Code of conduct for members

This Code has been drawn up with the principles of natural justice in mind.  Such principles shall be followed by all parties in implementing and interpreting the Code.

1.   Relations with colleagues, clients and society in general

1.1   Members shall behave with integrity and objectivity in their relationships with colleagues,  clients and with society in general.

1.2   In their relations with other association colleagues, members shall respect their dignity and professional standing and shall do nothing directly or indirectly to injure maliciously their reputation or products.

1.3   At all times in their relations with the public, members shall apply their skill, experience and products and services to the common good and the advancement of human welfare with proper regard for the safety, health and welfare of the public.  A member shall not engage in any activity which he/she knows or has reasonable grounds for believing is likely to result in a serious detriment to any person or persons.

1.4   If a member becomes aware, or has reasonable grounds for believing, that another member is engaging in conduct or has engaged in conduct which is in breach of the Code of Ethics and is likely to result in a serious detriment to any person or persons, the member shall inform IWTA of that belief.

2.   Environmental and social obligations

2.1   Members shall have due regard to the effects of their work and products on the health and safety of individuals and on the welfare of society and of its impacts on the natural environment.

2.2   Members shall promote the principles and practices of sustainable development and the needs of present and future generations.

2.3   Members shall strive to ensure that projects for which they are responsible will, as far as is practicable, have minimal adverse effects on the environment and on the health and safety of the public.

2.4   Members shall foster environmental awareness within the industry and among the public.

3.   Maintenance and development of professional conduct and standards

3.1   Members shall not engage in any activity which is dishonest or illegal or which may bring IWTA or the water and wastewater sector into disrepute.

3.2   Members shall accept and carry out only projects for which they are qualified and competent to undertake and shall obtain whatever advice and assistance is necessary to discharge this responsibility.

3.3   Members shall carry out their activities with due care, skill, diligence and expedition consistent with good practice.

3.4   Members shall be familiar with the substance and intent of national, European Union and other legislation relevant to the field of water and wastewater treatment, recycling and conservation.

3.5   Members shall be familiar with design, manufacturing and standards applicable to the field of water and wastewater treatment, recycling and conservation.

3.6   Members shall promote the standing of IWTA.

4.   Code of practice for advertising by Members

4.1   Members may publish or authorise the publication of advertisements or statements announcing the professional services that they can offer to prospective clients.  They may also publish details of work for which they are or have been responsible, specifying the nature and extent of their participation therein.  They may express their professional opinions on matters of public interest or concern.

4.2   Such publications and expressions of opinion shall be professional in tone and content, factual and capable of verification, or if not so capable, then clearly made as expressions of personal opinion.  Statements shall not harm the reputation of the IWTA.

APPENDIX

In addition to the Code of Conduct, regard should be given to the following:

  1. Members agree to the aims and actions set out in the customer’s charter.
  2. Members agree to follow the IWTA complaints procedure.
  3. All Members will have their own product and public liability cover of an appropriate value as required by the product and service provided and as stipulated in the constitution (note this is only appropriate for certain members, as deemed necessary).
  4. Members should respect each other and not discredit each other’s equipment or services.
  5. Member companies must attend and participate in IWTA meetings on a regular basis and be represented at every meeting.  Companies who miss two consecutive meetings will be required the leave the association and to remove reference to IWTA from member company website, literature etc.
  6. Members must avoid the practice of poaching staff from other IWTA members.
  7. Members must contribute towards the work of sub-committees in achieving IWTA’s agreed aims and objectives.
  8. Association members’ sales literature should be consistent with their certification.
  9. For 12566 part 3 products, members agree to only sell CE marked products (up to 50 PE) after July 2009.
  10. For other parts of the standard (12566), members agree to provide these products from the required date of implementation.
  11. For rainwater harvesting product offerings, members shall design and manufacture in accordance with BS8515:2009.
  12. Members shall offer a maintenance contract to their customers.
  13. Members agree to use the agreed British Water – BW 2 (green) flow and loads code of practice for counting loads up to 50 pop (this to be produced by IWTA with its own logos and with acknowledgement to British Water).
  14. Where a member knowingly supplies an alternative product as a direct equivalent to a specified product conditioned by planning, then the supplying member must make it clear to the customer of possible non-planning compliance and be aware of a possible shift in design responsibility for the whole site.
  15. Any member whose membership is reviewed as a result of complaints will be invited to defend their position at an extraordinary general meeting.