The Nolan Committee
In 1994, then-Prime Minister John Major announced the formation of a Committee on Standards in Public Life, which would be chaired by Lord Nolan. It is a non-profit organisation that advises the government on ethical standards in all aspects of public life in the United Kingdom.
Lord Nolan began his Committee's First Report, published in May 1995, by laying out what he referred to as "The Seven Principles of Public Life," or "the Nolan Principles."
All aspects of public life are governed by these principles. They were laid out by the Committee for the benefit of all who serve the public in any capacity.
NOLAN’S SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE
1. Selflessness Principle: Those in positions of public trust should make decisions solely in the public interest. They should not do anything to benefit themselves, their families, or their friends financially or otherwise.
2. Integrity Principle: Persons in positions of public trust should not owe any financial or other obligations to outside individuals or organisations that could sway them in the performance of their official duties.
3. Objectivity Principle: Holders of public office should make decisions based solely on merit when conducting public business, such as making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits.
4. Principle of Accountability: Public officials are responsible to the public for their decisions and actions, and they must submit to whatever scrutiny is appropriate for their position.
5. Principle of Transparency: Holders of public offices should be as transparent as possible about all of their decisions and actions. They should keep track of the reasons for their decisions and only release information when it is clearly in the public interest.
6. The Principle of Honesty: Holders of public offices have a responsibility to disclose any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts that arise in a way that protects the public interest.
7. Leadership Principle: Holders of public offices should lead by example and promote and support these principles.