Code of conduct

Staff neither seek nor accept instructions from a government, a dealer, an auction house or a collector in the performance of their duties. Each decision is based on published technical criteria.

Impartiality also applies to appearance: a situation that could reasonably cast doubt on a staff member's objectivity must be declared.

Any gift worth more than €100 (indicative) is refused or handed over to the Organization. Invitations to meals or events from companies whose file the Organization is handling are declined.

Symbolic gifts may be accepted if they are declared to the ethics officer. Money, whatever the amount, is always refused.

Information obtained in the course of duties, in particular on the provenance of a work, the identity of an owner or an ongoing investigation, is confidential. It is used only for the assigned mission.

This obligation continues after duties end. It goes together with compliance with personal data protection.

The Organization tolerates no form of discrimination, harassment or violence. Professional relations rest on mutual respect, listening and the rejection of abuses of authority.

A staff member who is a victim or witness may turn to their manager, human resources, the equality officer or the ethics officer, as they choose.

Assets, funds and information systems are used for the needs of the Organization. Occasional personal use is tolerated if it is reasonable and cost-free.

Paid or public external activities (lectures, expert opinions, publications) are subject to prior authorization where they may create a conflict of interest.