Most commonly asked questions with regards to Ethics

What is ethics?

Ethics is a set of principles and values that guide the way in which we behave as individuals and as a group. Ethics shapes who we are as an individual and as an organisation.

What are our core values?

Integrity: we are honest and fair in our actions and decisions

Respect: we treat everyone with dignity and respect without discrimination

Professionalism: we are committed to the mission of our Organisation and strive to achieve the highest standards

What does the Ethics Officer do?

The mandate of the Ethics Officer covers issues such as the management of conflicts of interest, secondary activities, gifts etc.... in the exception of harassment issues as well as investigations/inquiries into fraud or corruption.
 
The Ethics Officer answers questions and provides advice on ethical questions to staff and any person who is in contact with the Council of Europe. It is important consult him/her in the process as possible so that we avoid a problem down the line.
 
The Ethics officers role is preventive and therefore he/she will not judge anyone, to lecture or to sanction. He/she gives an opinion and it is up to the person then to decide what to do with it.
 
Also, the Ethics Officers works with other sectors of the Organisation to improve ethical framework. And it does need improvement, notably, it needs to be consolidated in one document as it is at present scattered, and needs to cover more clearly other issues, such as what can a staff member do when he or she ceases to work for the organisation.
 
The Ethics Officer can provide training, if need be. However a online training tool developed by the Directorate of Internal Oversight will be available soon.

Who can consult the Ethics Officer?

  Any staff member and any person who enters into contact with the Council of Europe, such as judges of the Court, members of PACE and of Congress, INGOs, experts, service providers, etc..

What about confidentiality?

Anyone who consults the Ethics Officer is guaranteed with confidentiality.

The Ethics Officer doesn't report about names or facts.