Codes of Professional Conduct
Also available online:- Guidance notes on the interpretation and application of the rules for professional conduct
- Annexe for Members in Private Practice
- Download Codes of Professional Conduct
INTRODUCTION
The ABE has established this Code of Professional Conduct to lay down for its members and for the general public, the ethical standards by which its members should abide. The code will apply to all its members, irrespective of their grade, the professional role they fulfil, and the countries in which they practise.
The Rules of Conduct indicate the manner in which members are required to conduct themselves in various situations. They represent the minimum standard of conduct required of members. In all situations, including any not specifically covered by the Rules of Conduct, the underlying principle to be followed is that, in any conflict between a member's personal interest and the public interest, the latter should take precedence. The Rules of Conduct should be complied with both in the letter and the spirit.
The building engineering profession encompasses a broad range of individuals as members of the profession, many of whom are, in fact, employed by general corporate bodies. The Rules of Conduct are generic and should thus be equally applicable to ALL members. It is however realised that certain aspects will have varying degrees of application depending on the sector within which any individual member is practicing. This does not, however, remove from them the obligation, as a member of the ABE, to act in accordance with the Rules for Professional Conduct in all aspects of their professional lives
IT IS EACH MEMBER'S DUTY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE RULES OF CONDUCT AND AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL RESPECTS TO SATISFY THEMSELVES AS TO THEIR APPLICABILITY TO THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. In addition, members must remember that in any given circumstance, more than one Rule of Conduct may be applicable.
It should also be noted that compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct could in some circumstances be quoted by a member as a defence in the event of disciplinary proceedings being brought against that member.
The Code contains, first of all, the specific Rules of Professional Conduct to which members must adhere. These rules state in plain language those basic things that members must do.
Following the initial statement, a series of Guidance Notes to help members interpret and apply the rules are provided where appropriate (some Rules have no Guidance Notes). These Guidance Notes are not exhaustive and do not cover all contingences. An act which seriously breaches one of the Guidance Notes will probably breach the Rule for Professional Conduct to which that Guidance Note applies.
RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
All members shall :
1 Exercise all reasonable professional skill and care to prevent avoidable danger to health or safety.
2 Exercise all reasonable professional skill and care to prevent avoidable adverse impact on the environment.
3 Maintain their competence, undertake only professional tasks for which they are competent and disclose relevant limitations of competence.
4 Accept appropriate responsibility for work carried out under their supervision.
5 Treat all persons fairly with respect and without bias, and encourage others to advance their learning and competence.
6 Avoid where possible real or perceived conflict of interest and advise affected parties when such conflicts arise.
7 Observe the proper duties of confidentiality owed to appropriate parties.
8 Discharge their professional duties with integrity, impartiality and objectivity and have no involvement with any form of bribery.
9 Assess relevant risks and liability and, if appropriate, have in force appropriate liability insurances.
10 Notify the institution -
a) if convicted of a criminal offence other than parking fines or convictions for exceeding the speed limit:
b) upon becoming bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director:
c) of any significant violation of the institution's Code of Conduct by another member.
All members in private practice shall :
11 Comply with the additional Rules contained in the 'Annexe for Members in Private Practice'.