New development: Is Nolan enough? Why senior officers need to understand public values at the street-level perspective

Public values are stated as being central to the practice of senior public officials and policy-makers across the globe, but applying values in practice requires continual consideration and review. The application of values in state settings is not only about their application at senior levels, but how they infuse different levels of public organizations. Although much has been written about higher level values and standards, such as the UK Nolan principles, there is less consideration about how senior officers understand values at the levels of public sector practice. This article makes the case that, to produce a modern public service fit for purpose, senior public officials will benefit from understanding the application of public values at a variety of delivery levels. Public values are now an established part of the skills and knowledge of senior public officials across the globe. Applying values in practice is considered to contribute to the effective delivery of public services, and reflect on wicked problems which continue to persist throughout the world. Senior officers at various levels of public sector organizations, and particularly senior managers, are expected to explain where value is being created. The authors contribute to the public management literature by arguing that, to produce a modern public service fit for purpose, senior public officials need training and educating to understand public values and ethics.