CODE OF ETHICS
South Australian Public Sector
Public Sector Act, 2009
Code of Ethics Implementation:
Purpose:
• To familiarise DECD staff with the Code of Ethics
• To highlight the key aspects of the Code of Ethics
• To provide a resource and resource links to support DECD
employees
Public Sector Act 2009
Key points:
Establishes a set of principles for:
• Highest standards of ethical conduct to enable good
government in SA.
Code of Ethics is the Code of Conduct
Objectives of The Code of Ethics:
Objective #1
• To guide and support public sector employees in all of their
professional activities.
• To support the idea of a common employment framework
and a unified public sector.
Objectives of The Code of Ethics:
Objective #2
• To strengthen public confidence in the public sector.
• To ensure a sense of trust between the public sector and the
South Australian community.
Objectives of The Code of Ethics:
Objective #3
• To earn respect from citizens, government and employees for
the public sector as an institution which is critical to good
government in South Australia.
• To ensure professionalism in the South Australian Public
Sector.
Objectives of The Code of Ethics:
Objective #4
• To set out the standards of professional conduct expected of
every public sector employee.
• To support an employment framework based on broad
employment principles rather than rules, regulations and
procedures.
What does the Code of Ethics apply to?
This code applies to and is binding on all public sector employees
including all DECD employees
Including those employed under the:
• Children’s Services Act
• Education Act
• Public Sector Act
• Common Law
And
• Contracted workers
Who does the Code of Ethics apply to?
It applies regardless of the:
• nature or level of employment
• employment status (e.g. ongoing, term, casual, traineeship,
apprenticeship)
• nature of the public sector organisation (e.g. administrative
unit, attached office, public corporation, statutory authority,
public hospitals, schools, etc).
EVERYONE!
Values − The Foundation of Ethical
Behaviour
The Code of Ethics values are:
• Democratic values
• Service, respect and courtesy
• Honesty and integrity
• Accountability
• Professional Conduct Standards
The values are the foundation of ethical behaviour in the
public sector.
Values − The Foundation of Ethical
Behaviour
Democratic values:
• serving the government of the day
• maintaining political neutrality
• administering and complying with rules and regulations
• assisting the public to access public information.
Values − The Foundation of Ethical
Behaviour
Service, respect and courtesy:
• duty to provide quality services to citizens
• respect for the value and human dignity of all
• acting impartially, fairly and equitably with respect for
citizens’ rights
• responding to changing needs through teamwork, innovation
and creativity.
Values − The Foundation of Ethical
Behaviour
Honesty and integrity:
• acting honestly in every aspect of work
• ensuring transparency and acting impartially when making
decisions or providing advice
• acting fairly and equitably towards all by basing actions on
consideration of all relevant issues
• ensuring that decisions are made and actions taken in the
public interest.
Values − The Foundation of Ethical
Behaviour
Accountability:
• accountability to Minister for Education and the Minister for Early
Childhood Development for the exercise of delegated authority
• upholding principle of independence from Ministerial or agency
influence when required to do so by legislation
• to act in the letter and spirit of the law
• for the achievement of results whether working in teams or
individually in a system of performance management
• working towards clear objectives issued by the government for
DECD.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
The Professional Conduct Standards are the disciplinary
provisions of the Code of Ethics for the purposes of the
Public Sector Act 2009
For Education Act employees disciplinary provisions are
set out in the Education Act 1992
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
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professional and courteous behaviour
public comment
official information
use of govt/public resources
conflicts of interest
outside employment
acceptance of gifts and benefits
criminal behaviour
reporting unethical behaviour
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Professional and Courteous Behaviour
• Acting at all times in a reputable manner.
• Compliance with lawful and reasonable direction.
• Treating others with respect and courtesy.
• Having appropriate reasons for absence.
• Diligence in the discharge of role and duties.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Public Comment
• Requiring specific authority when commenting in an official
capacity.
• Awareness of the range of media (electronic and print) as
well as internet and speaking engagements in regard to
providing information or comment.
• Able to comment in private capacity except in certain
circumstances refer Section 15 (2) Public Sector Act 2009.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Handling Official Information
• Treat information confidentially.
• Not disclose official information unless authorised.
• Avoid the potential misuse of information.
• Maintain the integrity and security of information.
• Ensure the privacy of individuals.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Use of Government/Public Resources
• Efficient and appropriate use of work resources and
equipment.
• Understand that resources include physical, financial,
technological and intellectual property.
• Recognise that DECD, as the employer, retains ownership of
these resources.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Conflicts of Interest
• Employee actions will be impartial and without prejudice.
• Recognise that a conflict of interest can be actual or
potential.
• Ensure personal or financial interests do not influence or
interfere in role.
• Disclose in writing any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Outside Employment
• Employees must not engage in other employment where there is
conflict with their role or where outside employment affects, or
has potential to affect, performance.
• Written permission is required before engaging in outside
employment or remunerative activity.
• Permission is not required for voluntary activities unless there is an
actual or potential conflict of interest.
• On leaving the public sector avoid situations which would result in
unfair advantage for a new employer.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Acceptance of Gifts and Benefits
• An expectation of Public Sector impartiality.
• To not seek or accept gifts or benefits which may influence
your work/decisions.
• Non-pecuniary gifts or mementoes may be accepted.
• Comply with relevant DECD policies.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Criminal Offences
• The necessity to advise manager if charged with a criminal
offence at earliest opportunity.
• Compliance with all relevant legislation in regard to role as a
public sector employee and performance of duties.
Professional Conduct Standards −
exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct
Reporting Unethical Behaviour
• The expectations on employees to comply with legislation,
policies, lawful and reasonable direction in the performance
of their duties.
• The requirement to report unethical behaviour which
amounts to misconduct.
• Agencies are required to inform employees of their rights and
responsibilities under Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993.
What is the responsibility of Public
Sector employees?
• Familiarise themselves with the Code of Ethics.
• Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values,
behavioural principles and standards of professional conduct.
• Recognise that the Code of Ethics is an embodiment of the
ethos of the public sector community.
• Take ownership of the Code of Ethics.
• Shape the future development of the Code of Ethics.
Further information and advice:
ECU – Ethical Conduct Unit
Phone: 8226 1342
Fax:
8226 2100
Website: use this link to access Code of Ethics
http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/HR1/pages/default/CodeOfEthics/
Email: decd:ecu@sa.gov.au