All agencies will have codes of conduct that address key issues raised in the public service code, conflict of interest disclosure practices, and safe disclosure practices. Copies of agency policies will be filed with the Agency Governance Secretariat.

Discussion

Trust is the fundamental relationship between directors and the public agencies that they serve. A commitment to trust is essential to honesty and integrity. Ethical conduct within this relationship imposes certain obligations.

The requirement to have a code of conduct will demonstrate that all aspects of the Government of Alberta’s work are conducted in an ethical manner, and that systems are in place to manage conflicts of interest.

Tools for Agencies

Evaluating current codes of conduct

An evaluation chart can be used to help agencies in determining whether their codes of conduct address the key issues outlined in the public service code.

A generic chart that examines the public service code and how it could relate to an agency's code of conduct has been developed. Agencies may determine that their circumstances warrant more stringent guidelines on some topics. For example, agencies may determine that their circumstances warrant more stringent guidelines on some topics.

Download:  Evaluation Chart for Existing Codes of Conduct (pdf, opens in a new window)

Generic template

A generic template for a Code of Conduct and Ethics is one example of how an agency could adapt the public service code for its own use. It tracks the wording of the public service code, and includes the option of being applicable to only the members of an agency’s governing body, or to include employees as well (include the words in square brackets to have the code apply to employees).

Download: Code of Conduct and Ethics template (pdf, opens in a new window)

Note — While all agencies need, at a minimum, to have codes that cover the issues outlined here, these tools should be used as general guidance and should be adapted to suit the needs of an individual agency.

Pre-appointment screening

Prior to being appointed to an agency, potential directors must be screened for real or potential conflicts of interest. Before being appointed, individuals must review and agree to abide by the agency’s code of conduct.

Additional assistance in the identification and mitigation of potential or actual conflicts of interest is available from the Agency Governance Secretariat.