Parliamentary Committee calls for compulsory contractors' code

The Public Administration Select Committee, the Parliamentary Committee for the civil service, has called for tough new contract terms for public service contractors 'to help put the public interest first.'

The proposed code requires contractors to:

• observe at all times the ethical standards expected of public servants and public service bodies, including the 'Seven Principles of Public Life' (these are: Ministerial responsibility; merit; independent scrutiny; equal opportunities; probity; openness and transparency; and proportionality);
  
• make themselves accountable through elected representatives and other means for their policies and performance, with the highest standards of openness and transparency;
  
• aim to deliver public services that match in quality the best private equivalents, including standards of customer care;
• where there is no private sector equivalent, match best practice in the public sector;
  
• treat public service workers and users fairly and equitably, and involve them as much as possible in service issues.
  
• respect the right of the citizen to good administration as set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and his or her right to safe, reliable public services; and
  
• remember that public service means serving the public, not serving the interests of those who provide the service, and work collaboratively with others to this end.

The Committee advised public bodies to include the new Public Service Code in all invitations to tender and all contracts.

Under Committee proposals, the code would also enshrine new legal obligations on public employees and private and voluntary providers to uphold principles such as: openness, accountability, quality and reliability.

Tony Wright, Labour MP for Great Yarmouth and Chairman of the Committee, said: "Our report makes it clear that, at a time of rapid change in public service, we need to do far more to nurture and cultivate the principles that underlie it. The Government sometimes gives the misleading impression that it is intent on bringing private management into all parts of the public service. That suggestion of ideological prejudice has done a disservice to the cause of reform, and needs to be put right. Our proposals give the Government the chance to do that, by embedding the principles of public service, including proper democratic accountability and openness as well as quality, in every contract.

"Our proposals would also give legal ammunition, to those who want to prevent private contractors from profiteering, and ensure that public sector employees pay due attention to the needs of the user."