The updated code of conduct for Civil Servants has been released as part of the SAGE Commission’s major report into Government efficiency.

The code — amended last year under former Premier Paula Cox — refocused on “values and behaviours that underpin good governance and ethical and accountable public administration” rather than conditions of employment.

The document tells Civil Servants: “You should be aware that breaches of Financial Instructions are subject to disciplinary action including possible surcharge (a requirement to re-pay any losses to government from your own resources) and/or dismissal.”

And it adds some breaches of Financial Instructions could be classed as criminal offences.

The code warns Civil Servants that Ministers should not ask members of the public service to behave in “illegal, improper, immoral or unethical” ways.”

It added that Ministers should not expect Civil Servants to follow instructions that breaches the Constitution or professional codes or rules and legislation on good government.

The code also tells Civil Servants that they should not “misuse their official position, for example by using information acquired in the course of your official duties to further your private interests or those of others, especially family friends and associates.”

And it warns that Civil Servants should not accept gifts which could be seen to compromise their integrity or disclose official information without permission.

The code added: “You should exercise particular care to avoid using public money for your personal purposes and moreover to avoid the perception that you are doing so.

“Government credit cards need to be handled with particular sensitivity, especially when used in connection with official travel, on order to avoid the impression of unwarranted extravagance.”

And it said: “You must serve the Government, whatever its political persuasion, to the best of your ability in a way which maintains political impartiality and is in line with the requirements of the code, no matter what your own political beliefs are.”

And it warns against ignoring any restrictions placed on political activity outside work and that “public servants should not accept invitations to conferences or meetings convened by, or under the aegis of, party political organisations.”

But it added that attendance of officials at party events when required by a Minister on Ministry business was excepted.

The code also lays out a complaints procedure if Civil Servants believe they have been asked to break the rules.

The document said that managers should be informed or reported to the Assistant Cabinet Secretary.

If a complaint is not resolved, public sector staff can appeal to the Secretary of the Cabinet.

And the code said that “whistle-blowing” legislation had been passed to protect the public service if they raise problems in the workplace covered by the code or by good governance legislation.