Civil Servants

3. Application of the Code

3.1 The provisions of the Code apply to all staff (i.e. established and unestablished civil servants) whether full-time or employed on an atypical basis (e.g. temporary or part-time). They also apply to staff on forms of special leave including career break except where they deal with circumstances which can only arise where the staff member is at work. The requirements in relation to official secrecy will apply to former staff, while requirements in relation to post-retirement/resignation employment will not apply to civil servants who retired prior to promulgation of this Code. Apart from the provisions in relation to civil servants and politics the Code also applies to the posts of

• Government Press Secretary,
• Deputy Government Press Secretary,
• Assistant Government Press Secretary

• all Ministerial and Attorney General Private Office staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister/Attorney General (e.g. personal assistants, special advisors, personal secretaries in offices of Ministers and civilian drivers of Ministers of State).

3.2 This Code forms part of the terms of employment of all civil servants who are expected to apply it at all times. A copy must be given to every staff member on entry to the Civil Service and they will be required to certify in writing that they have received and read it. The Code will be circulated to all existing staff who will be required to sign a similar declaration. An opportunity should be given to staff to obtain clarification on any aspect of the Code. Staff induction courses will include instruction on the provisions of the Code. Breaches of the Code will constitute a breach of the terms of employment of a civil servant and may result in disciplinary action.

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