An Ethics Pamphlet for Executive Branch Employees
An Ethics Pamphlet for Executive Branch Employees
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Introduction This pamphlet provides abrief overview of therules of ethical conduct that all employees should know and follow. The pamphlet covers only the highlights of these ethics rules which are called “ethics” rules. It answers everyday questions and provides examples of common situations that employees face. It does not describe each specific rule of conduct or cover unusual circumstances. If you have a question that is not answered here, you should discuss it with your supervisor or with an ethics official at your agency. Public service is a public trust. As Federal employees, each of us must always place loyalty to high ethical standards above private gain. Understanding and observing ethics rules is an essential element in fulfilling that trust.
April 2000
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Contents
Fourteen Principles of Conduct 5
Gifts from Outside Sources 7
Gifts Between Employees 9
Conflicting Financial Interests 11
Impartiality in Performing Of ficial Duties 12
Seeking Other Employment 13
Misuse of Position 15
Outside Activities 17
Restrictions on Former Employees 19
Special Categories of Employees 20
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(1) Public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws and ethical principles above private gain.
(2) Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious perfor- mance of duty.
(3) Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using nonpublic Government informa- tion or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest.
(4) An employee shall not, except as permitted by the Standards of Ethical Conduct, solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conduct- ing activities regulated by the employee’s agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s duties.
Fourteen Principles of Ethical Conduct for Federal Employees
These principles form the basis for the standards of ethical conduct regulation (5 C.F.R. part 2635) that is discussed and illustrated by examples on the following pages. A violation of these rules could result in disciplin- ary action or, for certain offenses, even prosecution under related criminal statutes on conflict of interest. So you should become familiar with the rules, and talk to your agency ethics officials if you have any questions or need more information. Your agency will also conduct periodic ethics training that may benefit you.
(5) Employees shall put forth honest effort in the performance of their duties.
(6) Employees shall not know- ingly make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.
(7) Employees shall not use public office for private gain.
(8) Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual.
(9) Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.
(10) Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.
(11) Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corrup- tion to appropriate authorities.
(12) Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all financial obligations, especially those — such as Federal, State, or local taxes — that are imposed by law.
(13) Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
(14) Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in the Standards of Ethical Conduct. Whether particular circumstances create an appear- ance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspec- tive of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.
