Watchdog issues guide for public services providers on high ethical standards

The Committee on Standards in Public Life has this month published practical guidance for providers of public services – whether outsourced or in-house – to promote high ethical standards.

The 25-page guide, Ethical standards for providers of public services, covers a range of topics, including:

• Action to develop and support ethical frameworks in providers of public services;
• Measures to provide assurance of ethical standards; and
• Practical examples and case studies.

Writing in the foreword, CSPL chair Lord Bew said: “Ethics matter. This is increasingly recognised by the business community as a necessary part of winning trust and building confidence in the public service markets. Ethical standards should not be taken for granted.

“Commissioners and providers need to be explicit with each other and the public as to the standards expected in the services which are being delivered.”

The guide follows up on an earlier report issued by the Committee In June 2014. Amongst other things, this called for ethical standards reflecting the Seven Principles of Public Life to be addressed in contractual arrangements with those who deliver public services.

The Committee also suggested that providers should be required to undertake that they have the structures and arrangements in place to support this.

It warned that, with more and more public services being outsourced or managed through public-private partnership, those who operated in the private or voluntary sectors might not be aware of the Seven Principles or – even if they were – consider that they were applicable to them.