Penman joins panel discussion on ethical leadership in government at IfG ‘Nolan Principles at 30’ conference

The Institute for Government held an event looking at the Nolan Principles at 30 and what the future holds for standards in public life. Speakers included former Prime Minister Sir John Major, Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and chair of the Committee on Standards Alberto Costa MP.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman took part in a panel discussion covering the question ‘How can politicians demonstrate ethical leadership?’. Member of the Committee on Standards Paula Barker MP, Commissioner for Standards at the Northern Ireland Assembly Dr Melissa McCullough and former leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough made up the rest of the panel, chaired by IfG Programme Director Tim Durrant. 

When asked what civil servants want from their leaders, Penman said “civil servants look for respect from ministers. That respect, particularly from the last government, isn’t always there. Ministers have an obligation under the Ministerial Code to treat civil service advice with the respect it deserves. Civil servants don’t expect ministers to follow advice… they want to know they’re acting with integrity and in the public interest”.

On Parliamentary regulation, Penman said that the system has gone through a “difficult period” and is “not a perfect model but has demonstrated by the tough decisions taken and some of the significant sanctions posed that it has an appetite to regulate”.

However, the General Secretary added that he will “always prefer independent regulation. I understand the complexities around the independence of Parliament but I would always prefer independent regulation in public institutions – it’s better for the public”. He referred to the “completely independent system” in Scotland as “the sort of system we’d like to see in other governments”.

Stating that the government “needs to think about an ethics commission”, Penman referred to the current standards regime as being “entirely reliant on the PM” despite the Independent Advisor being able to launch an investigation.

“What do you do if politicians don’t face an electoral consequence?”, he asked… “The most senior public service leader in the country is the PM, and how they behave – making difficult political decisions, fulfilling promises on driving up standards – sets the tone for the whole public sector.”

By creating an ethics and integrity commission, the General Secretary said “Labour would be demonstrating that this is a government that is prepared to hold itself to a high standard”.

During a Q&A session with Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds, Penman asked what is to stop a future Prime Minister from ignoring the recommendations of the Independent Adviser on Standards, as Boris Johnson did.

Penman responded that it was clear from the minister’s answer, which did not commit to an independent process, that the government believes visibility is the key to ensuring future prime ministers do the right thing when it comes to the Ministerial Code. 

He went on to say, “that only works if you can be shamed into action… Future proofing standards isn’t easy but that shouldn’t stop you trying. I don’t doubt that the Prime Minister has a strong moral compass and ethical code, but as we’ve seen not all do.

“That’s why it’s disappointing the government won’t commit to a more robust and independent process for holding ministers and the PM to account under the Ministerial Code.”