CODE OF ETHICS & CONDUCT
I believe consulting should adhere to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and respect for individual clients and groups. This Code affirms the importance of accountability, fairness, confidentiality, and responsibilities:
Accountability
As a consultant, I am accountable for my actions toward my clients, groups, and the public, and I will:
- Conduct myself in a positive, respectful manner on a consistent basis
- Uphold the law and abide legal considerations at all times
- Always accept responsibility for my decisions and actions
- Be honest and speak the truth
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest with clients or organizations
- Strive to improve my abilities through ongoing education, professional counseling and training, and other relevant associations
Fairness
As a consultant, I recognize that all human beings are deserving of respect, and I will:
- Treat all individuals equally and with dignity, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
- Encourage clients to utilize services or tools from other sources if it would best serve the needs of the client
- If necessary, terminate relationships with compassion and dignity
Confidentiality
As a consultant, the trust clients place in me is of utmost importance, and I will:
- Maintain client confidentiality, unless prohibited by law
- Honor my client’s privacy, and will not share any information from client consultations, unless agreed to in writing by the client
Responsibilities
As a consultant, I am responsible to my clients, groups, myself, and the public, and I will:
- Assess individuals and groups through an evaluation of needs
- Only undertake client projects if I believe I can successfully assist their business needs
- Assure that all client records are safely and accurately recorded, stored, and maintained
- Remain aware of any conflicts that may arise and use my training and skills to diffuse any potential discrimination or harmful acts among clients
- Maintain and honor the boundaries of a client relationship
- Refrain from biases and making judgements of any individuals
- To the best of my ability, will operate my business with minimal impacts on the environment
- Ensure that any sub-contractors I may use to assist the client uphold these same standards
- Keep apprised of any legal or statutory updates and required for business operations