Guide to taking part in advertisement appeals

Appendix 3

Inspectors’ Code of Conduct

Although these principles are mainly directed at Planning Inspectors, they also
apply to all decision-makers in the Planning Inspectorate.

This code draws on the Seven Principles of Public Life set down by Lord
Nolan as chairman of the committee on standards in public life (selflessness,
integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership) as well
as the “Franks’ principles” of openness, fairness and impartiality. The
principles set out below are as well as the duties and responsibilities placed on
Inspectors by the Civil Service Code.

1. Inspectors make their decisions and recommendations in the public
   interest.
2. Inspectors do not judge a case before the evidence has been considered.
3. Inspectors are not involved in cases where they have a financial interest
   or a personal interest that may cause them to be seen as biased.
4. Inspectors are not influenced by irrelevant considerations or outside
   influences when making their decisions and recommendations.
5. Inspectors refuse all gifts, hospitality and other benefits offered by
   people who have an interest in a case, other than those of little or no
   value.
6. Inspectors handle cases as quickly as possible.
7. Inspectors treat each person who appears before them with dignity and
   respect.
8. Inspectors do not discriminate against people because of their race, sex,
   sexuality, marital status, religion, disability, age, and so on.
9. Inspectors avoid unnecessary delay in reaching their decisions and
   recommendations.
10. Inspectors give reasons for their decisions and recommendations.
11. Inspectors keep their professional knowledge and skills up to date.
12. Inspectors are responsible for their decisions and recommendations.

Addresses and phone numbers

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