William Eichler 08 February 2018

Code of conduct for private companies ‘urgently’ required, union says

The Government needs to establish a new code of conduct for the delivery of public services by private companies, says public service union.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has written to the minister for the cabinet office, David Lidington MP, calling for ‘a new public service ethos to underpin the delivery of services.’

Mr Prentis makes it clear the union’s preferred option is for in-house service provision, but says that if private companies are to run public contracts, they should abide by a set of principles to ensure the driving force is the public interest.

The collapse of Carillion and profit warnings from Capita made this all the more ‘urgent’, he said.

‘It is over 20 years since the Nolan Committee published the seven principles of public life – selflessness, integrity, accountability, openness, honesty, objectivity and leadership – following the cash for questions scandals in the 1990s.

‘We now need a “Nolan” for our 21st century public services.

‘If the UK is to have decent public services, the country now needs an equivalent set of principles that will apply to any private company that receives taxpayers’ money to deliver public services.

‘The Government should set about establishing these new principles without delay.’

A Government spokesperson said: 'We will respond to the letter in full in due course. However, the Government's supplier code of conduct outlines the high standards and behaviours that are expected from all of its suppliers.'

Image: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner