The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life? (MORNING)

In 1995, the prime minister’s ethics adviser Lord Nolan set out the Seven Principles of Public Life. Since then, the Nolan Principles have been the basis for the ethical standards expected of those working in the public sector, from the prime minister to civil servants to police officers – but from the expenses scandal to 'partygate', and ethical failings in the NHS, police forces and local government, standards in public life have been repeatedly under scrutiny over the last 30 years. So how have the Nolan Principles shaped public life over the last 30 years? What do ethical standards mean for the way frontline officials interact with the public? How might emerging trends like technology help or hinder public office-holders to act ethically? And as faith in politics falls and public debate coarsens, how can politicians uphold high standards of behaviour? To mark the 30th anniversary of the Nolan Principles, and to explore how ethical standards can be upheld in the future, the IfG brought together a series of expert panels and keynote speakers – including former prime minister the Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH – for a thought-provoking and stimulating one-day conference. The agenda included: Welcome Introduction from Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the IfG, and Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life Keynote speech: Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH Chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the IfG. How can politicians demonstrate ethical leadership? After 30 years of the Nolan Principles, ethical scandals – from partygate to freebiegate – are still a regular feature of UK political life and public trust in politicians remains low. What role do politicians play in leading by example? How should politicians in Westminster, devolved and local governments demonstrate their commitment to the Nolan Principles? How can they show ethical leadership within their organisations? And what does upholding standards look like in different political and governmental contexts? Speakers: Paula Barker MP, member of the Commons Select Committee on Standards Roger Gough, former leader of Kent County Council Dr Melissa McCullough, Commissioner for Standards, NI Assembly Dave Penman, General Secretary, FDA This session was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Speech: Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the Committee on Standards Chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Get more from the IfG: ►Register to our upcoming events: https://www.instituteforgovernment.or... ►Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3Wz9tQx ►Catch up on previous events at: https://www.instituteforgovernment.or... ►Listen to our podcast at: https://www.instituteforgovernment.or... #NolanPrinciples #ministers #ethicalstandards 00:00 - 07:17: Introductory remarks 07:17 - 1:17:43: Keynote speech: Sir John Major 1:17:44 - 2:30:47: How can politicians demonstrate ethical leadership? 2:30:48 - 3:07:31: Speech: Alberto Costa MP