when he works for oneorganisation and also does paid part-time or casual work for another organisation.


213/278


214/278

It includes operating a business, maintaining a professional practice or providingconsultancy services to another person or organisation.


215/278


216/278

Outside employment:


217/278

(i) has the potential for creating conflict of interest situations;


218/278

(ii) may lead to misuse of Government resources and information; and


219/278

(iii) may result in use of Government assets for non-official purposes.


220/278


221/278



222/278

(a) not engage in any outside employment, for remuneration or otherwise, unless priorapproval has been obtained from the Responsible Officer; and


223/278

(b) not accept employment or engage in activities which may conflict or interfere withthe performance of their official duties as this may cast doubt on their own integrity

and may adversely affect the image of the primary organisation for which they work

and that of the Civil Service.


224/278

Unit 12.0 - Disclosure of Information


225/278


226/278


227/278

In the course of their official duties, it is common for Public Officers to have access

to confidential information or other secret documents.


228/278


229/278

Public Officers shal l not, in any case whatsoever, misuse such information for their

pri vate interests or for the in terests of others who may be their close relati ves or

friends.


230/278


231/278



232/278

(i) ensure that confidential information to which they may have access is kept secretand is not prematurely disclosed, owing to its impact on policies and influence on

other Government decisions; and


233/278

(ii) disclose such information only if required to do so by law or upon obtainingproper authority and approval concerning the nature and extent of information to be

disclosed.


234/278


235/278

In these cases, the information disclosed shall be factual and shall not be altered in anyway that would cause prejudice to the public institution.


236/278


237/278

Public Officers reporting information shall not make any public comment or give theiropinion on the information disclosed or on any official policy or practice.


238/278


239/278

'Public comment'includes taking part in public speaking engagements, makingcomments on radio and television and expressing views in letters to the newspapers or

in books, journals or notices or where it might be expected that the publication or

circulation of the comment will spread to the community at large.


240/278


241/278

Public Officers shall be bound by, and shall continue to observe, their duties ofconfidentiality after they leave the service.


242/278

Unit 13.0 - Use of Public Resources


243/278


244/278


245/278



246/278

(i)play a leading role in ensuring security over Government assets;


247/278

(ii) as direct users, ensure that assets and other facilities (such as transport, stationery,telephones or secretarial services) provided to them for official duties or functions, are

used strictly for those duties and for no other purpose;


248/278

(iii)be scrupulous in their use of public property and services and shall not permittheir misuse by any other person or body;


249/278

(iv) manage Government assets and resources effectively and efficiently;


250/278

(v) strive to obtain value for money and to avoid waste or extravagance in the use ofpublic resources;


251/278

(vi) exercise care over government equipment, vehicles or records in their possessionor for which they are responsible; and


252/278

(vii) avoid creating situations where it is perceived that Government assets areimproperly used for their own or any other person's or body's private benefit.


253/278

Unit 14.0 - Acceptance of Gifts and Other Benefits


254/278


255/278


256/278

Gifts or benefits include, but are not restricted to, free or less than market valueaccommodation, entertainment, hospitality and travel.


257/278


258/278



259/278

(i) not abuse their official position for personal gain;


260/278

(ii) not solicit or accept gifts, rewards or benefits, which might compromise theirintegrity and that of their organisation and the Civil Service;


261/278

(iii) not demand or accept gifts, favours, hospitality or any other benefit for himself orhis family, close relatives and friends, or persons or organisations with whom he has

or has had business or political relations, which may influence or appear to influence

the impartiality with which he carries out his duties or may be or appear to be a

reward relating to his duties;


262/278

(iv) not offer or give any advantage in any way connected with his position, unlesslawfully authorised to do so;


263/278

(v) not seek to influence for private purposes any person or body, including otherPublic Officers, by misusing his official position or by offering with personal

advantages; and


264/278

(vi) not allow himself to be put, or appear to be put, in a position of obligation toreturn a favour to any person or body.


265/278


266/278

Nor should his conduct in his official capacity or in his private life make himsusceptible to the improper influence of others.


267/278

Unit 15.0 - Course Summary


268/278


269/278


270/278


271/278

Congratulations, you have now completed this course.


272/278


273/278

By the end of this course, you will be able to:


274/278

(i)understand the meaning and application of ethical values in your organisation;


275/278

(ii)identify the personal and professional behaviour you must adopt as a publicservant; and


276/278

(iii)encourage a green behaviour in your organisation.


277/278


278/278

Thank you. Please proceed to the Assessment.Click Here
http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/quiz/view.php?id=321http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/quiz/view.php?id=321http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/quiz/view.php?id=321http://training.civilservice.govmu.org/mod/quiz/view.php?id=321

code of ethics.pdf

Documents