Civil Services Code, UK

The Civil Service is an integral and key part of the Government of the United Kingdom. It supports the government of the day in developing and implementing its policies, and in delivering public services. 

The Civil Service Code, forms part of the terms and conditions of every civil servant.  It was first introduced in 1996 and has been updated several times since.

The Civil Service Commission has two important roles in relation to the Civil Service Code. 

• The Commission hears complaints under the Code from civil servants. 
• The Commission also works with Departments to help them with their promotion of the Code.

The Civil Service Code outlines the core values of the Civil Service:

• Honesty- is being truthful and open
• Integrity- is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests;
• Impartiality- is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well governments of different political persuasions ; and
• Objectivity-is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence

It describes the standards of behavior expected of individual civil servants against each of these four values.

If a civil servant is asked to do something which conflicts with the values in the Code, or is aware that another civil servant is acting in conflict with the values, he or she should raise a concern within their own department.

Their department should investigate their concern. If they are dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation they may bring a complaint to the Civil Service Commission. The Commission may also hear a complaint direct.