Code of Professional Conduct and Practice

Membership of a chartered professional body implies that a duty of care is accepted by every one of its members in fulfilling their professional management responsibilities.  The Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct and Practice, which is binding on all members of the Institute, sets out the professional standards of conduct and competence, as well as the personal values, which members are expected to exemplify.  It therefore encapsulates the 'essence' of a professional manager.  A full copy of the Code of Professional Conduct and Practice is available to download from the side panel.

The Code was relaunched at the end of April 2007.  This followed an in-depth review of the former Code of Professional Management Practice, overseen by a Steering Group of members working on behalf of the Professional Standards Committee.  The revised Code was approved by the Institute's Board of Trustees on 8 March 2007.

Members should be aware that their membership may be placed in jeopardy if formal notification and evidence is received by the Institute implying a breach of any section of the Code.  If any such complaint is received, it is subject to detailed investigation within the Institute's agreed disciplinary procedures.

These procedures are administered by the Professional Standards Committee.  The Committee is assisted by an Investigation Panel of over 40 members.  Members are appointed to the Panel on the basis of their experience in investigating complaints, analysing evidence and/or acting as conciliators.  The procedures for investigation and conciliation are contained in the Bye-laws and Regulations of the Institute, drawn up in accordance with the Royal Charter.

In conjunction with the work on the revised Code, a collaborative network has been formed of representatives of the major faith groups, which are undertaking extensive and valuable work of their own in the areas of business ethics and codes of conduct.  The group includes the Christian Association of Business Executives (CABE); the Jewish Association for Business Ethics (JABE); the Network of Sikh Organisations; and the Hindu Forum of Britain.  These organisations are actively engaged in publishing materials which address the core principles within the Institute's own Code.  For example, CABE has published its Principles for those in Business, embracing corporate responsibility and personal values to be applied in the workplace.  JABE has developed a practical guide to ethics in the workplace.  This collaborative network will seek to work together to raise awareness of these isuses, through journal articles and events.   Click on the links on the right hand side of the page to find out more of what these organisations are doing. 

For further information on the Code, the work of the Investigation Panel or on the investigation procedures, contact valerie.hamill@managers.org.uk
 
The Code of Professional Management Practice is divided into sections, relating to: a manager’s own personal management practice; interactions with colleagues; working within an organisation; dealing with customers, suppliers, business partners and other stakeholders; and interacting with the wider community.  It also spells out a member’s obligation to uphold the reputation of the Institute itself.

In return, the Institute itself undertakes, as set out in its overall mission and purpose statements, to support the lifelong development of managers and to assist them as they strive to keep themselves up to date and enhance their levels of competence.

Further supporting materials are also available from the Institute.  Research reports and checklists are available for purchase by members and non-members.  Research summaries are available free of charge.  MICLib, the Institute's web-based information service for members, gives access to reading lists, journal articles, books and pamphlets.  Clicking on the links to the right provides direct access to the areas of the website where you may find out more about these products and information sources.

Many of the themes and issues contained within the Code are addressed by the activities of Institute of Business Ethics.  Established in 1986, the IBE seeks to encourage high standards of corporate and business behaviour and the sharing of best practice.  It raises awareness of business ethics issues, through research, publications, practical advice, and meetings covering national and international issues of business conduct.

Further detail on the issues addressed within the Institute’s Code can be obtained by clicking on the section headings in the grid on the left hand side of this page.