Deontology

The deontology commission

The Sciences Po Deontology Commission is a statutory body common to the National Foundation of Political Science (FNSP) and the Paris Institute of Political Studies (IEP de Paris). Placed under the authority of the administrator of the FNSP and the director of the IEP, it was established in application of the decree of 29 December 2015 on the FNSP and the decree of 18 January 2016 on the Paris IEP.

In February 2021, Sciences Po set up a working group dedicated to strengthening the institution’s deontological mechanisms. Chaired by Catherine de Salins, Deputy President of the Administration Section of the Council of State, its mission is to evaluate our existing systems and to make any necessary recommendations to strengthen our actions in the area of deontology. 

It may be consulted on any question relating to the respect of the deontological principles related to any position within the Foundation or the Institute, in particular regarding impartiality, probity, dignity, neutrality, secularism and the prevention of conflicts of interest. The Deontology Commission relies on a single charter adopted by the FNSP and the Institute's Boards of Directors (pdf, 150 Kb).

The current members of the Commission are:

• Horatia Muir Watt, appointed by the FNSP Board of Directors
• Emeric Henry, appointed by the IEP Board of Directors
• Yann Aguila, independent figure appointed by the President of the IEP and the Administrator of the FNSP

The Deontology Commission may be seized, with regard to the Foundation, by :

• The President and the Administrator of the FNSP ;
• The Director of the IEP;
• At least one third of the members of the FNSP Board of Directors;
• Office holders at the FNSP or the IEP for any deontological issue that concerns them personally.

The Commission can also take up any deontological issue, whether general or individual. In this case, it shall inform the President and the Administrator of the FNSP or, as the case may be, the President of the IEP, and when necessary the person concerned.