Policy statement 393 - Post public sector employment

Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on February 9, 2023
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on February 15, 2023
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 22, 2023

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports policies, regulations, and statutes for managing and mitigating potential conflicts of interest that could result from activities undertaken by certain employees, after leaving public sector employment. Such policies should also promote transparency and address compensation restrictions. Regulations should be limited to those necessary to provide reasonable assurance against conflicts of interest.

Issue

Public sector entities may have a need to regulate the activities of former employees in order to protect against unethical use of prior knowledge and position. Policies should address the use of proprietary agency information gained during prior public sector employment or the appearance of such usage. It is recognized that general professional knowledge acquired during public sector employment may appropriately be used in connection with post public sector employment.

Rationale

ASCE's Code of Ethics states engineers must perform in a manner to uphold the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession while serving the public, their employers, and clients.

This policy has worldwide application.
ASCE Policy Statement 393
First Approved in 1992