Trust
Ethics is a Matter of Trust
Trust is an asset as important as any that can be found on our balance sheets.
GFOA Code of Ethics
GFOA's Code of Ethics recognizes that people are imperfect and that we are all subject to biases that can challenge ethical behavior. Our Code asks the members of government finance offices to confront these challenges in order to serve our communities to the best of our abilities.
Code of Ethics Posters
The posters summarize the full code and have sparked valuable conversations about ethics in a number of finance offices. You can even personalize the poster for your government.
Putting the Code into Practice: How to Build your Reputation for Trustworthiness
Research shows that almost everyone tends to overestimate their own capabilities, perhaps including overestimating our own reputations for trustworthiness! This part of our ethics website provides practical strategies for putting the Code into practice.
Model Policy Templates
We've put together policy templates that use the latest in psychological research to have the maximum impact. These templates address proper recording of staff time, vendor relations and gifts, and making gifts with public funds.
Financial Foundations for Thriving Communities
This body of work from GFOA shows how trust fits into a broader strategy for good financial management and how it helps create a thriving community.
