Code of Professional Practice
The Institute for Learning’s code of Professional Practice came into force on 1 April 2008. The Code was developed by the profession for the profession and it outlines the behaviours expected of members – for the benefit of learners, employers, the profession and the wider community.
- Integrity
- Respect
- Care
- Practice
- Disclosure
- Responsibility
BEHAVIOUR 1: Professional Integrity
The members shall;
1. meet their professional responsibilities consistent with the Institute’s Professional Values.
2. use reasonable professional judgement when discharging differing responsibilities and obligations to learners, colleagues, institution and the wider profession.
3. uphold the reputation of the profession by never unjustly or knowingly damaging the professional reputation of another or furthering their own position unfairly at the expense of another.
4. comply with all reasonable assessment and quality procedures and obligations.
5. uphold the standing and reputation of the Institute and not knowingly undermine or misrepresent its views nor their Institute membership, any qualification or professional status.
BEHAVIOUR 2: Respect
The members shall at all times:
1. respect the rights of learners and colleagues in accordance with relevant legislation and organisation requirements.
2. act in a manner which recognises diversity as an asset and does not discriminate in respect of race, gender, disability and/or learning difficulty, age, sexual orientation or religion and belief.
BEHAVIOUR 3: Reasonable Care
The members shall take reasonable care to ensure the safety and welfare of learners and comply with relevant statutory provisions to support their well-being and development.
BEHAVIOUR 4: Professional Practice
The members shall provide evidence to the Institute that they have complied with the current Institute CPD policy and guidelines.
BEHAVIOUR 5: Criminal Offence Disclosure
Any member shall notify the Institute as soon as practicable after cautioning or conviction for a criminal offence. The Institute reserves the right to act on such information through its disciplinary process.
BEHAVIOUR 6: Responsibility during Institute Investigations
A member shall use their best endeavours to assist in any investigation and shall not seek to dissuade, penalise or discourage a person from bringing a complaint against any member, interfere with or otherwise compromise due process.
BEHAVIOUR 7: Responsibility to the Institute
The members shall at all times act in accordance with the Institute’s conditions of membership which will be subject to change from time to time.
All decisions are taken by disciplinary committees, comprising lay and professional members, who sit with independent legal advisors. The procedures are administered by the Professional Practice Team.
There are four sanctions which can be applied to members who breach the Code of Professional Practice:
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A reprimand
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A Conditional Registration Order
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A Suspension Order
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An Expulsion Order
The nature of the sanction imposed will depend upon the circumstances of the case. IfL has issued Indicative Sanctions Guidance to the Professional Practice Committee. Any disciplinary order imposed by IfL relates only to a member's class and status within IfL and bears no connection to relationships outside of that, such as membership of another organisation or employment.
