• Code of Practice for Panel Members
• The Seven Principles of Public Life
  

Code of Practive for Panel Members

1. Public service values

The panel of the Casino Advisory Panel must at all times

• observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the advice they provide and the management of the Casino Advisory Panel;
• be accountable to the Secretary of State, and through her to Parliament and the public more generally, for its activities and for the standard of advice it provides; and
• in accordance with Government policy on openness, comply fully with the Freedom of Information Act 2005.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is answerable to Parliament for the performance of the Casino Advisory Panel, including the policy framework within which it operates.

2. Standards in Public Life

All panel members must

• follow the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (annexed);
• comply with this Code, and ensure they understand their duties, rights and responsibilities, and that they are familiar with the function and role of the Casino Advisory Panel and any relevant statements of Government policy. Panel members should consider attending any relevant training courses (see Terms and Conditions of Appointment for details).
• not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political purpose, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their private interests or those of connected persons, firms, businesses or other organisations; and
• not hold any paid or high-profile unpaid posts in a political party, and not engage in specific political activities on matters directly affecting the work of the Casino Advisory Panel. When engaging in other political activities, panel members should be conscious of their public role and exercise proper discretion.

back to top

3. Role of Casino Advisory Panel members

Members of the panel have collective responsibility for the operation of the Casino Advisory Panel. They must:

• engage fully in collective consideration of the issues, taking account of the full range of relevant factors, including any guidance issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or the responsible minister;
• be aware of the implications of the Freedom of Information Act and
• ensure that the Casino Advisory Panel does not exceed its functions.

Communications between the Casino Advisory Panel and DCMS Ministers will generally be through the Chair and the secretariat.

Reports will be submitted to the Secretary of State when required on the Panel's progress and recommendations. These reports will provide transparent details of the process of making recommendations including the views of Members and others consulted, and how consensus and agreement was reached.

Individual panel members can normally be removed from office by the minister if they fail to perform the duties required of them in line with the standards expected in public office.

4. The role of the Chair

The Chair has particular responsibility for providing effective leadership on the issues above. In addition, the Chair is responsible for

• ensuring that the Casino Advisory Panel meets at appropriate intervals, and that the minutes of meetings and any reports to the Secretary of State accurately record the decisions taken and, where appropriate, the views of individual panel members;
• representing the views of the Casino Advisory Panel; and
• ensuring that new panel members are briefed on appointment (and their training needs considered), should the situation arise; and
• providing an assessment of panel members’ performance, if requested to do so.

back to top

5. Handling conflicts of interests

The purpose of these provisions is to avoid any danger of Casino Advisory Panel members being influenced, or appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their public duties. All panel members should therefore declare any personal or business interest which may, or may be perceived (by a reasonable member of the public) to, influence their judgement. This should include, as a minimum, personal direct and indirect pecuniary interests, and should normally also include, such interests of close family members and of people living in the same household. The register of interests should be kept up-to-date and be available to the public on request. A declaration of any interest should also be made at any panel meeting if it relates specifically to a particular issue under consideration, for recording in the minutes (whether or not a panel member also withdraws from the meeting).

Panel members should not participate in the discussion or determination of matters in which they have declared a conflict of interest, and should normally withdraw from the meeting if:

• their interest is direct and pecuniary; or
• the Chair or DCMS officials so advise.

6. Personal liability of panel members

Legal proceedings by a third party against individual panel members of advisory bodies are very exceptional. A panel member may be personally liable if he or she makes a fraudulent or negligent statement which results in a loss to a third party; or may commit a breach of confidence under common law or a criminal offence under insider dealing legislation, if he or she misuses information gained through their position. However, the Government has indicated that individual panel members who have acted honestly, reasonably, in good faith and without negligence will not have to meet out of their own personal resources any personal civil liability which is incurred in execution or purported execution of their panel functions. Panel members who need further advice should consult DCMS.

back to top

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 organisation 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 interests.

Leadership

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

back to top

footnote
Indirect pecuniary interests arise from connections with bodies which have a direct pecuniary interest or from being a business partner of, or being employed by, a person with such an interest. Non-pecuniary interests include those arising from membership of clubs and other organisations. Close family members include personal partners, parents, children (adult and minor), brothers, sisters and the personal partners of any of these.