Guide to Parliamentary Work

2. Conduct of Officials

2.1 Guidance governing this area can be found in the Civil Service Code [External website] and may be supplemented by other relevant guidance published by individual departments. The Code specifies the acceptable standards of behaviour for civil servants, particularly with regard to engaging in contact with individuals and groups outside Government. These include acting with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. The issues faced by those working in parliamentary units will be the same as those faced by other Whitehall civil servants. Officials must also observe rules concerning etiquette when required to attend Parliament for business.

2.2 There will be legitimate occasions when those working in the parliamentary setting will have to engage with those outside Government. This may include Members of both Houses and lobbyists. There are acceptable reasons for contact taking place, such as clarifying a Parliamentary Question with a Member of Parliament. Each situation should be considered on an individual basis. Any concern about a specific matter should be raised in the first instance with line managers or the departmental representative appointed to advise staff on the Code. Advice will also be available from the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons or the Propriety and Ethics Team in the Cabinet Office.

2.3 Officials should acquaint themselves with all aspects of the Code. The following examples of conduct from the Code are particularly relevant:

• You must not disclose official information without authority. This duty continues to apply after you leave the Civil Service.
  
  It is important to remember that papers and reports of Select Committees are the property of the specific Committee and are subject to Parliamentary privilege. Guidance must be sought from the Clerk of the Select Committee if any doubt arises as to whether particular papers are for public disclosure;
• you must not accept gifts or hospitality or receive benefits from anyone which might reasonably be seen to compromise your personal judgement or integrity;
• you must not deceive or knowingly mislead Ministers, Parliament or others; and
• you must not act in a way that is determined by party political considerations; official resources must not be used for party political purposes.