Ethics Training
Attachments:
The mission of the State Ethics Commission is to foster integrity in public service in state, county and local government, to promote the public’s trust and confidence in that service, and to prevent conflicts between private interests and public duties.
The conflict of interest law applies to state, county, municipal employees and committee members. In addition, if you provide services to the state or to a county or municipal government, you may be subject to the conflict of interest law. The conflict of interest law addresses circumstances where public employees’ private business, family or other interests conflict with their public responsibilities. The financial disclosure law requires elected state and county officials and state and county employees in “major policy-making positions” to annually disclose their private financial interests on forms submitted to the Commission.
Every two years, all current municipal employees and committee members must complete online training. New public employees and committee members must complete this training within 30 days of beginning public service, and every two years thereafter. Upon completing the program, employees should print out the completion certificate and keep a copy for themselves and are required to provide a copy of the completion certificate to the Town Clerk's Office. Every employee and committee member is required to sign and return to the Town Clerk’s Office a written acknowledgment that he has been provided with the summary. A copy of the Conflict of Interest sign off sheet can be found at the top of the page along with the summary.
Click the following link to take the test:
If you have difficulty printing, hit the control (Ctrl) button on your keyboard and select print. You must allow pop-ups to open as the certificate will pop up in a new window.
PLEASE NOTE: When multiple users attempt to complete the current training program using the same computer they may experience a problem accessing the beginning of the program. The user will need to open their internet browser (ex. explorer, firefox, safari, google chrome), click on "Tools", then "Delete browsing history" or under "Internet Options", "Delete Cookies”. The user will be able to click back on the Online Training module on the Commission's website and start at the beginning. If you have any other questions please contact the Town Clerk's office 508-760-6112.
State Ethics Commission Website has information regarding Laws, Regulations and Forms. There are Educational and Training Resources available for Municipal Employees, Committee Members and Volunteers. Advisory Opinions, Request Advice, and Rulings are also on their website.
Disclosure Forms
If you feel that you may have a conflict of interest while serving on a Town committee you may wish to file a disclosure form. Reasons to file one include, you have a personal or financial interest which somehow may relate to your job, your family or committee. There are several forms available depending on what you situation requires. If you are not sure you need to file one or are unsure as to what form to use contact the State Ethics Commission at (617) 371-9500 directly so they can advise you.