Ethical Guidelines and Support

Code of Ethics and Conduct

Code of Ethics and Conduct (August 2009)

Other ethical guidelines and support

• Support for researchers
• Support for practitioners

Ethics Committee

• About the Ethics Committee

Background information

Under the terms of its Royal Charter, the Society is required to maintain a Code of Ethics and Conduct. To reflect the change in the role of the Society in relation to professional misconduct, some minor changes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct have been implemented with effect from 1 August 2009. This Code should guide all members of the Society and should be utilised in conjunction with the Member Conduct Rules.

The British Psychological Society's Code of Ethics and Conduct and supplementary ethical guidelines provide clear ethical principles, values and standards to guide and support psychologists decisions in the difficult and challenging situations they may face.

To provide members with readily available support in accordance with the Code (together with relevant legislation, such as the Data Protection Act, etc.), specific guidance tailored for academics/researchers and practitioners can be accessed from the links below. A series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) can also be found in these sections, together with the option to submit an ethical query to the Society.

With effect from July 2009, the Society instigated its Member Conduct Rules. The Member Conduct Rules are intended to provide clarity and transparency in the underpinning standards of what it means to be a member of the British Psychological Society. The rules set out those circumstances in which the Society may reprimand, suspend or expel a member. The Society can only consider allegations about a member of the Society who has breached the Member Conduct Rules.

Please note that the Society cannot give legal advice or provide practical support to members who have been complained about. For that reason, the Society strongly recommends that members consider taking out professional indemnity insurance. If you are a member of a trade union you may be able to obtain support and guidance from them.

The Society cannot determine allegations about fitness to practice. Any such allegations are referred to the Health Professions Council.