Good afternoon,
I was at a meeting at CILIP (London) yesterday. The Code of Professional
Ethics was discussed. Many present seemed to feel, as Bernard Naylor has
argued (http://www.cilip.org.uk/about/code.html), that the draft code
contains "statements of the obvious" so there was little discussion. The
Code was described as wishy-washy; again general agreement, little
discussion.
While I am eating a sandwhich, double decker and banana, I thought I would
highlight a few of my concerns.
How does this new code relate to the existing Code of Professional Conduct,
and more importantly the Royal Charter? Will it replace the Code of
Professional Conduct?
The Royal Charter makes it clear that we should "work for the benefit of
the public" (2). It gives us the Power to act together as a profession. Any
Code of Professional Ethics should contain a few broad statements, fitting
with the Royal Charter. There should then develop guidelines for Members,
addressing how we can work together for the benefit of the public,
re-inforcing the Royal Charter.
There is nothing in the Royal Charter saying that we cannot take political
action or oppose our current government, quite the opposite. Just as the
Queen grants Powers to Parliament and her government, Powers have been
granted to CILIP. Our government may take actions which are unethical,
actions which Members and our professional body may wish to respond to.
Perhaps this is an opportunity to make this point clear.
There is nothing in the Code of Professional Ethics about action. What is
the point of having a consensus about ethics if we as members of a
professional body are not prepared to work together to address contemporary
issues? Any new code should seek to identify the range and extent of
actions which members can take and which CILIP will support. Actions taken
through Groups are especially important if CILIP is to be a member led
organistation.
Perhaps in future discussion we can discuss the aspects of this code which
are unethical, such as naming names (4.8). We've moved away from this,
right?
Members must look at the Royal Charter. It is a present from our Queen. We
must support our Queen and act together with the Powers she has given us.
We must develop a Code of Professional Ethics which allows us to work
together and take action.
Our Queen would want it.
Neil Smyth (Membership No )
--
Neil Smyth
32 St Mary's Road,
Sindlesham, Wokingham,
Berks, RG41 5DA.
Tel: 0118 989 3121
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