Ethics

Code of Ethics

Members have a general responsibility to uphold and promote the dignity, standing and reputation of the chemical science professions, and to uphold the principles of the scientific method.

• Members shall not knowingly engage in illegal work, or cooperate with those who are so engaged, and shall refrain from associating with or allowing the use of their names in connection with any enterprise of a questionable character.
• Members shall act in a spirit of personal helpfulness and fraternity towards their colleagues and refrain from unfairly maligning or impugning the work or reputation of others.
• Members shall accept responsibility for their own actions and acknowledge the contributions of others, give and receive criticism in an objective manner, and acknowledge and support the career aspirations of others.
• Members shall act in a strict spirit of fairness and openness to their employer and/or clients. This includes only undertaking work within their professional competence, avoiding potential conflicts of interest and not disclosing information provided or obtained in confidence.
• Members shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that they are aware of the potential effects of their activities on people and the environment, and shall take all practicable steps to ensure that any adverse consequences are either avoided, prevented or minimised. All reports, statements, or opinions issued by members while acting in a professional capacity, shall be honest, objective and factual. In addition, members shall do all that they can to ensure that such reports, statements or opinions are not misused by others.

The code is dated 13 April 1999 (reviewed in December 2019).