The NSW Public Service Commissioner has urged the state’s government employees to familiarise themselves with the new code of conduct ahead of its introduction in November.

The new code sets out minimum expected standards of behaviour that all employees must meet and provides a framework to guide decisions and behaviour at every job level.

The code of conduct and accompanying ethical framework is based on core values of integrity, trust, service and accountability, and covers areas including conflicts of interest; gifts, benefits and hospitality; public comments; records managment; confidentiality and privacy; recruitment; secondary employment and workplace conduct.

The new code will be binding on all government sector employees once it comes into effect in November 1 and all departments and agencies will be required to take steps to make that any existing codes of conduct are consistent with the new code, Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo says.

Ms Lo said the code applies across the whole government sector, which means if employees move between agencies they will always be clear about what’s expected of them.

Departments and agencies can add to this code with additional guidance that’s specific to their context.

The code will apply at all times when a public servant is acting in the course of or in connection with their employment, including at conferences and training events, during official travel, in online communications and work related social events.

“As government sector employees, the people of New South Wales expect and need us to act ethically and fairly and to comply with the law the new the new Code of Ethics and Conduct,” Ms Lo said.

“I’m issuing sets out clear minimum expected standards of behavior that all government sector employees must meet.

“As NSW government sector employees we all play a key role in developing pro-integrity workplace cultures.

“It is important that you not only act in a way that reflects government ethical obligations, but that you also help embed this across your agency.”

The NSW PSC has also launched an ethics hub with information the code of conduct and ethical framework .

“I encourage you to visit the hub and make use of the resources,” Ms Lo said.

Ms Lo also encouraged anyone who sees behaviour that doesn’t live up to the code to speak up.

“You should follow your agency’s policies for reporting wrongdoing where you believe this has occurred,” she said.

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