Shortly after you read this blog, the UK public will be voting in their national elections...no doubt hoping that whoever is elected will “do the right thing” and future prosperity will abound.
At election time the politicians truly have an “interest in the public”. However once elected, for a number, huge responsibility is placed upon their shoulders. At times the standards and capability of some are found to fall well short of what the electorate finds acceptable. Much of the time it is their behaviour rather than their competence which is called into question. But is it now the time to be even more demanding?
20 years ago the seven Nolan principles of public life were established. These principles require UK holders of public office to be selfless, honest, impartial, open, and accountable and act with integrity always operating to uphold these principles and by challenging poor behaviour seen in others. Perhaps it is time to consider adding a further principle….which is partially courtesy of our medical profession?
“Holders of Public Office should recognise and work within the limits of their competence and seek to take advice from those with the relevant professional expertise”.
Of course the ACT, as the Royal Chartered treasury professional body, always seeks to operate in the public interest. I am therefore delighted to announce that this month we are launching two further high quality continuing professional development services for our treasury community.
ACT members are governed by our Ethical Code. Working with the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) we have launched an ethics e-learning course.
In addition we have launched our first ever mentoring service. This will enable students and members to find others who can help them to think through their career journeys by providing an experienced “listening ear”. If you would like to receive support as a mentee, or you’d like to offer help by acting as a mentor please go to our mentor matching service.
If you have any questions about these new services please drop Ria Robinson and her excellent membership team an email, or click on the links above. Naturally we would also be delighted for you to stop by the ACT hub at the Annual Conference at and give us your feedback on both new initiatives.
In short -
know what you know and if you don’t...ask!
I hope to see many of you in Manchester later this month.
All the best
Colin
