Policy Making Code of Practice (Proposed)
A Code of Practice for policy making is needed because of the widespread errors in policy making in climate change and other areas.
Having a code of practice is common in many complex areas.
Having a code of practice is common in many complex areas.
The proposed Code of Practice (v. 1.1)
Clarity of aim- whether a policy put forward is based on facts and fairness, or is merely lobbying in order to promote a vested interest
Honesty
- telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, avoiding both exagerration and self-censoring
Transparency and reproducibility
- giving all sources, and checking all references, and giving enough detail for a reasonable person to reach the same conclusion
Compliance with commitments
- explaining how there is compliance with all obligations including legal obligations and international commitments, or justifying why there is not
Accuracy
- avoiding unreliable sources and all forms of misthinking, including cognitive biases, denial, and pseudoscience
Consensus and inclusivity
- aiming for a consensus of all reasonable people, and addressing all genuine concerns
Robust
- including common objections and answering them satisfactorily
Openness
- being open to scrutiny, challenge and correction
Giving leadership
- being willing to promote high standards and challenge errors
Why a Code of Practice is needed
- nobody is satisfied with the current methods of policy making
- current methods are resulting in many errors
The scope of the proposed Code of Practice
Organisations and individuals putting forward- full policy documents
- policy modifications
The basis for the proposed Code of Practice
This is- Nolan's 7 Principles of Public Life [1]
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- the Science Oath for the Climate of Scientists for Global Responsibility [2]
- standard recommendations for writing scientific papers
- ethical standards of truth-telling in health care.
References
| [1] | The UK's Seven Principles of Public Life https://www.carbonindependent.org/41.html |
| [2] | Scientists for Global Responsibility Science Oath for the Climate https://www.sgr.org.uk/projects/science-oath-climate-text-and-signing |
Started: 23 Dec 2025
✖