Seven Principles of Public Life PDF

# The Seven Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership The Seven Principles of Public Life were established by Lord ​Nolan in 1995. They apply to anyone who works as a public office holder, including elected and appointed posi...

# The Seven Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership The Seven Principles of Public Life were established by Lord ​Nolan in 1995. They apply to anyone who works as a public office holder, including elected and appointed positions. These principles apply to: - Civil service - Local government - Police - Courts and probation services - Non-departmental public bodies - Health, education, and social care services. These principles also apply to other sectors that deliver public services. The British Government appointed the Committee on Standards in Public Life in October 1994 to advise the Prime Minister on ethical standards of public life. The Committee was established to: - Examine concerns about standards of conduct of all holders of public office, including arrangements relating to financial and commercial activities; and - Make recommendations as to any changes in present arrangements which might be required to ensure the highest standards of propriety in public life. The Committee submitted its first report in 1995, outlining the seven principles of public life. As of 2015, these principles have been amended as follows: - **Selflessness:** Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. - **Integrity:** Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organizations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships. - **Objectivity:** Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias. - **Accountability:** Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this. - **Openness:** Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing. - **Honesty:** Holders of public office should be truthful. - **Leadership:** Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behavior. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behavior wherever it occurs.