Institute of Water Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct

Full members of the Institute of Water are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct:

As a Member of the Institute of Water I recognise the importance of the water and waste water service industry in affecting the quality of life and the environment. I accept my personal obligation to act with integrity in the public interest, to comply with all relevant legislation and to exercise reasonable professional skill, care and judgement. I agree to:

1. Act in accordance with the rules, objects and core values of the Institute of Water, upholding the reputation and standing of the Institute, serving as an example to others for responsible, ethical* and environmental behaviour

2. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and the protection of the environment

3. Act in accordance with the principles of sustainability for the mitigation of environmental harm and the enhancement of environmental quality

4. Undertake appropriate Continuing Professional Development to maintain and improve my competence and undertake tasks only if qualified by training or expertise and after full disclosure of relevant limitations

5. Accept appropriate responsibility for work carried out under my supervision, treat subordinates fairly and without bias and encourage and assist them to advance their learning and competence

6. Assess and manage environmental, health and safety risks and communicate these appropriately

7. Assess relevant liability and, if appropriate, hold professional indemnity insurance

8. Avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest where possible and disclose them to affected parties when they do exist

9. Observe the proper duties of confidentiality owed to appropriate parties

10. Reject bribery, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or discrimination in all forms and make positive efforts to ensure others do likewise

11. Raise a concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others and support a colleague or any other person to whom I have a duty of care who in good faith raises any such concern

12. Notify the Institute of Water on receiving a civil or criminal conviction, becoming bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director or as a Charity Trustee

13. Notify the Institute of Water in the event of membership of another professional body being removed as a result of a disciplinary procedure

14. Notify the Institute of Water of any significant violations of this code by another Institute of Water Member

*See Statement of Ethical Principles published by the Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering