According to the provisions of the Serbian Civil Servants Act, a Code of Conduct for Civil Servants was adopted by the High Civil Service Council in February this year (2008). It came into effect on 29 March 2008, following publication in the “Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia.”
From now on, Serbian civil servants will have an obligation to conduct themselves in a way which contributes to upholding and inspiring public trust in the integrity, impartiality and efficiency of the public administration. Even in their private lives, they must not behave in a way likely to make them susceptible to the influence of other individuals who may negatively influence the legal and impartial performance of their duties. Their conduct in public places must not damage the reputation of their function and institution or the citizens’ confidence in civil service.
Even though Serbian civil servants are allowed to be members of political parties (the Civil Servants Act does not prohibit it), they must respect the principle of political neutrality in the performance of their duties. In addition to that, they must not wear or exhibit any symbols or propaganda materials of political parties at work nor are they allowed to influence the political orientation of their colleagues.
Their private interests must not conflict with public interest. In the performance of their duties, they must not accept presents or any kind of service or other advantage for themselves or others. The only presents allowed are those of minor value, in accordance with the law which regulates prevention of conflict of interest in the performance of public duties.
When dealing with citizens, they must act with professionalism, show interest and be polite, civilized and patient. Discrimination on any grounds is prohibited and special attention should be paid to the disabled and persons with special needs. The personality and dignity of clients must be respected at all times.
Some basic standards of proper clothing have also been set by this Code of Conduct. Excessively short skirts, blouses with large décolletés or thin shoulder straps, excessively short or transparent blouses and shorts are expressly enumerated in the Code of Conduct and will from now on be officially regarded as indecent clothes.
The final measure for disobedience of these clothing instructions, as well as other provisions of the Code of Conduct, is the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the defiant civil servant, which may finally result in him/her being laid off.
For further information please contact:
Ms Milena Lazarevic, Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government
