We expect the highest standards of personal integrity from our staff in serving the Highland Community as employees of the Council. The following Seven Principles are a summary of those standards. A full copy of our staff Code of Conduct is issued to every new employee and a briefing on its contents and how it is to be applied is provided as part of the induction process.
Selflessness
You should not take decisions which will result in any financial or other benefit to yourself, your family, your friends, Council elected members or other employees. Decisions should be based solely on the Highland Council’s best interests.
Integrity
You should not knowingly place yourself under any financial or other obligation to an individual or an organisation which might influence you in your work with the Highland Council.
Objectivity
Any decisions which you make in the course of your work with the Council, including making appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits, must be based solely on merit.
Accountability
You are accountable to the Highland Council as your employer. The Council, in turn, is accountable to the public.
Openness
You should be as open as possible in all the decisions and actions that you take. You should give reasons for your decisions and should not restrict information unless this is clearly required by Council policy or by the law.
Honesty
You have a duty to declare any private interests which might affect your work with the Council.
Leadership
If you are a manager, you should promote and support these principles by your leadership and example.