These guides outline the ethics requirements of the Philadelphia Code. You can find more information about the topics below in the City ethics manuals.

City employees may not take official action if it will affect their financial interests. This includes the financial interests of a family member, prospective employer, or other connections. You can learn more about this conflicts prohibition in the City Ethics Code and State Ethics Act.

Gifts

City employees are subject to many rules about gifts. These rules are in the State Ethics Act, the City Charter, the City Ethics Code, and the Executive Order on Gifts. Some departments have their policies as well. City employees must follow all ethics rules, whether giving or receiving a gift.

Gratuities

Section 10-105 of the Home Rule Charter prohibits City officers and employees from asking for or accepting gratuities for their public service.

Honoraria

Under state law, public officials and employees are prohibited from accepting an honorarium.

Many City employees need to file an annual statement of financial interests (also known as a financial disclosure form). Filers are required to disclose information about personal financial interests and business relationships from the previous calendar year. The form is designed to increase confidence and openness in City government.

There are two financial disclosure forms:

• State form: Anyone who is a “public employee” as defined by the State Ethics Act must file the State Form. Whether you’re a public employee depends on your job description and official duties.
• City form: Board of Ethics Regulation 3 (below) contains a list of all City officers and employees required to file the City form.

Browse financial disclosure statements

This tool allows users to search for financial disclosure statements filed by City officials and employees.

Executive Order 1-11 prohibits direct supervision of and personnel actions regarding close family members. It also mandates disclosure.

Executive Order 12-16 regulates outside employment and self-employment by City officers and employees. City workers may hold a second job as long as their employment doesn’t affect their job performance with the City or conflict with City interests.

Employees who want to work a second job must file a request and get approval from their supervisors.

Section 10-107 of the Home Rule Charter lists prohibited political activity for City officers and employees. The Board of Ethics developed guidance to help employees understand the rules.

Even after leaving government service, there are several ethics restrictions for former City employees. These restrictions might limit the type of work former City employees do for their new employer for a certain period.

• The State Ethics Act prohibits public employees from being paid to represent someone before their former governmental body, i.e., City department or agency. This rule lasts one year.
• The City Ethics Code prohibits former City employees from having financial interests in any actions they took in the City position. This rule lasts two years.
• The City Ethics Code also permanently prohibits former City employees from assisting another person in a transaction involving the City if they participated in that transaction during their City service.

Executive Order 9-17 protects against retaliation for reporting wrongdoing or waste. Retaliation examples include dismissal, suspension, or demotion.