Ethics and integrity

The Staff Regulations set out the fundamental conditions of service, namely the duties and obligations, as well as the basic rights of the staff of the Organisation, as approved by the Council. The Regulations are implemented by Rules and Instructions of the Secretary-General, duly approved by Council where specified in the Regulations.   

The Code of Conduct, which can be found as Annex XXX to the Staff Regulations, is a binding document which sets out the instructions relating to the implementation of Title II of the Staff Regulations (the core rules of the Organisation’s Ethics Framework). These core rules and values are independence and respect for the international character of the Organisation, integrity and loyalty, tact and discretion, and respect for basic individual rights. The Code applies to all Officials, unclassified staff, temporary staff members, staff on loan to the Organisation and interns.   

The Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy, which can be found as Annex XX bis to the Staff Regulations, (“Decision of the Secretary-General on prevention and response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)”), is a binding document. It reaffirms the Organisation’s strong commitment to safeguarding individuals from SEA and its zero-tolerance policy on SEA matters.  This policy ensures that the Organisation’s legal framework covers external parties to the Organisation who are victims of SEA. SEA allegations may be reported by external parties at the dedicated email address:  Reports can be submitted by email at OECD.ReportMisconduct@oecd.org. SEA allegations may be reported by OECD staff under the reporting mechanisms set out in the Staff Regulations.  

To uphold our commitment to integrity and accountability, the OECD provides a dedicated channel for reporting misconduct such as fraud, corruption, harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse or other violations of our Code of Conduct. Reports can be submitted by email at OECD.ReportMisconduct@oecd.org. All reports are handled with discretion and in accordance with OECD procedures. 

OECD-organised or co-hosted events bring together individuals from varied cultural, professional and linguistic backgrounds, each with their own norms, expectations, and communication styles. All participants to these events, including delegates, experts, speakers, observers, contractors, suppliers, service providers and OECD staff, are expected to behave professionally, contribute to a respectful atmosphere, and support a safe environment for everyone, whether attending in person or virtually. 

This Code applies to participants to OECD-organised and/or co-hosted events held in person or online, on-site, or off-site, as well as to associated activities conducted under the OECD umbrella, such as side events, receptions, and bilateral meetings. It complements applicable OECD policies and does not replace relevant legal or institutional frameworks.  

Address: OECD – Ethics Office, 2, rue André Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16 

Building: Château

Email: ethics@oecd.org