Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Managers
- Policy owned by: HR
- Tier 2: Policy
- Version 10
- Does policy apply to any of the following groups in addition to colleagues: Members, Volunteers, Cadets, Contractors?: No. Applies only to Senior Managers across both Grey Book and Green Book contracts
Organisational aim
As with the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues, our Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Managers supports the strategic aim of "Customer - saving lives and reducing harm" by making clear the requirement to uphold ethical standards rooted in the Nolan Principles. It requires colleagues to act with integrity, accountability, transparency, and fairness, creating a workplace where respect and inclusivity are at the core.
By fostering a culture of high ethical standards, trust and personal responsibility, senior managers are empowered to make decisions that prioritise the well-being of customers, their teams and colleagues and KFRS more generally, ensuring the highest standards in leadership and the delivery of our services.
Introduction
A senior manager is defined as someone who holds the role of ‘Area Manager’, ‘Head of…’, or above (i.e. members of the Corporate Management Board) only. This covers those colleagues on Grey Book contracts, Green Book contracts and Gold Book contracts.
This Code of Ethics for Senior Managers expands upon the requirements in the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues, requiring senior managers to hold to an even more rigorous set of standards in accordance with their level of influence and responsibility within KFRS.
As with the Code of Ethical Conduct, makes clear the requirement to uphold ethical standards rooted in the Nolan Principles. It requires colleagues to act with integrity, accountability, transparency, and fairness, creating a workplace where respect and inclusivity are at the core.
As a senior manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, your role is crucial in maintaining ethical standards and promoting integrity within the organisation. You are responsible for your own behaviour and must understand and follow this Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Managers, in addition to the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues.
Service Policy
As a senior manager your additional responsibilities include:
- Leading by example and promoting ethical behaviour.
- Showing moral courage to do what is right, even when faced with criticism.
- Being consistent in your actions and words.
- Promoting transparency and fairness within the organisation.
- Creating an environment that encourages feedback and challenges.
- Being open to change and considerate of others’ points of view.
The following eleven articles describe an approach to your responsibilities, but they are not an exhaustive list. You are expected to use this and the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues to guide your behaviour both at work and in personal life.
All senior managers are expected to follow and uphold these articles. If someone breaches these standards, it may lead to disciplinary action, and serious breaches could even result in a breach of their employment contract.
Article 1: Exercise leadership and judgment. As a senior manager, you have a responsibility to make important decisions for the organisation. You should have a good understanding of the organisation's business and regulatory requirements. Attend critical decision-making meetings and fulfil your duties diligently.
Article 2: Follow the standards of good practice set out in the Service’s governance documents, including this document and Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues. Ensure meetings are properly constituted and managed, and decisions are based on accurate information. Provide necessary information for decision-making.
Article 3: Serve the legitimate interests of the organisation's customers. Ensure financial resources are used responsibly and provide value for money to the public. Understand the expectations of customers and make decisions that benefit the organisation and its customers.
Article 4: Exercise responsibilities to colleagues, customers, suppliers, and the wider community. Consider the interests of stakeholders and communicate with them effectively. Promote goodwill and accountability for the organisation's actions. Encourage employee participation and transparency in decision-making.
Article 5: Comply with relevant laws, regulations, and codes of practice. Always comply with the law and ensure the organisation follows the legal requirements. Consider the impact of the organisation on society and address environmental and safety concerns.
Article 6: Always have a duty to respect the truth and act honestly. Do not accept bribes or engage in dishonest practices. Be prepared to express disagreement but accept collective responsibility and decisions made by the team. Seek independent advice when needed.
Article 7: Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the Corporate Management Board. Do not use your position for personal gain or favour associated individuals. Make decisions in the best interest of the organisation and stakeholders.
Article 8: Use information responsibly and confidentially. Do not misuse or disclose confidential information acquired as a senior manager. Comply with data protection laws and ensure transparency and accountability in communication.
Article 9: Respect the reputation of colleagues and the organisation. Act impartially and remain politically neutral. Avoid behaviour that may harm the organisation's reputation. Uphold the dignity and reputation of KFRS.
Article 10: Continue professional development. Keep updated with developments in your field and engage in continuous professional development.
Article 11: Set high personal standards. Adhere to the spirit of this Code and the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues and uphold principles of honesty, professionalism, and justice. Strive to exceed basic requirements and promote ethical behaviour to others.
Relevant Legislation and Codes of Practice
- Core Code of Ethics - NFCC
- Code of Ethics - Fire Standards Board
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Equality Act 2010
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- KFRS Behaviour Framework
- KFRS Supplier Code of Conduct
- The Seven Principles of Public Life - GOV.UK
Underlying Tier 3 procedure
N/A
Data Inputs and Controls
Records of investigations and breaches of the Code of Ethical Conduct for All Colleagues
Records of investigations and breaches of the Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Managers
Policy Audit Information
Policy version | Original approval and revision dates |
|---|---|
V10 | 18/02/2026 |
V9 | 01/10/2024 |
V2-V8 | 07/2021-10/2023 |
V1 | 01/12/2020 |
Approval Process (latest version)
| Key dates and information | |
|---|---|
| Approved by (including date) | CMB 09/12/2025 KMFRA 18/02/2026 |
| First approval (implementation) date | 01/07/2021 |
| Latest approval (implementation) date | 18/02/2026 |
| Review by | 18/02/2029 |
| Date came to Policy Steering Group | 12/11/2025 |
| Reviewers (including date) | Strategic Leadership Board (17/09/2025) |
| Changes required to any related Tier 2 Policy resulting from changes to this Tier 2 Policy? | No
|
| Changes required to any underlying Tier 3 Procedure/Guidance resulting from changes to this Tier 2 Policy? | No
|
| Senior responsible colleague | Head of HR |
| Direct enquiries to | HR Team |
Version 10 - 18 February 2026