St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Tel: (0114) 274 5086 Page 18 email: office@stchads.org website: www.stchads.org
Many of us, especially those who work in the public sector, have to make promises to our employers - or to an even higher authority. These promises may be embodied in our contracts of employment. Sometimes, however, we are formally required to make a special promise. Probably the best known “promise” is The Hippocratic Oath which is an oath historically taken by doctors and other healthcare professionals swearing to practice medicine ethically. It is widely believed to have been written by Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of western medicine, or by one of his students. A widely used modern version of the traditional oath was penned in 1964 by Dr. Louis Lasagna in the USA. Lawyers in this country have to promise to abide by a Code of Conduct, set and updated regularly by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA). It includes confidentiality, conflicts of interest and many other promises around their behaviour, integrity, probity and client service. This code is also backed by the Law Society and, occasionally, one hears of a lawyer being “struck off”. Within the 43 police forces in England and Wales, officers are attested under section 29 of the Police Act 1996. The prescribed form of words requires them to declare and affirm that they will serve HM the Queen and covers fairness, equality, integrity, diligence, impartiality, keeping the peace and preventing crime to the best of their ability. Civil servants and others working for the Government are commonly required to sign a statement to the effect that they agree to abide by the restrictions of the Official Secrets Act. This is popularly referred to as “signing the Official Secrets Act.” Every Government employee is bound by the Act, which deals with confidentiality, whether they have signed or not. The breaking of promises by any professional who has committed to obey a code or taken an oath is usually followed by dismissal or even criminal proceedings. However, sometimes, if an individual feels that their employer has done something illegal or has acted unethically, the law allows them to “whistleblow” with full protection, as long as they have acted in good faith. Recently, of course, we have seen in this country, the “hacking” scandal, where some journalists have used unethical, and, sometimes illegal methods to find a story. Perhaps all employees should make a promise to their employers that they will act ethically, with professionalism, integrity and always within the law. David Manning Promises at Work St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Tel: (0114) 274 5086 Page 19 email: office@stchads.org website: www.stchads.org