Civil Service Bureau announces updated Civil Service Code

The Civil Service Bureau issued a circular to all civil servants on Friday, promulgating the updated Civil Service Code. 

The revised code clearly spells out the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the constitutional roles and responsibilities of civil servants as members of the executive authorities, and the core values and standards of conduct that civil servants should uphold.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan said they had completed the consultation on updating the code in January this year, with most in favor. 

She stated that they had considered the views of various stakeholders, including civil service central consultative councils, staff unions, and individual civil servants, and have finalized and promulgated the updated code. 

As the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect in March this year, they have also set out the relevant parts in the updated code.

The updated code spells out the 12 core values that civil servants should uphold, including upholding the constitutional order and national security, being people-oriented, passion for public service, commitment to the rule of law, political neutrality, and professionalism, among many others.

In addition, civil servants must follow the standards of conduct that conform to the updated code and meet society's expectations.

The updated code takes effect immediately. 

All civil servants and other government employees, including Non-Civil Service Contract staff, Post-retirement Service Contract staff, and staff appointed on other non-civil service terms must observe the code.

Yeung also added that the government is committed to enhancing civil servants' awareness of national security and establishing a set of shared values and standards of conduct for the civil service. 

Following the promulgation of the updated code, they will commence promotion, explanatory, and training works in phases to enhance civil servants' understanding of the updated code.