Following in from our Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions on IEM Membership, we thought it would be useful to share with you our draft Code of Professional Conduct for comment.
As the professional body for Event Management, the IEM is committed to championing and protecting the quality and integrity of the event management profession. We set high standards of entry for membership and require all of our members to adhere to the standards and behaviours (‘obligations’) set out in this Code of Professional Conduct.
These obligations are grouped under four principles:
- Professional Competence and Behaviour
- Ethical Standards and Integrity
- Representative of the Profession
- Stewardship
They apply universally – at all stages of an IEM member’s career, regardless of size, sector or specialism, and the individual’s membership commits them to upholding and maintaining these.
1 Professional Competence and Behaviour
Members of the IEM shall:
1.1 Maintain professional knowledge and competence through continuing professional development, to ensure they provide a professional, up to date and insightful service.
1.2 Seek appropriate support if business needs require involvement in new areas of activity, only act within the scope of knowledge or ability, seek advice or support or refer work where appropriate.
1.3 Accept responsibility for their own professional actions and decisions, rectifying issues as soon as possible, informing the client of any likely impact to them and taking all reasonable steps to mitigate their loss/harm.
1.4 Apply professional high standards of relevance, accuracy and timeliness in the information and advice they provide to stakeholders, ensuring adequate liability insurance is held and terms of reference are established for all work and commitment.
2 Ethical Standards and Integrity
Members of the IEM shall:
2.1 Establish, maintain and develop business relationships based on confidence, trust and respect.
2.2 Exhibit and role model professional and personal integrity and honesty at all times.
2.3 Demonstrate and promote sensitivity for the customs, practices, culture and personal beliefs of others.
2.4 Champion employment and business practices that promote equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion and support human rights and dignity.
2.5 Safeguard all confidential, commercially sensitive and personal data acquired as a result of business relationships and not use it for personal advantage or the benefit or detriment of third parties.
3 Representative of the Profession
Members of the IEM shall:
3.1 Always act in a way which supports and upholds the reputation and values of the profession, if the Member becomes aware of a potential breach of the Code, they must report this to the IEM.
3.2 Uphold their responsibilities as professional people towards the wider community.
3.3 Comply with prevailing laws and not encourage, assist or collude with others who may be engaged in unlawful conduct, taking action as appropriate.
3.4 Exhibit personal leadership as a role model for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.
3.5 Identify where there is a conflict of interest. If an action could be perceived as a conflict of interest the Member should carefully consider whether it is appropriate to act in all the circumstances and evidence independence and be able to demonstrate the distinction between the personal and professional capacity.
4 Stewardship
Members of the IEM shall:
4.1 Demonstrate and promote fair and reasonable standards in the treatment of people who are operating within their sphere of influence.
4.2 Challenge others if they suspect unlawful or unethical conduct or behaviour, taking action as appropriate.
4.3 Ensure that their professional judgement is not compromised nor could be perceived as being compromised because of bias, or the undue influence of others.
4.4 Promote sustainability in developing and delivering their work and events, inspiring others to do the same in achieving business objectives.
4.5 Ensure those working for them have the appropriate level of competence, supervision and support.
If you have any comments or suggestions on any of the above please get in touch.
