Introduction
The General Dental Council has been established as the statutory regulatory body for the dental profession since 1956. Council members (“Members”), as individuals and in their corporate capacity, have a responsibility to ensure that the functions of the Council, as set out in legislation, are effectively discharged in the interests of the public.
This Code provides guidance for Members and anyone else acting on behalf of the Council, to assist them in carrying out these functions in accordance with currently accepted standards of public service.
Public Service Values
The Nolan Committee’s first report on standards in public life (1995) set out clear expectations of those serving the public in whatever capacity. The Seven Principles of Public Life are set out below. The Council fully accepts these principles and in all its dealings regards as key to its functioning:
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Selflessness - Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
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Objectivity - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Corporate Responsibilities
The Mission Statement
The General Dental Council’s purpose is to protect the public by regulating dental professionals in the United Kingdom.
Aims
The GDC’s aims are:
What we do
- We register qualified professionals
- We set standards of dental practice and conduct
- We assure the quality of dental education
- We ensure professionals keep up-to-date
- We help patients with complaints about a dental professional
- We work to strengthen patient protection
How we work
We will:
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work inclusively with others
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be accountable
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be open and accessible
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be professional and business-like
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strive to ensure we promote equality of opportunity and diversity in all that we do
The Council’s Key Corporate Functions
In order to fulfil its statutory obligations and make its mission statement a reality, the Council has key functions:
- to set the strategic direction of the organisation, defining the annual and longer term objectives and agreeing plans to achieve them;
- to oversee delivery of planned results by monitoring performance against objectives and ensuring corrective action is taken where necessary;
- to ensure effective financial stewardship through financial control and financial planning;
- to ensure high standards of corporate management are maintained in the conduct of business generally;
- to ensure sound employment practices for the appointment, retention and development of the Council’s staff;
- to ensure that there is effective and ongoing dialogue between the Council, its officers and members, and the profession, government, and the public it serves on its functions and their implementation and any proposals for change.
The Annual Report
In order to publicise the work of the Council and to demonstrate the key public service values of probity, impartiality, accountability and openness, the Council will publish on an annual basis a report of its work and its audited accounts.
Individual Responsibilities
The Code of Conduct
Individual Members should follow the Seven Principles of Public Life and comply with the guidance contained in this Code of Conduct.
Specific Guidance
In particular, Members should abide by the following specific guidance in relation to their personal conduct:
- Confidentiality – Members will in the course of their duties, be party to discussions or information of a confidential nature in meetings of the Council or its committees, sub-committees or working groups. In addition, as Members, they may receive confidential information from other organisations. The effective operation of the Council depends on these confidences being maintained. Members must not disclose confidential information without the consent of a person authorised to give it or unless the Member is required by law to do so. Members should consult the Press Office, the President, or the Chief Executive and Registrar (“Chief Executive”) if the confidential status of the information is unclear. If a Member becomes aware of a breach in confidentiality, that Member must immediately notify the Press Office, the President, or the Chief Executive and provide an account of the disclosure;
- Dealing with the Media – in speaking or writing about the work of the Council or its policies, Members should ensure that their comments are accurate, well considered and well informed. Members should ensure that there is a clear distinction between their personal opinions and formal statements about Council policy. Any communication with the media about the Council’s work or policy, including publication of views via the Internet, should normally be discussed with the Press Office, the President or the Chief Executive before a statement is made;
- Membership of Committees – Members elected to serve on committees will be expected to stand by the decisions of those committees. This does not preclude a Member who disagrees with a decision of that committee from presenting his/her views to the Council provided that any disagreement has been raised at the committee meeting concerned whenever possible and notification has been given to the Chair or the President;
- Personal Behaviour - Members’ behaviour must demonstrate the standards expected of holders of public office. Where a Member has been charged with, or has been convicted of, a serious criminal offence, or has been the subject of a disciplinary procedure by another licensing body, the Member must inform the President at the earliest opportunity;
- Conflicts of Interest – Members are free to engage in political activities or to maintain associations with professional organisations provided that such activity does not conflict with the essential purpose of the Council which is to protect the public;
- Gifts and Hospitality – Members must not accept gifts, hospitality, or benefits which might be seen to compromise their personal judgement or integrity. Gifts, hospitality or benefits offered as a consequence of GDC business must be registered with the Registrar within 15 working days;
- Financial or Professional Interests – Members must declare any professional, personal or business interests which may be relevant to or conflict with their responsibilities as Members. Members are required to record in a Register of Interests, maintained by the Chief Executive and Registrar, such financial or professional interests as may be relevant to or conflict with their Council responsibilities within 15 working days;
- Equality and Diversity – Members must promote equality and diversity and treat others with respect in accordance with the Council’s Equality & Diversity Strategy.
- Attendance Levels – Members are expected to make all reasonable efforts to attend all Council meetings and other GDC meetings related to their responsibilities*. Where a member is unable to attend a meeting, that member should give a reason for absence to the Chair prior to the meeting. Where a member’s inability to attend a series of meetings is likely to affect the ability of the Council to perform its work, that member should work with the Chair of the meeting to ensure that duties are fulfilled or reallocated.
*Where teleconferencing facilities are used, this will be regarded as attendance at the meeting.