Crossword Genius

Official ghost writer's boss should be charitable (6-8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

public-spirited

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'charitable' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'official ghost writer's boss' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'ghost' could be 'spirit' (I've seen this before) and 'spirit' is found within the answer.
'writer' could be 'ed' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ed' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'public' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'should be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for public-spirited that I've seen before include "Willing to help society" , "Willing to aid society" , "Willing to do things for society" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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