The Civil Service supports the Government in developing and implementing its policies, and in delivering public services. This means we’re accountable to the public and need to meet the highest possible standards in all that we do. Our core values reflect this.
On 11 November 2010, the Civil Service provisions of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 came into force. The legislation places the Civil Service values on a statutory footing and includes the publication of a Civil Service Code.
The Civil Service Code, first published in 1996, sets out the core Civil Service values and the standards of behaviour expected of all civil servants in upholding these values.
- Integrity – putting the obligations of public service above personal interests
- Honesty – being truthful and open
- Objectivity – basing advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence
- Impartiality – acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving governments of different political parties equally well
Read the Civil Service Code
- Civil Service Code Word version [DOC 64.5KB, 7 pages]
- Civil Service Code PDF version [PDF 35KB, 7 pages]
Head of the Civil Service Sir Gus O’Donnell has a vision to bring the core values of the Civil Service Code to life. His vision is for a Civil Service which exudes pride, passion, pace and professionalism – the Four Ps.
- Pride – civil servants should take pride in the value they add and the services they deliver to the public.
- Passion – civil servants should care about their work and the people they serve. A culture that values passion will also keep attracting the most talented people to join the organisation.
- Pace – the Civil Service needs to ensure it gets on with the job as quickly as possible and provides value for money.
- Professionalism – this can be achieved by constantly lifting standards and promoting a culture that values lifelong learning.