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3. The Ethical Framework for the government sector
All NSW government sector employees are required and expected to act ethically, lawfully and in the public interest. This can be achieved by adhering to the government sector core values of Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Service. These core values are underpinned by 18 principles, which will help you put the values into action. These core values and principles are collectively prescribed by the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (NSW) (GSE Act) as the Ethical Framework for the government sector (the Ethical Framework) and are all of equal importance.
The Ethical Framework is to be demonstrated by employees in their working relations with other government sector employees, clients and customers, stakeholders and the government of the day.
Integrity
- Consider people equally without prejudice or favour
- Act professionally with honesty, consistency and impartiality
- Take responsibility for situations, showing leadership and courage
- Place the public interest over personal interest
Trust
- Appreciate difference and welcome learning from others
- Build relationships based on mutual respect
- Uphold the law, institutions of government and democratic principles
- Communicate intentions clearly and invite teamwork and collaboration
- Provide apolitical and non-partisan advice
Service
- Provide services fairly with a focus on customer needs
- Be flexible, innovative and reliable in service delivery
- Engage with the not-for-profit and business sectors to develop and implement service solutions
- Focus on quality while maximising service delivery
Accountability
- Recruit and promote employees on merit
- Take responsibility for decisions and actions
- Provide transparency to enable public scrutiny
- Observe standards for safety
- Be fiscally responsible and focus on efficient, effective and prudent use of resources