About the Ombudsman

Code of conduct

People have high expectations of those who hold public appointments. The Ombudsman is committed to meeting those expectations by ensuring that her conduct in fulfilling her statutory role is above reproach.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life has set out Seven Principles of Public Life, which it believes should apply to all in the public service. The Ombudsman observes these principles in the performance of her public duties. The seven principles are:

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other 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.

Leadership

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

Source: http://www.slso.org.uk/conduct.shtml