Nolan Principles in public service and 4 cardinal virtues of Aristotle

The Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) an advisory non-departmental body of the UK Government was established in 1994 to advise the Prime Minister on ethical standards of public life.

CSPL published its first Report in 1995 titled "The Seven Principles of Public Life", also known as the "Nolan principles". They were:

• Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

• Integrity – Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

• Objectivity – In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit and facts, not on personal judgments

• Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

• Openness – Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

• Honesty – Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

• Leadership – Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

My take: In a world that is extremely biased and promoting 'Wolf warrior diplomacy' civil servants with strong value systems upholding the Nolan principles are a rare species and dearly wanted. Added to the above is extreme importance of 'compassion' and 'apathy' towards the general public that they owe to serve.

Also, the 4 cardinal virtues of Aristotle becomes important for civil servants to fearlessly serve the people. The 4 cardinal virtues of Aristotle includes: prudence (wisdom), temperance (self-discipline and self-control), fortitude (courage) and justice.