The Members of the Anti-Corruption Commission have adopted the Code of Conduct promulgated by the Commission for Standards in Public Life.

 
NOLAN PRINCIPLES

Members agree to uphold, promote and undertake to be bound by the seven core principles, known as the Nolan Principles, which form the basis of a universal standard of good governance.

· Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

· Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions 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.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Members also undertake, in the course of their duties, to be:

Compliant with Laws:
  • Members shall act in accordance with all applicable laws and should comply with the spirit and intent of the law.
  • Members shall not commit or condone an unethical or illegal act or invoke another to do so.
  • Members should be familiar with legislation, policies and directives that apply to their work and the work of the public body on which they serve in order to comply with or facilitate others’ compliance with applicable laws.
  • Members should recognize the public interest through consistency and predictability in the exercise of their decision-making authority by considering relevant facts and evidence as well as law and jurisprudence.
 
Objective/Impartial:
  • Members should approach every matter and every issue arising with an open mind, and avoid doing or saying anything to cause any person to think otherwise.
  • Members should be independent in decision-making.
 
Fair/Courteous:
  • Members have an obligation to comply with procedural fairness and natural justice requirements and to act impartially in the conduct of matters, including in matters of law and Member attitude and demeanour.
  • Members should treat each person with dignity and respect and in a manner that builds trust.
 
Accessible:
  • Members should treat all persons fairly, and without favouritism.
  • Members should be aware and respectful of social and cultural differences. In the course of their duties, they should act in a manner that promotes an appreciation of diversity.
  • Members must be sensitive to potential barriers to accessibility.
  • Members should ensure persons understand procedures and practices and can participate equally, whether or not they are represented.
 
Consistent:
  • Members should be fully prepared for all meetings and ensure that meetings are orderly.
 
Respectful of Ensuring Optimum Cost:
  • Members should ensure that meetings are streamlined to the best extent possible without sacrificing fairness.
  • Members should respect the use and treatment of public funds.
 
Collegial:
  • Members should foster a collegial working environment and conduct themselves in a manner that reinforces the integrity and professionalism of the Anti-Corruption Commission among appointees and with support staff.
  • Members should conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect for the views and opinions of colleagues.
  • Members should not comment publicly on another member’s decision or conduct unless otherwise approved through an established policy.
 
Confidential:
  • Members shall consider the privacy interests of individuals in the conduct of meetings and decisions, and act in accordance with applicable laws.
  • Members must not disclose information that the Anti-Corruption Commission considers to be confidential.
  • Members must not take advantage of confidential information obtained through official duties to obtain a personal benefit.
  • Members should follow Anti-Corruption Commission policies for communicating in the media and should not communicate with the media regarding a decision unless otherwise established through policy.

 

You can find the ACC Code of Conduct here: 

ACC Code of Conduct 2023