Standards of Integrity and Conduct

A code of conduct issued by the State Services Commissioner under section 57 of the State Sector Act 1988

We must be fair, impartial, responsible, and trustworthy The State Services is made up of many organisations with powers to carry out the work of New Zealand's democratically elected governments. Whether we work in a department or in a Crown entity, we must act with a spirit of service to the community and meet the same high standards of integrity and conduct in everything we do. We must comply with the standards of integrity and conduct set out in this code. As part of complying with this code, our organisations must maintain policies and procedures that are consistent with it.

Fair We must: treat everyone fairly and with respect be professional and responsive work to make government services accessible and effective strive to make a difference to the well-being of New Zealand and all its people.

Impartial We must: maintain the political neutrality required to enable us to work with current and future governments carry out the functions of our organisation, unaffected by our personal beliefs support our organisation to provide robust and unbiased advice respect the authority of the government of the day.

Responsible We must: act lawfully and objectively use our organisation's resources carefully and only for intended purposes treat information with care and use it only for proper purposes work to improve the performance and efficiency of our organisation.

Trustworthy We must: be honest work to the best of our abilities ensure our actions are not affected by our personal interests or relationships never misuse our position for personal gain decline gifts or benefits that place us under any obligation or perceived influence avoid any activities, work or non-work, that may harm the reputation of our organisation or of the State Services.