Code of Professional Practice
The Code of Professional Practice
The Code of Professional Practice defines the professional behaviour which, in the public interest, the Institute expects of its members throughout their membership and professional career. In publishing the Code, the Institute is able to maintain and promote its standards of professional conduct, ensuring continued public confidence. In retaining membership, members recognise their ongoing obligations under the Code and agree to abide by and be bound by it, and any other rules of membership.
The Code applies to all members of the Institute and will be enforced to protect the interests of learners and the wider public. The Code will be subject to regular review to ensure that it remains relevant and reflects advances in professional practice.
Download the Code of Professional Practice here (PDF opens in new window)
Raising Concerns
Members alleged to be in breach of the Code will be subject to disciplinary investigation as described in the Disciplinary Procedures (PDF opens in new window). In applying for and retaining membership, members of the Institute agree to be bound by the Disciplinary Procedures.
The Institute can only investigate concerns relating to misconduct by its members (or that they have been cautioned or convicted for a relevant offence) and any such concerns must relate to the professional behaviour of the member.
The Institute operates a four stage disciplinary process:
Stage one: The Institute will establish whether it has jurisdiction and whether the matters of concern fall within the scope of the disciplinary procedures (referred to as screening).
Stage two: Where jurisdiction and scope is established the concerns are referred to the Investigating Committee for consideration. This Committee determines whether or not there is a case to answer.
Stage three: Where it is determined there is a case to answer, the formal allegations are considered by the Professional Practice Committee, which determines whether they are proved and, if so, what sanction to apply. The consideration of these matters takes place by way of public hearing.
Stage four: A member who disagrees with the decision of the Professional Practice Committee may appeal to an independent Appeal Committee.
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. The Institute has issued Indicative Sanctions Guidance (available soon) to the Professional Practice Committee. Any disciplinary order imposed by the Institute relates only to a member's class and status within the Institute and bears no connection to relationships outside of that, such as membership of another organisation or employment.