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5.5 Public Service and Leadership
Boards are responsible for determining the specific values and standards for their own organisation building on the core values and standards set out in the Code of Conduct. As an individual Board member, you are expected to show leadership by promoting these values and standards and by acting as a role model for others within the organisation in terms of standards of personal behaviour.
You have a duty to act in the interests of the public body of which you are a member and in accordance with the core tasks of that body. Board members should always act fairly, in good faith and objectively to meet the specified objectives of the body to which you have been appointed. You should ensure that nothing you do or say should ever weaken the public's faith in the integrity of public service and, in particular, your organisation and its Board members.
Board members should be aware that issues such as the receipt of gifts and hospitality, conflicts of interest and public accountability assume a much greater importance in public service than in the private sector. Likewise, Board members and senior executives are expected to be meticulous in complying with any rules of the public body in respect of remuneration, allowances and expenses. Minor breaches in any of these matters can attract significant criticism and adverse press coverage. This is largely due to the sensitivities arising from the fact that public service organisations are funded with taxpayers' money. Any such breaches may also be a breach of the Code of Conduct.
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