25. Given the mixed results that previous codes of conduct have had, we do not believe that introducing a new, bespoke, code of conduct (or Conduct Charter as proposed by DLA Piper in their Project Autumn Report) will be the most effective way of addressing pockets of poor behaviour. We do, however, recommend that greater reliance is placed on "The Seven Principles of Public Life" (also known as the "Nolan" principles), especially the seventh principle, "Leadership", which provides "Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs."
26. In 2013, the Government clarified that any private organisation contracted to deliver public services is subject to the Nolan principles and, accordingly, we believe that "good industry practice" requires any PFI Contractor (and its subcontractors) to operate in accordance with the "Seven Principles of Public Life". We also believe that consultants engaged by Public Authorities should be expected to comply with the Nolan principles. Based on some of the examples of poor behaviour shared with us by public and private consultees, we believe that the Nolan principles are not always being complied with by the public and private sector (and their respective consultants/advisers). We therefore focus here on two recommendations dealing with behaviours:
(a) Awareness of the Nolan Principles - the IPA, together with Government Departments, should raise awareness of the relevance of the Nolan Principles to the delivery of PFI Contracts; and
(b) All staff engaged in delivering and managing PFI Contracts should be treated with respect - reports of poor behaviours should be dealt with corporately at a local level, in line with the Nolan Principles, and supply chain members working on PFI projects should be accorded the same respect as public employees. If issues are referred to Government Departments, they should pursue these issues with local corporate leadership.