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On Thursday 18 September 2025, the University of Sussex’s Centre for the Study of Corruption based in LPS is hosting a public debate at Brighton Dome, examining standards in public life.  It will focus on the continuing relevance of the Nolan Principles.

Established in the 1990s in response to a series of political scandals, the Nolan Principles - selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership - have long underpinned the UK’s standards in public life. However, recent controversies have raised questions about their adequacy and application in contemporary politics and public office.

This Sussex Spark event will bring together academics from Sussex alongside experts from two leading think tanks to consider whether the Nolan framework remains a suitable basis for public standards, or whether stronger regulatory approaches and sanctions may now be required. The discussion will address broader issues, such as the impact of outsourcing public services, shifting expectations of political conduct, and the extent to which ethics and integrity are prioritised by government today.

Date: Thursday 18 September 2025, 7.00 pm (doors open 6.15 pm)
Venue: Brighton Dome
Tickets from £9.00, including a glass of wine in the interval