Professional Ethics

We have developed a range of professional services for businesses and public bodies that can help you to meet the challenge of running an ethical organisation. Our approach recognises that whilst codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility policies offer guidance on how to behave, they cannot govern all situations and contingencies. We provide training and consultancy to ensure that your organisation’s ethical values have a tangible impact on the working practices of all of its employees.

  • A friend in need asks you for advice. You can help, but only by using confidential information about a client. What do you do?
  • Your organisation is working with a partner about whose ethical practices you have significant concerns. What do you do?
  • Several colleagues in your department are over-claiming expenses. Do you speak to them and try to resolve the situation, or go to someone else?

News in Professional Ethics

Real Integrity: launch event 26 June 2012

The Real Integrity research report. Available now from the ICAEW website.

The Real Integrity research report. Available now from the ICAEW website.

On Tuesday 26th of June, we will be holding an event to launch a report into integrity for organisations, produced by the IDEA CETL in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

This report is the culmination of a major research project which combined an online survey with nearly 1,500 respondents, interviews with 94 employees in organisations of a wide range of sizes and types, and an investigation into the philosophical literature, to gain practical insights into steps which organisations can take to promote or encourage integrity.  The relationship between integrity and organisations is far from a new issue, but it is one which, in the wake of the banking crisis, the MPs’ expenses scandal and the phone-hacking scandal which has led to the Leveson enquiry, has never been more current.

A free pdf copy of the report can be downloaded (and the shorter briefing document), and hard copies can be ordered, from the ICAEW website here.

June 26, 2012 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm

12 May, 2012. Continue reading.
More in Events, Professional Ethics, Professional Ethics Network.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Exploring the ethical issues arising for the Professions

May 3, 2012 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

26 February, 2012. Continue reading.

National Inquiry into Ethical Decision-making in the NHS

The IDEA CETL has produced a National Inquiry into Ethical Decision Making in the NHS, which has highlighted the need for more resources on ethical decision-making at a senior management level.

6 February, 2012. Continue reading.

Organisational codes of conduct – shelfware or living documents? (March PEN Workshop)

Organisational codes of conduct – shelfware or living documents?
Thursday 15 March 2012, 18.00-20.30

Wendy Harrison, Head of Strategy and Development, Shell Ethics and Compliance Office, Shell International Plc

In this highly interactive workshop we will discuss the value and purpose of organisational codes of ethics. Wendy Harrison will bring her experience to bear of designing and implementing a code at Shell. Rob Lawlor (IDEA Lecturer) will facilitate a discussion on the issues arising drawing on the experience of participants.

March 15, 2012 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

12 January, 2012. Continue reading.

“Always There: The Ethics of Using Online Social Networks for Business and Pleasure” (June PEN Event)

“Always There: The Ethics of Using Online Social Networks for Business and Pleasure”

Thursday 14 June 2012, 18.00-20.30
This session will explore the extent to which this social revolution is affecting our lives.

June 14, 2012 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

11 January, 2012. Continue reading.