Revisions to ethics rules taking effect January 1 contain guidance for employees when acceptance of a gift would be allowable but it might be best to reject it nonetheless. Employees should consider “whether acceptance of a gift would lead a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question his or her integrity or impartiality,” the rules say. Factors to consider would include whether: the gift has a high value; the timing of the gift creates the appearance that the donor is seeking to influence an official action; the gift was provided by a person who has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duties; or acceptance of the gift would provide the donor with significantly disproportionate access. Employees who are uncertain should seek advice from an agency ethics official, the rules add.
Fedweek
Sometimes It’s Best to Turn Down Even an Allowable Gift
By: FEDweek Staff