Circular No. 06/2022 - Prohibition on Accepting Rewards, Gifts and Other Benefits

The university management has the legal duty to regularly instruct all staff on the obligations arising from Section 42 of the Civil Servant Status Act and the Thuringian Guideline on Combating Corruption in the Public Administration of the Free State of Thuringia of 8 January 2019. I have complied with this obligation by providing the following information on the legal situation:

As a matter of principle, public servants may not demand or accept any rewards, gifts or other advantages for themselves or a third person in relation to their office or official activities. Staff members must avoid any appearance of being susceptible to personal advantages in the course of their official duties. (cf. § 42 Civil Servant Status Act and § 3 para. 3 TV-L). Such offers of rewards, gifts or other benefits must be reported immediately and without being requested to the superior.

Exceptions to the ban on acceptance require the prior written consent of the employee's supervisor. Tacit consent applies only to low-value gifts up to a value of EUR 25, customary hospitality and minor services (section I.4 of the administrative regulations). The acceptance of cash - regardless of the amount - is not permissible under any circumstances. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions under service or labour law as well as criminal law.

The relevant legal bases to be observed can be found on the information page on the subject of anti-corruption and reporting legal violations.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Jana Lorbeer as Anti-Corruption Officer.