Don’t know whether to laugh or cry here:

Click to access CSPL_EthicalStandards_web.pdf

On balance, cry. How little this means to EDDC.

A few choice bits:

Ethics matter. The public are right to expect high ethical standards and the government must ensure that this is achieved regardless of who is providing public services. 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 and they have not been taken seriously enough to date. These risks are recognised by some commissioners and providers but they are rarely addressed explicitly. Where implicit, ethical expectations are articulated in different ways.

We recommend that:
■■ accounting officers actively seek assurance that public money is being spent in accordance with the high ethical standards expected of all providers of public services and annually certify (as part of managing public money duties) that they have satisfied themselves about the adequacy of their organisation’s arrangements;

….. the behaviours that members of the public expect of public office holders are:
■■ to be committed to public rather than private ends (selflessness and integrity);
■■ to be honest and open in decision-making;
■■ to make decisions in the light of the best evidence (objectivity);
■■ to be held accountable (particularly senior public figures); and
■■ to lead exemplary lives in public office (leadership)

The organisation needs a culture where everyone is encouraged to question and challenge and report unethical behaviour, where complaints are respected and concerns addressed, feedback is encouraged and acted upon in order to continuously improve and whistle-blowing is seen as last resort.

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