New Committee on Standards in Public Life chair says frequent standards processes reviews essential

The Committee on Standards in Public Life's newly appointed chair, Doug Chalmers, has said the Nolan Principles of Public Life "cannot be taken for granted" and has committed to continuing the Committee's "reputation of carefully researched reports".

In a statement on his appointment, Chalmers also said that in order to keep standards processes and systems up to date, they "need to be frequently reviewed".

He noted that well-run organisations regularly assess their codes of conduct and governance to respond to new challenges, writing: "By way of illustration, our predecessors did not need to consider the potential consequences of AI on decision making and accountability or the impact of social media on public life."

He also said that while the Nolan Principles are a well-embedded cornerstone of public life, "they cannot be taken for granted," and they "take constant energy if they are to be meaningful".

On the Committee's functions, he said: "The Committee's strength comes from its research and ability to bring together a range of experts and practitioners so that it can learn from their experiences and hear their views before providing insight and advice or making well argued recommendations for change."

Chalmers praised committee work which led to the establishment of a number of standards bodies and regulators, including the independent Commissioner for Standards and the Electoral Commission.

He later added: "As I start my five year term, I will endeavour to continue the Committee's reputation for carefully researched reports that make sound arguments to assist those in public life retain high ethical standards."

Chalmers replaced Lord Evans on 12 December and is set to chair the Committee for the next five years.

The Committee will announce its future work programme in the New Year.

Adam Carey