Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics — Definition

Definition

Public-service ethics is the set of principles and responsibilities guiding the use of entrusted public authority and resources. It requires decisions that are lawful, evidence-based, impartial, responsive and open to appropriate scrutiny.

The public official's role differs from a private person's freedom to act on personal preference because official choices affect rights, services and collective resources. Ethical administration therefore joins individual integrity with institutions that clarify duties, record reasons and correct mistakes.

It does not eliminate discretion; it makes discretion defensible. A useful decision must also be implemented competently, since good intentions and a well-written order do not by themselves deliver a fair service.