Latest news with #ethics
The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Keir Starmer facing scrutiny over failure to establish new ethics watchdog
No 10 is facing scrutiny over its failure to bring in a new ethics watchdog almost a year after the election, as a new inquiry was launched to examine the seeming lack of progress. Amid signs the plans have been kicked into the long grass, parliament's public administration committee said it was launching an inquiry to push the government on what has happened to its ethics commitments. It was one of Keir Starmer's flagship manifesto pledges that the new Labour government would 'establish a new independent Ethics and Integrity Commission, with its own independent chair, to ensure probity in government'. The party promised to 'restore confidence in government and ensure ministers are held to the highest standards', and enforce restrictions on ministers lobbying for companies they used to regulate, with meaningful sanctions for those breaching the rules. However, there was no blueprint for a commission ready to go when Starmer formed the government last year. It has barely been mentioned by ministers since last July. He published a new ministerial code last year, allowing the independent adviser on ministerial standards to start his own investigations into misconduct without requiring permission from the prime minister. But the standards regime is otherwise largely unchanged, with no updates either to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), which is now without a permanent chair after the departure of Eric Pickles. Its interim chair until December is an HR executive from the banking and energy sectors. Government sources insisted that work was ongoing on the ethics and integrity commission, but also suggested that voters care more about tough outcomes in relation to misconduct than they do about the process of setting up new bodies. Insiders also pointed to the fact that Starmer has pushed out two ministers who failed to uphold high enough standards under the current rules. Tulip Siddiq resigned in January as a Treasury minister after accepting the government was being harmed by the furore over her close ties to her aunt, the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh now accused of corruption. She denies wrongdoing. In November, Louise Haigh, the transport secretary, was told to resign by No 10 for a possible breach of the ministerial code, after she did not declare her spent conviction for fraud to the government when she became a cabinet minister. Since April, the government has twice avoided the question about setting up its ethics and integrity commission when asked about it in parliament. Pressed on what progress had been made, one Cabinet Office minister, Abena Oppong-Asare, said: 'We are restoring confidence in government and the highest standards in public life and have already taken steps to improve probity and transparency, including through issuing a new ministerial code which highlights the importance of the principles of public life, by strengthening the terms of reference for the independent adviser, and by introducing a new monthly register of gifts and hospitality.' Georgia Gould, another Cabinet Office minister, said the government was improving standards in public life and was 'committed to establishing the right structures to do so' – without specifically mentioning the new commission. Simon Hoare, a former minister under Rishi Sunak's Conservative government, said: 'Significant commitments have been made to overhaul the ethics regime but we are yet to see much evidence of progress from the Cabinet Office. An upstanding government and good ministers should not fear, but welcome, a strong, rigorous and independent ethics and propriety regime. 'This inquiry will allow us to push the government on its commitments, ensuring changes are properly stress-tested and scrutinised by parliament.' The committee said it will be 'aiming to understand what progress has been made' on the independent ethics commission. It will look at how trust in government and its officials can be restored and ensured in light of concerns around lobbying and ministerial conduct. It will also study how enforcing high standards could positively affect the public's trust in government and the wider political system in the UK. It will also look at how effective the existing propriety and ethics structures have proved to be, with critics having long said the landscape is far too fragmented with multiple different bodies responsible for policing different parts of politics from the parliamentary commissioners on standards, to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme to the Electoral Commission, the adviser on ministerial standards and Acoba. The Cabinet Office has been approached for comment.
Globe and Mail
19 hours ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Joseph Perciavalle Reveals Top Traits of an Effective Law Enforcement Leader
Discover the leadership qualities that define Joseph Perciavalle—ethical, community-driven, and strategic in shaping modern, trusted law enforcement leadership. Today's public safety situation is more complicated and always changing, so good leadership is more important than ever. Law enforcement agencies have problems that go beyond just the police. They have to do things like earn the trust of the community, deal with high-stress situations, and learn how to use new tools. All of these things make some leaders stand out, and it's not just their titles. It's also who they are, what they do, and their goals. Joseph Perciavalle is one of these people. Heis the kind of law enforcement leader that everyone wants to be. Having spent more than twenty years working for law enforcement, he has developed his career on moral obligation, diligence, and pragmatic excellence. Having been Assistant Chief of Police in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, among other years of experience, his background in service based on integrity, accountability, and public confidence is clear. These are the main things that make Joseph a great law enforcement leader: 1. Unshakable Ethical Integrity Joe's way of leading is based on a strong dedication to doing the right thing. Being honest, fair, and open is important to him because he works in a field where public opinion can quickly change policies and trust. He always follows the law and serves with honor, while some people may think rules are fluid or depend on the situation. He acts in a responsible way himself, setting an example for the teams he leads and making sure that all officers know that doing the right thing is expected, not optional. His guidance shows that moral standards aren't just about doing the right thing; they're also important for gaining the public's trust and creating an atmosphere where cops are proud of their honesty. 2. Strategic Vision and Operational Command He is not only a man of principle but also a man of action. He has shown over and over that he can think strategically by planning well, managing resources well, and handling crises well. As Assistant Chief of Police, Joseph was in charge of running the department on a daily basis and making sure that long-term goals were met while also meeting the needs of the community for safety. His creative leadership is shown by the fact that he can handle both people and technology. When faced with problems, like limited funds, changing policies, or worries about staffing, he thinks ahead. He knows that policing is not static and that leaders have to be able to change to new situations, social norms, and laws all the time. 3. Leadership that focuses on the community Joe's sincere dedication to the community is one of the things that makes him stand out. He thinks that law enforcement shouldn't be seen as an outside force but as an important part of the community. In order to do that, He has always put open contact with the people first. He is always present and noticeable, whether he's at neighborhood meetings, teaching kids, or talking with local leaders. These steps help to build trust, lower emotions, and urge people to work together to solve safety and crime problems. He thinks that being a boss is more than just handling officers; it's also about building relationships. He always makes connections between the police and the people they protect. 4. Mentorship and the growth of talent Good leaders don't just leave behind achievements; they also leave behind leaders. Joseph Perciavalle really gets this, and he's known for how hard he works to help young cops and become future department heads. He takes the time to teach others, teaching them both the technical skills and people skills that make a great cop. He makes sure that the companies he works for will last and be strong by investing in people. One-on-one help isn't the only thing he does as a guide. He also supports ongoing education, professional development classes, and leadership training for police officers to give them the skills they need to do their jobs well in a world where crime is getting more complicated. 5. Emotional intelligence and being able to handle stress Being a police officer is a very stressful job. Decisions made in a flash can change your whole life. Some of the things that have helped him be a good leader in even the most difficult situations are his cool demeanor and emotional intelligence. He stays calm and objective whether he's handling a disaster, resolving a tense situation, or making a tough choice about a person on staff. Because he is emotionally intelligent, he can correctly read situations, react in the right way, and lead others with confidence and understanding. Being able to mix logic and kindness makes him not only a good leader but also someone whom people inside and outside the department trust. 6. A commitment to fairness and justice He is a strong supporter of justice. He doesn't just defend the law; he also makes sure that it is applied properly and equally. He knows that racism, injustice, and a lack of women in law enforcement have been problems for a long time and is working to fix them. He has backed changes and internal reviews that aim to make things clearer and lower problems that affect the whole system. His dedication to justice also shows in his support for underrepresented groups and his work to make police policies more welcoming for everyone. Fairness isn't just an idea to him; it's something that must be a part of every choice, every policy, and every contact with the public. 7. A desire to grow professionally A good boss is always learning new things. Joe Perciavalle has always looked for ways to get more training, licenses, and educational experiences that make him more useful. He thinks that the needs of modern police mean that officers must always be learning and adapting, whether it's through law education, training in technology, or leadership development. He tells others to do the same thing because he knows that a force that is better trained is better prepared. His aggressive method makes sure that the people he leads are ready to deal with the changing challenges of modern law enforcement. 8. Being open and talking to people His way of leading is based on being clear and talking to people. He thinks that good leaders don't work behind closed doors. Instead, they create an open atmosphere in which every team member feels educated, involved, and heard. His dedication to honest communication helps him to be a reliable leader; he makes sure that everyone, from top officials to new employees, knows the "why" and "how" of the department's activities. His openness has raised morale, avoided misinterpretation, and given police personnel the self-assurance and clarity they need to carry out their responsibilities. In Conclusion The impressive police career of Joseph isn't just based on ranks or jobs; it's also based on the traits that make a leader successful, admired, and life-changing. Being honest, caring about others, thinking strategically, and being a caring leader set him apart in a field where these traits are not only respected, but they are necessary. Joe Perciavalle is a great example of a leader with purpose, character, and vision in a time when police are under a lot of scrutiny and pressure to change. His work continues to affect the future of police work and sets a high bar for those who come after him. He is more than just a police leader. He is a force for good change, whether he is helping up-and-coming leaders, getting through tough situations, or being a model of moral law enforcement.
Finextra
2 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Vanguard and University of Toronto create AI research labs
American investment management giant Vanguard has joined forces with the University of Toronto (UofT) to set up several labs focused on the use of AI in financial services. 0 The labs at UofT's department of computer science will house professors, post-doctoral fellows, and students who will work with Vanguard's existing Toronto-based AI research team. Initially, they will work on research papers and seminars and conferences focused on making AI systems ethical and capable of interacting with humans naturally and autonomously. This initiative will expand Vanguard's AI team in Toronto from about 20 to 90 roles, along with providing internship opportunities for University of Toronto students. "This collaboration will not only enhance our capabilities to better serve investors with top-tier expertise and resources but also contribute to the broader field of AI, ultimately benefiting our clients and industry," says Nitin Tandon, CIO, Vanguard.
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Secretary of the Navy ENDS Animal Testing!
I'm a conservative AND an animal lover so this announcement from the Secretary of the Navy really makes me smile! I'm Tomi Lahren, find out next. Animal testing is cruel, abusive and with new technology, also increasingly UNNECESSARY! That's why I am so happy to hear the announcement from the Secretary of the Navy that ALL testing on cats and dogs will be TERMINATED! The Secretary's proclamation also rightfully stated that not only is this practice inhumane, it's a WASTE of taxpayer dollars. He also thanked Secretary Hegseth and DOGE for bringing it to light. But this goes even further, the surgeon general of the Navy will also conduct a review of all medical research programs to ensure they align with ethical guidelines. DOGE has also had a hand in ending ridiculous trans experiments conducted by the NIH on various animals. This is a big deal and one I hope even Trump and conservative-hating liberals can get behind. I can't think of a better savings for taxpayers than ENDING the cruel and unethical treatment of defenseless animals! I'm Tomi Lahren and you watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State Ethics Commission reaches settlement with Cuba mayor to resolve misconduct claim
May 30—SANTA FE — The State Ethics Commission has entered into a settlement agreement with a northern New Mexico mayor accused of benefitting from a directive that required village-owned vehicles to be refueled at a gas station he owns. The settlement agreement between the commission and Cuba Mayor Denny Herrera entered into this week avoids potential legal action by resolving all claims in the dispute. While not acknowledging any wrongdoing, Herrera agreed to pay $2,500 to the state and an additional $1,000 to the village of Cuba. After an investigation prompted by an online complaint, the Ethics Commission found reason to believe Herrera improperly benefited from a village directive that required employees to only use the convenience store he owns to refuel their government vehicles. The state Governmental Conduct Act specifically prohibits public officers from selling, or offering to sell, goods or services through businesses they own to employees under their supervision. While that law provides for both criminal and civil penalties, the State Ethics Commission does not have the authority to file criminal charges, said the commission's deputy director Amelia Bierle. Cases in which such charges could be filed are typically referred to district attorneys or Attorney General Raúl Torrez's office for review, she added. As part of the settlement agreement, Herrera informed Cuba in writing about his ownership of the gas station. He also clarified that village employees can gas up their work cars at any establishment that accepts special government debit cards. The settlement agreement did not specify how many such gas stations are located in Cuba, which had a population of 628 people as of 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Herrera became Cuba's mayor after winning a three-way race in March 2022 with more than two-thirds of the 234 votes cast. He could not immediately be reached for comment Friday, and his attorney in the settlement agreement, Tom Hnasko, said he was not available to discuss its terms.
