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The CIPHE’s Code of Professionals Standards sits central to the Institute’s aims, objectives and values. The professionalism members commit to through it is at the heart of what we represent through them. Times change and, in ensuring that the Code is as relevant today as it was when first introduced, so does the Code. This blog covers the changes made to the Code during its most recent review.
Most of the points in the Code have had no, or very minor amends. However, two feature big changes:
1) To Perform professionally, competently and responsibly, has been expanded to include that our members commit to act with an appropriate level of consideration for their duty of care to employers, and clients, in their professional actions and behaviours.
2) To Safeguard the environment and public health and safety remains unchanged.
3) The CIPHE recommends our members to consumers, and it is vital that we do so with a voice that they can trust. Therefore, Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes, now requires members to notify the Institute if they have:
- Been subjected to a criminal conviction or an adverse civil court judgement, related to any aspect of the Institute’s Code of Professional Standards. This is applicable to convictions and civil court judgements both in the UK or overseas.
- Been declared bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director or Charity Trustee.
- Had membership of another professional body terminated as the result of a disciplinary procedure.
4) To Broaden, improve and maintain skills, knowledge and personal qualities, has had a slight change in wording around CPD activities, so that members commit to a thoughtful approach to their learning to ensure it is relevant and goal-oriented.
5) To Uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the Institute and the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry has had a small section removed as it was a repeat of commitments that were already included elsewhere.
6) The last point of the Code is new. It has been updated to Raise awareness of wrongdoings against others. Its aim is to encourage members to support others who whistle blow danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing. It also asks members to notify the Institute of any significant violation of the Code of Professional Standards by another member.
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Old Code |
New Code |
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1. Perform professionally, competently and responsibly Carry out their own work or supervise the work of others with due regard to the technical quality, with appropriate insurance cover and prioritising the interests of employers, employees and clients; communicating and performing at a professional standard. |
1. Perform professionally, competently and responsibly Carry out their own work or supervising the work of others with due regard to technical quality, appropriate insurance cover and the interests of employers and clients; communicating and performing to an acceptable standard; and with a duty of care to employers and clients. |
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2. Safeguard the environment and public health and safety Take all reasonable care to avoid damaging the local and wider environment and without creating any danger of death, injury or ill-health to any person, or damage to property. |
2. Safeguard the environment and public health and safety Take all reasonable care to avoid damaging the environment or creating any danger of death, injury or ill health to any person or damage to property. |
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3. Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes Work in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and conform to the appropriate European and British Standards Codes of Practice. In the case of Fellows and Members registered with the Engineering Council UK, also conforming to their Code of Conduct.
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3. Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes Work in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and conform to the appropriate British Standards Codes of Practice. In the case of Fellows and Members registered with the Engineering Council, also conforming to the Council’s Codes of Professional Practice. Notify the Institute if they have been subjected to any of the following: · A criminal conviction, or an adverse civil court judgement, related to any aspect of the Institute’s Code of Professional Standards (whether in the UK or overseas) · Been declared bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director or Charity Trustee. · Had membership of another professional body terminated as the result of a disciplinary procedure. |
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4. Broaden, improve and maintain skills, knowledge and personal qualities Keep up-to-date with developments in the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry by attending and participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and other relevant training activities. |
4. Broaden, improve and maintain skills, knowledge and personal qualities Keep up-to-date with developments in the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry by attending, recording and reflecting on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and other relevant training activities. |
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5. Uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the industry and the CIPHE Act professionally and adopt behaviours and appearance that will not cause offence or embarrassment to others. To maintain and enhance the reputation of the CIPHE and the wider plumbing and heating industry. |
5. Uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the Institute and the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry Act professionally and adopt a form of behaviour and appearance that will not cause offence or embarrassment to others. |
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6. Abide by the Code of Professional Standards Accept responsibilities as a member to comply and co-operate with the CIPHE in the operation of its disciplinary procedures and any investigation that may occur as a result. |
6. Raise awareness of wrongdoings against others Support a colleague or any other person to whom they have a duty of care who in good faith raises any concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others (blows the whistle). In addition, to notify the Institute of any significant violation of the Institute’s Code of Professional Standards by another member. |
It is worth stressing that members will adopt these standards just as a matter of going about their day-to-day duties, and will not need the CIPHE to expect standards of them higher than the ones they already expect of themselves. However, it is important that members of the public can see exactly the standards they can expect when they engage the services of a CIPHE member.
Members do not need to sign anything new to agree to the updated Code, but will need to take note of the changes, especially in regard to point 3 - to Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and codes.
The updated version Code is available to view on the Code of Professional Standards page. If you have any questions on the Code, or how it affects you, please contact the membership department on 01708 463116 or email membership@ciphe.org.uk