In the personal and public sphere: Relations with the authorities and the government

Conventions and forms regarding the behaviour with authority

• Last names and titles should be used unless you are asked to do differently.
• Questions should be answered at proper moments after another person finished speaking or ask us for an answer. The interruption will be seen as rude.
• At social or business meetings, it is polite to also shake hands upon leaving.
• If communication is made by e-mails or letters, it should follow more formal rules of writing.
• Slang shouldn’t be used when speaking with authorities.
• If an authority is asking you to do something, you have to do it. As long as it is not dangerous.
• It is impolite to not look at authority when having a conversation.
• British people are punctual, try to not be late at any meeting.