Fast Stream Ethics & Civil Service Values 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following correctly lists the four core values outlined in the Civil Service Code?
- Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Impartiality
- Fairness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability
- Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality (Correct answer)
- Impartiality, Honesty, Neutrality, Professionalism
Correct answer: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality
The Civil Service Code defines four core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality — transparency, fairness, and neutrality are not among them.
Question 2: Under the Civil Service Code, what does 'integrity' primarily mean for a civil servant?
- Producing work of the highest possible standard at all times
- Maintaining strict confidentiality about all government activities
- Always supporting ministerial decisions without question
- Putting the obligations of public service above personal interests (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Putting the obligations of public service above personal interests
Integrity in the Civil Service Code means civil servants must put the obligations of public service above their own personal interests and must not misuse their position for personal gain.
Question 3: The Nolan Principles (Seven Principles of Public Life) were first established in 1995 by which body?
- The Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics team
- The Committee on Standards in Public Life (Correct answer)
- The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner
- The Civil Service Commission
Correct answer: The Committee on Standards in Public Life
Lord Nolan's Committee on Standards in Public Life established the seven principles in 1995, and they apply to all holders of public office.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT one of the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life?
- Selflessness
- Openness
- Efficiency (Correct answer)
- Accountability
Correct answer: Efficiency
The seven Nolan Principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership — efficiency is an operational concept, not an ethical principle.
Question 5: If a civil servant believes they are being asked to act in a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Code, what is the correct first step?
- Contact a whistleblowing charity for external advice
- Refuse to carry out the instruction immediately
- Raise the concern with their line manager or a more senior official (Correct answer)
- Report the matter directly to the Civil Service Commission
Correct answer: Raise the concern with their line manager or a more senior official
The Civil Service Code directs civil servants to raise concerns internally with a line manager or more senior official before escalating outside the department.
Question 6: What is the primary role of the Civil Service Commission?
- To investigate complaints from members of the public about civil servants
- To advise ministers on which civil servants should be promoted
- To set the pay and conditions of all civil servants
- To uphold the principle of selection on merit through fair and open competition (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To uphold the principle of selection on merit through fair and open competition
The Civil Service Commission's primary role is to uphold the requirement that civil servants are selected on merit through fair and open competition, safeguarding the integrity of recruitment.
Question 7: Under the Civil Service Code, 'objectivity' requires civil servants to do which of the following?
- Defer all decisions to ministers without providing personal recommendations
- Base advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence (Correct answer)
- Always support the policies of the current government regardless of evidence
- Remain completely neutral and never express any professional opinion
Correct answer: Base advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence
Objectivity means providing advice and making decisions based on rigorous analysis of evidence, free from personal prejudice or political bias.
Fast Stream Ethics & Civil Service Values 1
Which of the following correctly lists the four core values outlined in the Civil Service Code?