Revamped ministerial code of conduct ‘missed opportunity’

Theresa May’s revamp of the code of conduct governing ministerial behaviour in the wake of recent scandals has been dismissed as a “missed opportunity” by a union representing civil servants.

The revised code states inappropriate behaviour, including harassment or bullying of staff and colleagues: “will not be tolerated”, but the FDA union said there was no detail on what sanctions ministers could face and who would investigate allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

At the first meeting of her new Cabinet in 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister made clear she expects colleagues to ensure they and their ministerial teams read and observe the new document.

In a new statement on the general principles of ministerial behaviour, the code now states: “Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect.

“Working relationships, including with civil servants, ministerial and parliamentary colleagues and parliamentary staff, should be proper and appropriate.

“Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour wherever it takes place is not consistent with the Ministerial Code and will not be tolerated.”

But FDA assistant general secretary Naomi Cooke said: “This behind-closed-doors tinkering with the ministerial code will do nothing to reassure civil servants that there’s a proper system in place to protect them from harassment and bullying.”

Ms Cooke said there was “a crisis of confidence” among civil servants over the way bullying complaints are handled, with just 14% in a recent survey said they were confident that a complaint against a minister or adviser would be properly investigated.

Although the code “talks tough”, it does not make clear “what will happen to a minister who fails to treat a member of staff with ‘consideration and respect”.’

Following Priti Patel’s enforced resignation in November after she failed to report meetings with Israeli government officials during a private holiday in the country, the new code also includes a clause making clear that such contacts must be declared.

The ministerial code of conduct was introduced by John Major in 1992 and has

Theresa May.