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Code of ConductBusiness Ethics Every code of conduct should go into the business ethics of an organization. These are usually targeted to explain the non-economic values of an organization, or those not directly related to working towards a profit. Business ethics explain the philosophy of an organization and include the rights and duties of employees and the corporation as a whole, as well as the relationship between the corporation and its stakeholders. Code of Conduct for Nurses and Midwives In the United Kingdom, the Code of Conduct for Nurses and Midwives has been developed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and is applicable to all nurses and midwives throughout the country, regardless of the health authority that employs them. This code of conduct is very similar in other westernized countries. Its main aim is to enforce that people in the care of nurses and midwives must be able to trust them unconditionally. This is done by ensuring that the care of the patient is their first concern and that a patient is at all times treated as an individual and cared for with respect and dignity. Also, it is stated in the Code of Conduct that nurses and midwives are expected to work together with other professionals, the patient and the patient's family and caregivers to protect and promote health and wellbeing. Their practice should at all times be of very high standard and should be open and honest. Nurses and midwives are also expected to uphold the integrity and reputation of their profession. Lastly, nurses and midwives must always be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for what they do. Code of Conduct for Solicitors In the United Kingdom, the Code of Conduct for Solicitors is set out by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. It discussed 25 rules that are applicable to all solicitors in the United Kingdom, regardless of the form of law they practice or the company they work for. Some of the rules include conflicts of interest, relations with third parties, property selling, waivers, in-house practice, etc. It also shows a framework of practice (rule 12), which includes issues such as which regulatory bodies you need to be registered with in order to practice as a solicitor or as a line manager of solicitors. Rule 2 details client relationships and details the expectations clients can have and the responsibilities of a solicitor. It is meant to outline the behaviors expected of a solicitor to ensure that a client can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with a case and why (this, obviously, includes providing explanation around costs). Code of Conduct for Teachers The Code of Conduct for Teachers is set out by the General Teaching Council for England. Teachers operate on eight principles, which are:
Code of Conduct for Students Most schools, colleges and universities will have a code of conduct in place for their pupils. These are not set up by a national organization, rather by the individual school, college or university. These codes of conduct will outline what is expected of students -- behaving with respect towards staff and other pupils, being respectful of diversity and equality, upholding the law, etc. - as well as what students and pupils can expect in return -- induction, support services, assessment, personal development, etc. Code of Conduct for the Military The British Army has a code of conduct directed at its military personnel. It also has a separate code of social conduct, which outlines how military personnel are expected to behave in their social relationships between each other and civilians. This includes:
Code of Conduct for Engineers Engineers sign up to the code of conduct of the professional engineering institution they have joined. Each code of conduct will be different in its details, but will include issues such as health and safety, preventing negative impacts on the environment, being committed to continuous professional development, avoiding conflicts of interest, ensuring risk assessments are always in place and notifying relevant institutions if a violation is perceived. Codes of conduct vary from one profession to another but always set out the behaviors and ethics that are expected of its employees or members. A good code of conduct is also regularly reviewed and update, in consultation with the staff it covers. Codes of conduct will focus mainly on expected behaviors that are not related to the profit making of an organization, rather on behaviors that are expected amongst each other, other professionals, the customers/clients/service users and the wider community. A code of conduct will also make it clear to customers/clients/service users what they can expect from the people that they are dealing with, and what is and isn't considered acceptable behavior in their dealings with them. |