PRESS RELEASE BY THE CABINET OFFICE

Revision and publication of the Manual for setting the categorisation, classification and remuneration of government-appointed boards and committees and the Code of Ethics for members of boards and committees in the public sector

• Stronger procedures, greater accountability and tighter controls on public expenditure

The Prime Minister tabled a revised version of the Manual for setting the categorisation, classification and remuneration of government-appointed boards and committees in the House of Representatives. The Manual regulates the categorisation and classification of boards and committees appointed by the Government, as well as their remuneration.

The revision to the Manual is based on the experiences and needs that emerged during an extensive process across the public administration, intended to ensure that every board and committee appointed by the Government is categorised and classified according to these guidelines. This exercise was carried out over several years, and its completion led to the consolidation of existing boards and committees, greater clarity in appointment procedures, and tighter controls on public expenditure.

The updated Manual strengthens the verification process that must be observed when remuneration is reviewed, as well as the procedure to be followed when new boards are established. Several clauses in the Manual relating to the appointment of secretaries, as well as sub-committees and subsidiary boards of commercial companies, have been clarified. The role of the standing committee within the Office of the Prime Minister will also be strengthened so that it can provide more effective guidance to ministries in the implementation of the Manual.

None of these procedures will be carried out without the direction and involvement of the permanent secretaries of each ministry. Indeed, the revision of the Manual is complemented by an extensive update to the Code of Ethics for members of boards and committees in the public sector. This document is annexed to the Manual and introduces important new clauses relating to public procurement, procedures for addressing conflicts of interest, attendance, and other obligations applicable to chairpersons and board members.

The revisions made to the Manual and the Code of Ethics also reflect several recommendations made by the National Audit Office as part of an audit on the implementation of the Manual carried out in 2024. The recommendations arising from this exercise were incorporated into the amendments made during the review process that had already begun at that time.

The updated Manual and Code of Ethics may be accessed at: https://opm.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Manual-for-government-appointed-board-and-committees-Cabinet-Office-2026.pdf