Effective date: 1 June 2026 — This Code is binding on all holders of BSAPE professional accreditation.
Preamble
BSAPE accredits engineering professionals who demonstrate academic achievement, practical competence, and a commitment to the highest standards of conduct. This Code of Ethics sets out the ethical principles to which all BSAPE-accredited individuals — at every certificate type from Certificate of Completion to Certificate of Achievement — are expected to adhere throughout their professional lives.
Upholding this Code is not merely a condition of accreditation; it reflects the commitment each accredited professional makes to their clients, employers, colleagues, and society as a whole.
Core Principles
Integrity and Honesty
Act with integrity in all professional dealings. Be honest and transparent with clients, employers, colleagues, and the public. Do not misrepresent qualifications, experience, or the scope of work undertaken. Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with professional duties.
Professional Competence
Only undertake engineering work for which you have the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Maintain and develop competence through continuous professional development (CPD). Acknowledge the limits of your expertise and seek qualified assistance where required.
Public Safety and Welfare
Give due regard to the safety, health, and welfare of the public in all professional activities. If your professional judgement is overridden by non-technical authority in a way that risks public safety, clearly communicate your concerns and document them appropriately.
Respect and Inclusion
Treat all colleagues, clients, and members of the public with dignity and respect regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic. Actively contribute to an inclusive engineering profession that welcomes diverse perspectives and talents.
Confidentiality
Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of professional work. Do not disclose confidential information without appropriate authorisation, except where required by law, a clear duty to the public, or a professional obligation to report a risk of harm.
Environmental Responsibility
Acknowledge the responsibility of engineering professionals to protect and, where possible, improve the natural environment. Consider the environmental impact of technical decisions throughout the lifecycle of any project, system, or product.
Accountability and Responsibility
Take responsibility for work undertaken under your supervision or authority. Acknowledge and learn from errors. Ensure that those working under your direction have the appropriate competence, resources, and supervision to carry out their tasks safely and effectively.
Upholding the Profession
Actively support and promote the standing of the engineering profession. Encourage and mentor future engineers. Refrain from conduct that would discredit BSAPE or the wider engineering community. Report, through the appropriate channel, any serious breach of this Code by another BSAPE-accredited professional.
Reporting Concerns
BSAPE takes allegations of ethical misconduct seriously. If you have reason to believe that a BSAPE-accredited professional has breached this Code, you may report your concerns in writing to BSAPE at conduct@bsape.com. All reports are treated with appropriate discretion and investigated in accordance with our Complaints Procedure.
Consequences of Breach
A finding that an accredited professional has breached this Code may result in one or more of the following sanctions, depending on the severity of the breach:
- A formal written caution or reprimand
- Requirement to undertake specified remedial CPD or training
- Suspension of accreditation for a defined period
- Withdrawal of BSAPE professional accreditation
- Public notification where required to protect the public interest
BSAPE is committed to ensuring that any disciplinary process is fair, transparent, and proportionate. The subject of any allegation will be given a full opportunity to respond before any sanction is imposed.
Review
This Code of Ethics is reviewed periodically by the BSAPE Ethics and Standards Committee. Accredited professionals are notified of any material changes. Suggestions for improvement may be submitted to standards@bsape.com.