Annual Ethics Training

Annual Ethics Training
Air Force Annual Ethics Training For OGE 450 Filers Localizing your slides Slide 1 Update to your installation information Slide 2 When presenting live remove bullets 2 and 3. Slide 3 When presented live remove the first bullet Slide 72 Update with your installation information Remove bullet 6 when presenting live. When presenting these slides in a live format, use a sign in sheet to have a record of individuals completing the training. Following the training, it is a best practice to send a signed to these individuals acknowledging their annual ethics training for the calendar year. 633 abw/ja susan bond (Eustis: x248) sandi swanton (Langley: )

DISCLAIMER By completing this module, you will satisfy the annual ethics training requirement for OGE 450 filers. This module is not mean to be used by anyone other than AF employees. This module should be completed during official business hours so that you may contact your unit’s ethics official if you have any questions. Upon completion of this training, send a digitally signed to your unit Ethics Counselor acknowledging completion of the training.

PURPOSE This training is designed to be used by AF employees, only when they are unable to attend a live ethics training session. The intent of this module is to help AF personnel better understand their responsibility to foster and encourage an ethical workplace. Specifically, you are encouraged to think about the ethical culture in your organization and your contributions towards that culture.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES General Principles of Public Service Gifts
Widely-Attended Gatherings Conflicts of Interest Activities & Performing Official Duties Fundraising Teaching, Speaking, and Writing Travel Post-Government Employment Additional Ethics Guidelines

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC SERVICE
DO Place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain. Act impartially to all groups, persons, and organizations. Protect and conserve Federal property. Disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities. Fulfill in good faith your obligations as a citizen, and pay your Federal, State, and local taxes. Comply with all laws providing equal opportunity to all persons, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. DON’T Use public office for private gain. Use nonpublic information to benefit yourself or anyone else. Solicit or accept gifts from persons or parties that do business or seek official action from DoD (unless permitted by an exception). Make unauthorized binding commitments or promises that bind the Government. Use Federal property for other than authorized activities. Take jobs or hold financial interests that conflict with your Government responsibilities. Take actions that give the appearance that they are illegal or unethical.

U.S. Air Force Core Values
As Airmen, we commit to conducting our service to the Nation in accordance with these Core Values. Integrity First Service Before Self Excellence In All That We Do As Federal Employees, we are also bound to act in accordance with the 14 Principles of Public Service. These 14 Principles establish a Government-wide Standard of Conduct They are also integral to and align with the Air Force Core Values

The 14 Principles of Public Service
Integrity First Public Service is a Public Trust—the law comes first! Personal financial interests cannot conflict with the performance of your duties. Act impartially. Do not give preferential treatment to anyone Do not disclose nonpublic information. Do not bind the government without authorization. Avoid even the appearance of legal or ethical violations.

Service Before Self Do not use public office for private gain. Do not accept or solicit gifts from a person or group with an interest before the Air Force. Do not let outside employment or activities conflict with official duties. Report fraud, waste, abuse and corruption.

Excellence In All We Do Give honest effort in the performance of your duties. Use Federal property only for authorized activities. Satisfy your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, participate in jury duty, etc. Provide equal opportunity to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

General Rules Exclusions Exceptions
GIFTS General Rules Exclusions Exceptions

GIFTS GENERAL RULES Federal personnel may not accept gifts given by a prohibited source, (e.g. a defense contractor) or because of his or her official position. The Trump Ethics Pledge prohibits political appointees from accepting gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations. Gifts between employees: General prohibition on acceptance of gifts from subordinates or people who earn less than you. Exception: a gift valued at $10 or less on an occasional basis, to include traditional gift giving occasions (e.g. birthday or promotion). There is no prohibition on supervisors giving gifts to subordinates, provided no favoritism is shown.

GIFTS EXCLUSIONS - items which are not considered gifts:
Modest items of food & refreshment, not part of a meal. Items of little intrinsic value (e.g. plaques, certificates, and trophies), intended primarily for presentation. Free attendance at an event on the day an employee is assigned to present information on behalf of his or her agency. Discounts and favorable rates available to the public, all Federal personnel, or all military personnel. Rewards and prizes from contests open to the public.

GIFTS EXCLUSIONS, Continued. Anything paid for by the Government.
Gifts accepted by the Government under statutory authority. Anything which you pay market value for.

GIFTS Exceptions - situations where the rule does not apply
Gifts with a value of $20 or less, not to exceed $50 from the same source in a single calendar year. Gifts based on a personal relationship. Free attendance at widely-attended gatherings. Discounts and similar benefits meeting certain requirements. Awards and honorary degrees. Gifts based on outside business or employment relationships. Gifts customarily offered by a prospective employer.

GIFTS Exceptions, Continued.
Social invitations from other than prohibited sources. Meals, refreshments, and entertainment in foreign areas. Gifts accepted under specific statutory authority.

WIDELY-ATTENDED GATHERINGS
General Rules Scenario Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson speaks about the important role communities play in supporting the Air Fore mission at the 2017 Defense Communities National Summit, Washington, D.C., June 19, (U.S. Air Force photo/Wayne A. Clark)

WIDELY-ATTENDED GATHERINGS
Generally, an employee may not accept a gift given by a prohibited source (e.g. a DoD contractor) or because of his or her official position. There are several exclusions and exceptions to this general prohibition. One such exception is the widely-attended gathering (WAG) exception; the criteria to satisfy this exception are as follows: A large number of attendees must be present. Diverse views must be represented. There must be an opportunity to exchange views. The supervisor must determine, in writing, that there is an agency interest in the subordinate’s attendance.

SCENARIO: WAG You and your companions are on government travel and have been invited to attend a social event at the end of the day in a restaurant down the street from where you are attending a conference. You decide that it would be nice to attend, mingle, and talk about what you are working on, in a relaxed atmosphere, with approximately 100 people from industry, state and local governments, and the media. Drinks and appetizers, valued at $25, will be provided. The sponsor of the event is a defense contractor. This is the only time you have accepted a gift from this contractor in the current year. Your supervisor is in attendance, as are several other employees.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: WAG
Select the correct answer: Since the gift is of limited value, you graciously accept it. Everyone else from DoD appears to be accepting the gift of free attendance, so you do so as well. You accept the gift after consulting with your supervisor, who determined, in writing, that this event is a widely-attended gathering and that there was an agency interest in your attending. You decide the ethics rules prohibit you from accepting this gift and so you decline the invitation.

ANSWERS TO SCENARIO: WAG
You picked answer #1 (Incorrect). The correct answer is #3. Absent the applicability of a gift exclusion or exception, you may not accept a gift in excess of $20. You may accept this gift if the event is a widely-attended gathering and your supervisor has determined, in writing, that there is an agency interest in your attending. You could also attend the event and pay your own way. It is never inappropriate, and often prudent, to decline a gift from an outside source. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

You picked answer #2 (Incorrect). The correct answer is #3. Absent the applicability of a gift exclusion or exception, you may not accept a gift in excess of $20. You may accept this gift if the event is a widely attended gathering and your supervisor has determined in writing that there is an agency interest in your attending. You could also attend the event and pay your own way. It is never inappropriate, and often prudent, to decline a gift from an outside source. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

You picked answer #3 (Correct). You may accept this gift if the event is a widely attended gathering and your supervisor has determined in writing that there is an agency interest in your attending. Absent the applicability of a gift exclusion or exception, you may not accept a gift in excess of $20. You could also attend the event and pay your own way. It is never inappropriate, and often prudent, to decline a gift from an outside source.

You selected answer #4 (Incorrect). The correct answer is #3. You may accept this gift, if the event is a widely-attended gathering and your supervisor has determined, in writing, that there is an agency interest in your attending. Absent the applicability of a gift exclusion or exception, you may not accept a gift in excess of $20. You could also attend the event and pay your own way. It is never inappropriate, and often prudent, to decline a gift from an outside source. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

Primary Statute Bribery Outside Representational Activity
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Primary Statute Bribery Outside Representational Activity

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PRIMARY STATUTE
Except as permitted by 18 U.S.C. § 208(b), as an officer or employee of the Executive Branch, you may not do Government work on a “particular matter” that would affect the financial interests of: You Your Spouse Your Minor children Your General partner An organization with which you are negotiating for employment or have an arrangement for future employment An organization for which you serve as employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PRIMARY STATUTE, Continued.
Waivers: The criminal financial conflict of interest statute has two provisions permitting waiver by the appointing authority: 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(1), where the disqualifying financial interest in a particular matter is not so substantial as to affect the integrity of the employee’s services to the Government. 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(3) is for Special Government Employees (SGE) on Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) committees, when the need for services outweighs the potential conflict. **NOTE: Ethics officials use waivers for broad particular matters, such as general policy matters, in conjunction with a recusal from particular matters involving specific parties for a specific financial interest.**

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PRIMARY STATUTE, Continued.
What is a particular matter? Focused upon the interests of specific persons, or a discrete and identifiable class of persons. Does not extend to broad policy making or considerations directed toward the interest of a large and diverse group of persons or entities. Hint: Can you identify who is involved?

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BRIBERY
18 U.S.C. § 201: Bribery — Prohibits public officials from seeking, receiving, or agreeing to accept anything of value for themselves or others in return for being influenced in an official act; Offender acts willfully and with the intent to influence. Public official can include those who are not Federal employees: Enlisted personnel Support contractors The bribery statute is the cornerstone of all the conflict of interest laws. Lesser included offense: Unlawful Gratuities (18 U.S.C. 201(c)) -Varying degrees of same conduct -Primary difference between bribes and gratuities - intent to influence -1989 Ethics Reform Act gave OGE authority to define exceptions -See U.S. v. Sun-Diamond Growers of California Comment on prohibition of Supplementation of Federal Salary

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OUTSIDE REPRESENTATIONAL ACTIVITY
18 U.S.C. § 203 and 18 U.S.C. § 205: Employees are prohibited from prosecuting or assisting in the prosecution of claims against the U.S. or representing another before a Federal department, agency, or court, in matters where the U.S. is a party or has a substantial interest. Exceptions: Federal personnel matters Fiduciaries of family members or estates Testimony under oath Retired officers Certain employee non-profit organizations

ACTIVITIES & PERFORMING OFFICIAL DUTIES
Impartiality In Performing Official Duties Misuse of Official Position Use of Resources Outside Activities Political Activities

IMPARTIALITY IN PERFORMING OFFICIAL DUTIES
Absent supervisory notice and authorization, an employee should not participate in an official matter: That is likely to have a direct and predictable effect on the financial interests of a member of the employee’s household; or Where a person with whom the employee has a covered relationship is or represents a party to the matter

Covered Relationships Include: A member of your household or a relative with whom you are close, Someone with whom you have or seek to have a business relationship other than a routine consumer transaction, An organization (other than political party) in which you actively participate, Someone with whom your spouse, parent, or dependent child has (or seeks to have) a close business relationship, such as partnership or employment.

Reasonable Person Test for Appearance of Impartiality If a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would question the employee’s impartiality, the employee should consult with their supervisor before participating in the matter.

MISUSE OF POSITION You may not use, or permit the use of, your Government position, title, or any authority associated with your office: To induce or coerce another person to provide any benefit to you or anyone with whom you are affiliated. To imply that the AF or the Government endorses personal activities. To endorse any product, service, or enterprise, except as provided by statute or regulation.

USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Use Federal Government equipment and property, including communications systems, only for official purposes or authorized purposes as approved by your supervisor. Subject to supervisor approval, you may use Government resources for personal purposes IF the use: Does not adversely affect the performance of official duties; Is of reasonable duration and frequency; Serves a legitimate public interest (such as keeping the employee at their desk); Does not reflect adversely on AF; and Creates minimal or no significant additional cost to AF. **WARNING: You should also check other regulations applicable to particular categories of resources (e.g. – JTR, IT regulations, etc.). Even though personal use may not violate the ethics rules, it may violate these.**

USE OF OFFICIAL TIME Use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties and do not ask subordinates to perform tasks outside their official duties.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES If you file a financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450 or OGE Form 278e), you need your supervisor’s prior written approval before you engage in business activity or compensated employment with a DoD “prohibited source.” Presidential appointees and certain non-career employees have additional restrictions. You may not have outside employment or activities that would materially impair your ability to perform your official duties.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES Most Federal civilian employees may actively participate in political campaigns and other partisan political activities. Federal employees may not engage in such activities while on duty, while in any Federal workplace or vehicle, or while in uniform. Certain political appointees are subject to additional restrictions by DoD policy; they cannot engage in any activity that could be interpreted as associating DoD with any partisan political cause or issue. **If you plan to engage in any partisan political activity, you should consult your ethics counselor.**

FUNDRAISING General Information Exceptions to Fundraising in the Workplace Combined Federal Campaign Attending a Fundraiser Disaster or Emergency Relief Test Your Knowledge

FUNDRAISING GENERAL INFORMATION
Fundraising is – the raising of funds for a non-Federal entity (NFE) through: Soliciting funds; Selling items; or Employee official participation in the conduct of an event where any part of the cost of attendance or participation may be taken as a charitable tax deduction by a person incurring that cost. Generally, fundraising is prohibited in the Federal workplace. The Government must be neutral to retain the public’s confidence, so we must ensure a level playing field for all NFEs.

FUNDRAISING EXCEPTIONS TO FUNDRAISING IN THE WORKPLACE
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) – solicit military only. When the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) authorizes a solicitation for emergencies or disasters. Among the members of an organization consisting primarily of DoD employees or their dependents for the benefit of the members (“by our own, from our own, for our own”).

FUNDRAISING COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
CFC and AFAF are the only authorized solicitations of employees in the federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. CFC and AFA campaigns run a separate times during the year. Participation by all AF personnel in CFC may be encouraged, but is not mandated. Solicitation for AFAF is limited to military although civilians may contribute. AF personnel may not: Encourage contributions to a specific charity. Solicit non-DoD personnel or entities, including contractors, Credit Union employees, or other non-Federal entities or individuals.

FUNDRAISING DISASTER OR EMERGENCY RELIEF
Includes hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, floods, or other catastrophes. The Director of OPM may authorize agencies to conduct a special solicitation of Federal personnel in the Federal workplace (outside of the CFC) in support of victims of emergencies and disasters. For example: solicitation recently authorized for Hurricane Harvey victims. The Agency Head must still approve the special solicitation.

FUNDRAISING ATTENDING A FUNDRAISER
The Federal Standards of Conduct prohibit you, in your official capacity, from “actively and visibly participating in the promotion, production, or presentation of the event.” This includes: Requesting/encouraging the giving of donations; Sitting at the head table; Serving as an honorary person; Standing in a reception line; or Serving as master of ceremonies. **Note: You may give an official speech at NFE fundraiser as long as you do not seek donations or otherwise endorse the organization or actively participate in fundraising efforts .**

SCENARIO: FUNDRAISING
You are asked to sell tickets to subordinates, in the workplace, for a fundraising event sponsored by a non-profit organization that helps military spouses. May you sell the tickets?

ANSWERS TO SCENARIO: FUNDRAISING
Select the correct answer: No. This fundraising event is not part of the CFC campaign, is not an OPM approved disaster solicitation, and is not a fundraiser among the members of your organization for the benefit of the members of your organization. Yes. It is for a good cause that supports military families, so the fundraising rules do not apply.

You selected NO. That is correct! Federal personnel may not solicit in the workplace, outside of CFC and AFAF, unless authorized by the OPM Director for disaster relief or the fundraiser is among the members of the organization for the benefit of the members of the organization. Additionally, supervisors may not solicit subordinates.

You picked YES. This is incorrect. Federal personnel may not solicit in the workplace, outside of CFC, unless authorized by the Director of OPM for disaster relief or the fundraiser is among the members of the organization for the benefit of the members of the organization. Additionally, supervisors may not solicit subordinates.

TEACHING, SPEAKING, WRITING
Rules Disclaimer Questions to Consider Non-Career Senior Executive Service Employees Travel and Meal Expenses Security Review for Release of Information Test Your Knowledge

Rules Under certain conditions, and with prior approval from your supervisor, you may accept payment for teaching, public speaking, or writing scholarly articles that are unrelated to your official duties and that were not prepared on official time. If the work identifies your employment by the AF, you must make a disclaimer.

Disclaimer If you use your military or civilian grade, title, or position as one of several biographical details given to identify yourself in connection with TSW, you need to publish a disclaimer. If the subject deals in significant part with any ongoing or announced policy, program, or operation of the AF; and, You have not been authorized by appropriate Agency authority to present that material as the Agency's position. An appropriate disclaimer states that these are the speaker’s/author’s personal views and not necessarily those of DoD or the AF.

Questions to Consider Are you being offered compensation for your TSW? Is the TSW “related” to your official duties? What prior approvals and clearances are required?

If you are a Non-Career Senior Executive Service Employee, to receive compensation for teaching, you must: Submit a written request to the Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO). Receive specific authorization from the DAEO in advance.

TRAVEL AND MEAL EXPENSES Travel and meal expenses may be accepted when speaking in your official capacity. Consult your ethics official for advice prior to accepting travel gifts from non-Federal sources (under the provisions of 31 U.S.C. § 1353).

SECURITY REVIEW A security review is generally required before releasing official information to the public. This is consistent with guidance in DoD Instruction and AFI

SCENARIO: TSW You receive an invitation at the office inviting you to speak at an event hosted by a non-Federal entity (NFE). The sponsor of the event offers to pay you an honorarium for speaking. The topic of the speech is related to your area of expertise and to your AF duties. May you speak and accept the honorarium at the event?

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: TSW
Pick the correct answer: Without consulting your supervisor, you decide that speaking at the event will further AF’s mission, so you accept the invitation and the honorarium. After consulting your boss, who concludes your speaking at the event will support AF’s mission, you accept the invitation and the honorarium. After consulting your boss, who concludes your speaking at the event will support AF’s mission, you accept the invitation but not the honorarium.

ANSWERS TO SCENARIO: TSW
You selected #1 (Incorrect). Although you believe speaking at the event may further AF’s mission, you must consult with your supervisor before accepting the invitation. Additionally, as a AF employee in your official capacity, you may not accept an honorarium as you are already being paid by DoD to perform your duties. 18 U.S.C. 209 is a statute that prohibits you from being paid by a non-Federal source to perform your official duties.

You selected answer #2 (Incorrect). While you correctly discussed the invitation with your supervisor beforehand, and your supervisor authorized you to speak at the event, you must decline the honorarium even if your supervisor determines that this is an appropriate forum for you to speak. This is because a criminal statute, 18 U.S.C. 209, prohibits Federal personnel from accepting payment from a non-Federal source for performing official duties.

You selected answer #3 (Correct). You correctly discussed the invitation with your supervisor beforehand, and your supervisor authorized you to speak at the event. You properly declined the honorarium because a criminal statute, 18 U.S.C. 209, prohibits Federal personnel from accepting payment from a non-Federal source for performing official duties.

Official Travel Benefits Acceptance of Payment from Non-Federal Source
OFFICAL TRAVEL Official Travel Benefits Acceptance of Payment from Non-Federal Source

OFFICAL TRAVEL OFFICIAL TRAVEL BENEFITS
You may keep promotional items, such as frequent flyer miles that are awarded for official travel. You may also keep promotional items to compensate you for being voluntarily bumped from a flight. You may voluntarily surrender your seat so long as it does not adversely affect the performance of your official duties. You may not keep promotional items given to compensate you for being involuntarily bumped from a flight.

OFFICIAL TRAVEL Acceptance of Payment from Non-Federal Source
31 U.S.C. § is the statute that permits Federal agencies to accept gifts of travel, meals, lodging, and/or registration fees associated with official travel on behalf of the Government. This is considered a gift to the Government and not to the employee. The employee cannot be directly reimbursed. Under this law, you must obtain written approval before travel. The person signing your travel orders (travel approval authority) must sign a memorandum approving acceptance of the gift. The ethics counselor must also concur with the travel approval authority’s determination before the travel begins.

POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT
Seeking Employment Representational Bans

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT If you are seeking non-Federal employment (sending resumes to select employers), you may not do Government work on a particular matter that will affect the financial interests of your prospective employer(s). You must provide your supervisor with a written disqualification statement. There are restrictions that will apply to your activities in the private sector in light of your specific duties and level of responsibility as a Government employee. Always consult your ethics counselor before separating from the Government.

REPRESENTATIONAL BANS 18 U.S.C. § 207 After leaving the Federal Government, former employees are subject to additional CRIMINAL restrictions that may limit their interactions with the Federal Government when representing the interests of another person or entity.

DOD SUPPLEMENTAL ETHICS REGULATION
Additional issues specific to all DoD personnel, to include: Monetary limit on the value of a group gift (currently no more than $300) from subordinates to a supervisor. The requirement to use a disclaimer when providing unofficial speeches. Prior approval by the supervisor for compensated outside employment with a prohibited source (applies if the DoD employee is a financial disclosure filer). Prohibition on making solicited sales to DoD personnel (or their families) who are junior in rank, grade, or position.

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING
Always ask yourself these questions when making a decision: Do the ethics rules permit me to take a proposed action? May I proceed? If yes, should I proceed? What are the benefits to AF if I take the proposed action and what are the RISKS?

SUMMARY Violating ethics principles may result in disciplinary or corrective action, and some may even result in criminal prosecution. You may not : accept a gift given because of your official position, or accept a gift given by a prohibited source accept a gift given as a bribe accept a gift in violation of a statute You may not do Government work on a particular matter that will affect the financial interests of you, your spouse, your minor children, your general partner, non-Federal organizations with which you are negotiating or have arranged future employment, or any non-Federal organization for which you serve as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner.

SUMMARY You may not use, or permit the use of, your Government position, title, or any authority associated with your office: To induce or coerce another person to provide any benefit to you or anyone with whom you are affiliated. To imply the AF or the Government endorses your personal activities. To endorse any product, service, or enterprise, except as provided by statute or regulation. Use Government equipment and property, including communications systems, only for official purposes or authorized purposes as approved by your supervisor. Generally, you may not engage in fundraising in the workplace. You may accept payment for teaching, speaking, and writing that is unrelated to your official duties and that was not prepared on official time.

SUMMARY You may not have outside employment or activities that would materially impair your ability to perform your official duties. If you plan to engage in any partisan political activity, you should consult your ethics counselor. You may keep promotional items, such as frequent flyer miles, that are awarded for official travel. Always consult your ethics counselor before separating from Government employment. **REMEMBER: IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONSULT AN ETHICS OFFICIAL!**

Line of Authority and POCs
The AF Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO) is the General Counsel. The AF Alternate DAEO is the Deputy General Counsel, Fiscal Ethics and Administrative Law. Deputy DAEOs and Ethics Counselors have been designated through the JA functional chain. The 633 ABW/JA Ethics Counselors are Susan Bond and Sandi Swanton. These Ethics Counselors are available to answer any questions you may have. So you receive credit for completion, send a signed certify you have completed this training to your Ethics Counselor or, if in the MDG or CONS, your organization’s FDM POC.

Questions?

Annual Ethics Training

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Annual Ethics Training"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Annual Ethics Training

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Annual Ethics Training"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback