Code of Professional Conduct
In rendering the Company's services to its clients all staff have a responsibility and obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence. Recognising this responsibility, the Company has established a Code of Professional Conduct which covers those duties and obligations required of all staff, either permanently employed or on short-term contracts, which will ensure the highest standards of performance and thereby enhance the reputation and public recognition of the Company. These obligations are laid out as four principles:
Staff shall at all times conduct their activities with concern for the promotion of just, equitable and sustainable development
Staff will at all times show due regard and sensitivity for the customs, race, gender, religion and culture of the clients, customers and all other persons they come into contact with during their work.
When advising clients on alternative courses of action, staff will clearly present, to the client, the implications of those actions on vulnerable groups within society.
Staff will carry out their activities with concern for the protection and enhancement of the environment and shall advise clients of the environmental implications of actions recommended.
Staff will carry out their duties diligently, conscientiously and with due regard for the interests of the Company and its clients
To ensure efficient performance of each assignment, staff will exercise good management through careful planning, frequent progress reviews and effective controls.
Staff will hold in strict confidence all information concerning the affairs of the Company and its clients unless the Company has released such information for public use or has given written permission for its disclosure.
Staff will hold in strict confidence all policies, plans, information and data, either written or verbal, obtained during the course of their work and shall not use such information in any context, other than in the service of the client as detailed by the client's instructions to the Company, without the written permission of the Company.
Staff will regard the interests of the Company and its clients as paramount at all times.
Staff will adhere to the terms and conditions agreed between the Company and its clients.
Staff shall avoid any action or situation inconsistent with his/her professional obligations or which in any way might be seen to impair his/her integrity
Staff will maintain a fully independent position with the Company's clients and customers at all times, making certain that advice and recommendations are based upon thorough impartial consideration of all pertinent facts and circumstances and on opinions developed from reliable relevant experience.
Staff must declare to the Company, at the earliest opportunity, any special relationship, circumstances or business interests which might influence or impair their judgement or objectivity within the general work of the Company or on a particular assignment.
Staff may not serve a client under terms or conditions that might impair his/her independence, objectivity or integrity.
Staff shall not allow the possibility of future work opportunities with the client to influence the objectivity of their findings, advice or recommendations.
Staff shall not take discounts, commissions, gifts or any other inducement from clients or from other persons who may wish to influence the objectivity of the staff.
Staff will not knowingly recommend actions to a client that, whilst giving short-term benefits, are at the expense of long-term welfare of the client, without advising the client of the implications.
Staff shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will enhance the standing and public regard for the fisheries and aquatic resources consultancy profession:
Staff must recognise that they have a responsibility to the profession, as well as to themselves, the Company and clients, to ensure that their knowledge and skills are kept up to date.
Staff must not falsely represent themselves, other staff or the Company, concerning their capabilities, qualifications or experience.
Staff must not offer or agree, on behalf of the Company, to carry out an assignment that the Company does not have the capacity to carry out to a professional standard.
When asked by a client to review the work of another professional or consultancy organisation, staff will exercise the objectivity, integrity and sensitivity required in all technical and advisory conclusions communicated to the client.
Staff will negotiate contracts, agreements and charges for professional services only in an ethical manner. Staff shall not attempt to obtain work by giving financial inducements to clients or client's staff.
Staff will at all times respect the laws and regulations of the country in which they are working.