A set of rules and guidelines defining proper conduct in any business environment is known as a professional code of ethics. Each professional organisation or association typically has its code of ethics outlining its mission, core values, and standards its employees must meet when representing their profession. This document is especially helpful in force majeure situations when a human is prone to stress-induced irrationality or being overtaken by emotions.
An effective code of ethics greatly contributes to the establishment’s solid reputation. The principles of ethical behaviour and ethical decision-making presented in the code of ethics are designed to help employees solve ethical issues more effectively and get out of controversial or inflammatory situations with dignity.
Our article is here to help you learn more about the situation with professional ethics in the United Kingdom and also check how a professional code of ethics may differ from occupation to occupation.
Table of Contents
Even though each profession in the UK has its own set of rules in its ethical code, the five universal ethical principles that are applied across all occupations are:
The main aim of all professional codes of conduct is to ensure appropriate behaviours in a professional context. It’s fair to say that codes of conduct go hand in hand with personal values and the general law of the territory where the organisation is situated. It’s vital for an individual to have values and personal views that closely align with the code of ethics of their profession, otherwise, they will hardly make a real professional in their field.
Due to the ability to mitigate risks connected with unprofessional reactions or responses in the workplace, professional codes of ethics are especially relevant for professions that protect the well-being and rights of individuals, communities, or society as a whole. Among such occupations, there are:
First and foremost, a professional code of ethics sets a moral framework and behaviour guidelines; however, there are some other advantages to mention:
There is a widespread misconception that professional competence comprises only professional knowledge and practical skills. They are essential, but besides them, there is a strive for constant learning and development, a set of soft skills (adaptability, problem-solving, communication), and ethical behaviour. Only a combination of all these elements can result in effective performance within a specific profession or field of expertise.
Every field is governed by a framework of laws, regulations, and standards, and professionals who represent the field are obliged to operate within this framework. Not only do these laws and regulations protect workers while facing complex ethical dilemmas in the workplace, but they also ensure the well-being of stakeholders, clients, and the general public. It also provides a foundation for fair competition within the field. It’s vital to act in compliance with these rules, as it can protect workers from legal consequences, up to losing their professional reputation and even license for work.
Besides the legal and regulatory context, ethical professionalism also includes morals. It’s about following moral principles such as honesty, fairness, confidentiality, transparency, and collaboration. It also implies respecting the personal boundaries of others, protecting your own boundaries politely, and caring about your colleagues, clients, establishment, environment, and even society as a whole while fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a particular role or profession.
To ensure the safety and reputability of an organisation, acting ethically has to be an equal requirement for every and all representatives of the establishment, from service personnel to upper management.
As we’ve mentioned, professional codes of ethics may vary depending on the profession. We’ve researched some fields, particularly in the United Kingdom, and found out their professional codes of ethics.
According to the information on the official SRA website, The Code of Conduct represents the standards of professionalism that all professional members must adhere to while providing legal services. The document also comprises a framework for ethical and competent practice, which is equally relevant for all roles or organisations. Every representative of the profession carries personal accountability for maintaining compliance with The Code. In case of a failure to meet the standards, regulatory actions against the individual may be initiated to ensure accountability for deviating from established ethical norms.
The official website of the SRA, the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, provides the following chapters:
The more detailed version is available on the official SRA website.
The main aim of the Council is to protect the public. Only those individuals who meet their set of requirements and who are on the relevant part of their register are allowed to practice as a nurse or a midwife in the territory of the United Kingdom. Falsely claiming to be on the register leads to criminal accountability.
The standards presented in the code are not only the organisation’s requirements but also a set of expectations of patients and members of the public. Joining the NMC register automatically means committing to upholding the standards, a fundamental requirement for those who want to belong to a profession. Severe violation cases can easily end up removing the violator from the register.
The main principles of the code include:
You can find a more detailed description on the official NMC website.
The official website of the Institute of Chartered Accountants states that ethical behaviour plays a key role in building public trust in upholding the reputation of the accountancy profession. The code provides ethical guidance to help all members fulfil their obligations with dignity.
The code comprises five fundamental principles:
The code consists of several Sections describing probable situations that members are highly likely to encounter. There can also be found suggestions, or in some cases, requirements, to follow specific action plans. If members fail to meet ethical and professional expectations, they become liable to disciplinary action.
The British Medical Association’s official website says that their Code of Ethics provides guidance on the legal and ethical issues doctors in the UK may encounter in their professional clinical practice. The document comprises numerous sections, some of which are:
Each section includes sub-sections, which you can investigate in more detail on their official website.
Here are the key doctor-patient relationship principles set out by the General Medical Council (GMC):
According to the official RIBA website, honesty, integrity, competence, and concern for others and the environment make the foundation of the RIBA’s three principles of professional conduct. They are:
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
British Medical Association
British Medical Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
