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nolan committee

The Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life was set up in 1994 as a result of public concern about the financial probity of holders of public office. It was concerned with standards in public life generally and particularly where public funds were involved.
 
The key points are summarised below, however, you can look at the Nolan Committee first report here and the second report here.
 
The importance of the Nolan recommendations is that they provide a number of standards to guide the interpretation of legislation, decisions and actions of those employed in public office. It has the effect of emphasising the intention behind legislation.
 
The seven standards identified by the Nolan Committee are listed here:

The Seven Principles of Public Life


Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material 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 organisations that might 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.

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 that 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.
Furthermore, the Nolan Committee made important recommendations for the governance of further education colleges in areas that include:
  • the appointment and training of governors
  • openness
  • codes of conduct
  • conflicts of interest
  • whistleblowing (see Public Interest Disclosure Act)
  • the limits of commercial confidentiality
These core values have been built into the statutory Instrument and Articles of government. It is important to recognise that the conduct of the governing body is judged against those core values and you may find it helpful to follow the intent behind the Nolan principles in the way you interpret and apply legislation in conducting the business of the governing body.
You can look in more detail at ways the Nolan recommendations are applied in practice here.
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All colleges are required to have a written policy covering action where evidence of potential fraud or irregularity is discovered and should include action if the issue is particularly urgent. The policy can either be separate or contained within the college's financial regulation.   
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