Appendix 1
The principles of public life
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about .all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public Interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public Interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Personal judgement
Holders of public office may take account of the views of others, including their political groups, but should reach their own conclusions on the issues before them and act in accordance with those conclusions.
Respect for others
Holders of public office should promote equality by not discriminating against any person, and by treating people with respect, regardless of their race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. They should respect the impartiality and integrity of the authority’s statutory officers and its other employees
Duty to uphold the law
Holders of public office should uphold the law and, on all occasions, act in accordance with the trust that the public is entitled to place in them
Stewardship
Holders of public office should do whatever they are able to do to ensure that their authorities use their resources prudently, and in accordance with the law.