Over the last year or so we’ve seen an increased level of focus on integrity and conduct at senior levels of government, with calls to improve transparency and hold ministers to account for their actions. This comes off the back of a number of potential breaches of the ministerial Code of Conduct, their guiding document, which is designed to promote and uphold ethical standards and decision making. And it’s not just politicians who are at risk…
One of the most recent examples of a potential breach of this code was highlighted by Angela Rayner who hit out at Boris Johnson, criticising him for not declaring the holiday he recently enjoyed in Zac Goldsmith’s Marbella mansion, and raising questions over whether the holiday might have been given to win favour. Posting on Twitter, Rayner wrote: “It’s ludicrous that the only donation Boris Johnson has declared for this latest free holiday is the hospitality he enjoyed waiting for the plane. The PM was given a gift by someone he gave a peerage and ministerial job to.”
It’s stories like these which cause the public to question their trust in the government and wonder whether the power our politicians have is really being used for public good or whether there’s an element of private gain. The same is true of businesses, who also risk reputational damage, if there’s any suggestion of impropriety or wrongdoing.
At Carnival UK, whilst it’s unlikely that we’ll be offered use of a £25k/week villa, we may be offered or receive gifts from business partners in the run up to the festive season. Whilst we all love a treat, we have a duty to Respect and Protect ourselves and our company by making sure that anything we give or receive is in line with the guidelines set out in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Before accepting or gifting anything, it’s always important to ask yourself the follow questions:
- Could this situation affect my decision-making for Carnival?
- Could someone else view this as a conflict?
- Am I using Company resources or my position to promote my own interests?
If you can honestly answer ‘no’ to all of the above, gifts to or from anyone doing or seeking to do business with Carnival UK may be offered or accepted as long as your department allows you to do so and they’re:
- Infrequently offered and legal
- Worth less than $200 (approx. £150) market value
- Intended to reasonably and appropriately maintain or enhance a business relationship
- Not given to win favours or create an obligation
- Solicited
- Not given / received in the form of cash or a cash equivalent (cheques / gift cards)
- Returned if they do not meet the above requirements
If you have any questions or need assistance with the above, please reach out to us at ethics@carnivalukgroup.com and please remember you should always Speak Up if you see or suspect any wrongdoing.