Upcoming: Tenet 4 Review
Coincidentally, it is also a good time for members to think about what Tenet 4 means to the profession. As part of the ongoing review of the ICMA Code of Ethics, Tenet 4 and its single guideline are up next:
Tenet 4 Recognize that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve the best interests of all of the people.
GUIDELINE
Length of Service. A minimum of two years generally is considered necessary in order to render a professional service to the local government. A short tenure should be the exception rather than a recurring experience. However, under special circumstances, it may be in the best interests of the local government and the member to separate in a shorter time. Examples of such circumstances would include refusal of the appointing authority to honor commitments concerning conditions of employment, a vote of no confidence in the member, or severe personal problems. It is the responsibility of an applicant for a position to ascertain conditions of employment. Inadequately determining terms of employment prior to arrival does not justify premature termination.
ICMA will be seeking feedback at the regional summits this spring on the tenet and its continued relevance and applicability.
Promoting an ethical culture in local government is at the core of ICMA’s mission and happens through training courses, technical assistance, workshops, and enforcement.
Explore the following resources on ethics to build individual and organizational awareness of the importance of ethical conduct:
- Ethics Matter! is a monthly column in Public Management (PM) magazine. The column offers practical advice on a variety of ethics issues and provides insight on real-world challenges.
- Ethics Advice: Confidential advice is available to members to address individual and organizational ethics issues. Ask before you act!
- Ethics Training: ICMA leads efforts to build ethical habits in local government professionals by offering online training courses, webinars, and peer assistance services. In our Ethics 101 e-Course, find out if members of your organization are prepared to do the right thing when ethical dilemmas happen. There is no limit to the number of staff from your office who can participate in this half-day web workshop by gathering in a training room at your location. For more information and to register for training, visit the website.
For ethics advice, information about local government ethics workshops, and technical assistance services, contact the ICMA Ethics Center at 202/962-3521, Michelle Bailey-Hedgepeth, ICMA ethic's advisor at 202/962-3513 or Martha Perego, ICMA's director of Member Services and Ethics at 202-962-3668.
Visit icma.org/ethics for information about general ethics topics.
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
