Course Modules

Module 1: Foundational Principles of Public Sector Ethics 

• Defining public sector ethics: public trust, impartiality, fairness, accountability, transparency.
• The unique ethical obligations of public servants.
• Core values in public service: integrity, professionalism, diligence, respect.
• Ethical theories and decision-making frameworks for public officials.
• The importance of ethics in building public confidence and good governance.
• Case Study: Analyze a real-world ethical dilemma faced by a public official and discuss possible courses of action based on ethical principles.

Module 2: Public Sector Codes of Conduct 

• Purpose and key elements of a public sector Code of Conduct.
• Translating ethical principles into actionable rules and guidelines.
• Communicating and internalizing the Code of Conduct within an organization.
• Roles and responsibilities in upholding the Code (individual, supervisory, leadership).
• Examples of national and international public sector codes.
• Hands-on Exercise: Review a sample public sector Code of Conduct and identify its strengths and areas for improvement.

Module 3: Preventing and Managing Conflicts of Interest 

• Defining conflicts of interest: actual, potential, perceived.
• Types of conflicts: financial, personal relationships, outside employment.
• Legal and policy frameworks for managing conflicts of interest.
• Disclosure requirements and registers of interest.
• Recusal procedures and divestment strategies.
• Hands-on Exercise: For a hypothetical scenario involving a public official, identify potential conflicts of interest and propose appropriate mitigation measures.

Module 4: Enforcement Mechanisms and Disciplinary Processes 

• Institutional frameworks for ethics enforcement: ethics commissions, integrity bodies, HR departments.
• Investigative processes for alleged misconduct.
• Disciplinary procedures and due process requirements.
• Range of sanctions for ethical breaches: warnings, reprimands, dismissal, prosecution.
• Appeals processes and legal recourse.
• Study Tour (Virtual/Video): A virtual tour or video presentation on an ethics and anti-corruption commission's enforcement mechanisms or a public sector HR department's disciplinary process.

Module 5: Fostering an Ethical Culture and Leadership 

• The role of leadership in promoting public sector ethics: "tone at the top."
• Ethical leadership and role modeling.
• Training and continuous professional development in ethics.
• Whistleblower protection and safe reporting mechanisms (brief review).
• Measuring and promoting ethical performance within public institutions.
• Final Exercise: Participants develop a short action plan to promote an ethical culture within a specific public sector department or agency, focusing on practical steps.