Accepting Gifts - A Values & Ethics Brush-up Quiz

Accepting excessive gifts is considered a violation of the basic principles of the Code. In such cases, it is important to close the loop with the donor by sending a letter expressing gratitude for the gift, but also explaining the principles of the Code and informing them of the chosen course of action, such as donating the excessive gift to charity. Therefore, the statement "True" is correct, indicating that accepting excessive gifts should be followed by appropriate action and communication.

Staff must maintain an arms-length relationship with service providers or suppliers and avoid situations where there will be a perception of personal gain and a loss of public trust. The gift is not of minimal value and should be returned with a note explaining why it cannot be accepted.

All gifts received while on official government business must conform to the Code and public perception must be taken into consideration. The public may not view an all-expenses paid trip by officials to foreign locations very favourably, even if it was in the line of duty. The receipt of expensive gifts would be considered excessive under the Code and goes far beyond a normal expression of common business courtesy. It is possible that these gifts represent an effort to influence an outcome in business relations or an attempt to gain preferential treatment in the future.

The Head of Mission should discuss the situation with the group and advise them to return the artwork with a letter thanking their host for their hospitality but explaining that our Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service does not allow public servants to accept expensive gifts in the line of duty. If this is not possible, the statues could be auctioned at a charity event and the proceeds sent to a charity of the mission's choice. A letter should then be sent to the donor informing that this took place.

Both statements A and B are true. Statement A states that employees may accept modest expressions of normal business courtesies as long as there is no indication of any effort by the donor to obtain preferential treatment or influence their decision-making or conduct. Statement B states that employees should decline any gift, hospitality, or benefit if they suspect that the intent of the donor is to influence their decision-making or conduct, or to obtain preferential treatment in the future. However, they may accept hospitality if it is business-related and part of normal reciprocal hospitality.

As a matter of good practice, government employees should consider not entering draws at trade shows if they are attending on official business. Draws are organized by the trade show participants as a marketing tool by companies. Employees should not view a prize as a personal winning unrelated to their work and should consider the perception of preferential treatment which would most likely occur. Moreover, some draws are sometimes orchestrated by organizers and winners are "chosen" because of the work they do.

Any of these persons or offices may be contacted to discuss an issue related to Values and Ethics.

These are the basic principles of the Code regarding gifts. Where it is impossible to decline gifts that do not meet these principles (e.g. for reasons of cultural sensitivity or undue embarrassment), you should advise your supervisor of the situation and follow their guidance. The supervisor will decide whether the gift should be declined, accepted by the Department, donated to charity, disposed of, or kept by the employee.

Employees should not be rewarded by clients for doing their job. Sharing the gift basket with colleagues does not change the risk of conflict of interest. The assistant could send the basket directly to a charity or raffle it off and send the proceeds. The assistant should also write a letter to the donor thanking him, but explaining that the Code does not allow employees to accept gifts of more than a nominal value which could undermine public trust, and explaining the action taken with the gift.

The Code informs that low-cost promotional items, simple meals, and souvenirs with no cash value are examples of gifts which can be accepted. No dollar amount has been specified in order to encourage employees to exercise judgement and avoid the trap of playing with numbers instead of thinking about how best to maintain the integrity of the public service.