Ethics & Civil Service Values Flashcards

During a pre-election 'purdah' period, what restriction typically applies to civil servants?

Answer: They should avoid making announcements or decisions that could influence the election outcome

During pre-election periods, civil servants avoid making announcements, policy launches, or decisions that could be seen as influencing voters or benefiting any political party.

A civil servant is offered an expensive gift by a contractor who regularly bids for government work. What should they do?

Answer: Decline the gift or report it and seek guidance according to departmental policy

Civil servants must follow departmental gifts and hospitality policies, which typically require declining gifts that could create a perception of impropriety, or formally declaring them.

What is meant by a 'conflict of interest' in the context of civil service ethics?

Answer: A situation where a personal or financial interest could improperly influence official duties

A conflict of interest arises when a civil servant's personal or financial interests could improperly influence — or appear to influence — their official decision-making.

Under the principle of 'impartiality,' what must civil servants ensure regarding their political views?

Answer: Personal political views must not influence their professional advice or decisions

Impartiality requires that civil servants do not allow personal political views to influence their official advice or actions, enabling them to serve governments of different political parties.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives members of the public a right to do which of the following?

Answer: Request information held by public authorities, subject to certain exemptions

The Freedom of Information Act gives people the right to request information held by public authorities, but this right is subject to exemptions protecting matters such as national security and commercial interests.

Which legislation primarily protects civil servants who report suspected wrongdoing in the public interest?

Answer: The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides legal protection for workers, including civil servants, who make qualifying disclosures of wrongdoing in the public interest.

What distinguishes a Special Adviser from a permanent civil servant?

Answer: Special Advisers can be openly politically partisan, whereas civil servants must remain impartial

Special Advisers are temporary civil servants explicitly permitted to be politically partisan and provide political advice, unlike permanent civil servants who must maintain impartiality.