Our training program focuses on increasing honesty and integrity in City government. Our sessions provide critical information about City and State ethics laws. We also share how to apply these laws in the real world.
This page describes our regular ethics training sessions. You can also request a customized training for your group.
Jump to:
- General ethics training
- Ethics refresher training
- Board and commission ethics training
- Political activity information sessions
- Financial disclosure information sessions
- Campaign finance
- Lobbying
General ethics training
Who is it for?
This training is for all City officers and employees. New City officers and employees must attend within their first 90 days.
What does the training cover?
This training covers:
- Ethics rules for City officers and employees, including:
- Conflicts of interest.
- Gifts.
- Political activity.
- Basic information about the State Ethics Act, which applies to some City workers.
When is it?
This training is offered:
- Monthly. View the calendar for upcoming general ethics training sessions.
- By request for departments or offices. Email BOE.training@phila.gov to schedule.
This session is 60 minutes long.
Ethics refresher training
Who is it for?
Annual refresher training is required for:
- Elected officials.
- High-level appointed officials.
- Members of City boards and commissions.
What does the training cover?
This training is customizable. It covers ethics developments and topics of interest for each group.
When is it?
This training is offered:
- Periodically throughout the year. View the calendar for upcoming ethics refresher training sessions.
- By request. Email BOE.training@phila.gov to schedule.
These sessions are 30–45 minutes long.
Board and commission ethics training
Who is it for?
This training is required for new board and commission members.
It’s also open to:
- Current board and commission members. (This training fulfills the annual refresher requirement for this group.)
- Anyone who advises a board or commission.
What does the training cover?
This training covers:
- Ethics rules for members of City boards and commissions.
- Basic information about the State Ethics Act.
When is it?
This training is offered:
- Periodically throughout the year. View the calendar for upcoming board and commission ethics training sessions.
- By request. Email BOE.training@phila.gov to schedule.
This session is 45–60 minutes long.
Political activity information sessions
Who is it for?
This training is for anyone considering involvement in a political campaign or partisan political group.
What does the training cover?
This training covers political activity restrictions for City-appointed officers and employees, including:
- Which rules apply to your City position.
- Which campaigns are off-limits.
- What types of activity are permitted.
- How the rules apply on social media.
When is it?
This training is offered before primary and general elections. View the calendar for upcoming political activity information sessions.
This session is 30–45 minutes long.
Financial disclosure information sessions
Who is it for?
This training is for anyone who files the City or State financial disclosure forms.
What does the training cover?
This training covers:
- The basics of what gets disclosed.
- How to use the electronic filing system.
When is it?
This training is offered:
- In the spring, before the May 1 filing deadline. View the calendar for upcoming financial disclosure information sessions.
- By request. Email BOE.training@phila.gov to schedule.
This session is 30–45 minutes long.
Campaign finance
Who is it for?
This training is for:
- Candidates for City elective office.
- People who make expenditures to influence elections.
- Concerned citizens.
What does the training cover?
This training may cover a general overview of campaign finance or address specific topics. Those topics may include:
- Contributions.
- Best practices.
- Campaign finance for ward committees.
When is it?
This training is offered:
- Throughout the year, often before elections and filing deadlines. View the calendar for upcoming campaign finance training sessions.
- By request for groups of 10 or more. Email BOE.training@phila.gov to schedule.
These sessions are 60–90 minutes long.
Lobbying
Who is it for?
This training is for:
- Principals.
- Lobbyists.
- Lobbying firms.
What does the training cover?
This training covers:
- An overview of the City’s lobbying laws.
- Disclosure requirements.
- The lobbying system.
When is it?
This training is held periodically throughout the year. View the calendar for upcoming lobbying training sessions.
This session is 60–90 minutes long.