An employee may engage in an outside activity, including non-Federal employment, as long as the activity does not conflict with the employee's Government duties.  For additional information, please contact the Ethics Law and Programs Office or refer to our handouts on outside activities, when outside activities conflict with Government duties, and service with an outside organization.  

Please click here for guidance on serving with an outside organization in your official capacity (i.e., while on duty time and using Government resources).

NOTE: Except in very limited circumstances, an employee may not contact the Federal Government on behalf of a non-Federal organization or individual in order to influence Government action. Additional restrictions also apply to political appointees and noncareer members of the Senior Executive Service.

A Word About Ethics (FAQs)    

• Appearances of Bias
• Contacting the Federal Government
• Disqualification and Recusal
• Misuse of Government Resources
• Non-Federal Employment and Activities
• Service with Non-Federal Entities
• Outside Writing

Ethics At A Glance (Graphical Depictions)

• Appearances of Bias
• Disqualification and Recusal
• Non-Federal Employment and Activities
• Service with Non-Federal Entities

Other Guidance

• Guidelines for Service with an Outside Organization in an Official Capacity
• Social Media
• 3 Minutes of Ethics - Outside Activities