Code of ethics

Members of the Association, including all directors and employees of member firms, independent surveyors and consultants shall observe the following Code of Ethics as they apply to their particular professional activities.

The Code of Ethics is intended to promote, uphold and build on developing the integrity, responsibility and reputation of the Property Care Association and its members. The directors and officers of the Association will promote and enforce the Code with rigour in order to maintain high standards of performance and conduct within the Property Care Association and in its dealings with others.

All members at all times:

1. Comply with the Association’s rules and requirements relating to insurance (Employers liability, Public liability, Professional liability and Product guarantee etc).
2. Commit to the continual development of personal and corporate skills through training, instruction and private study.
3. Co-operate with the Association in the event of a dispute with a client or another member of the Association in order to seek resolution. Disputes will always be managed within the framework of the Association’s dispute resolution and disciplinary procedures (TSO28 & TSO27).
4. Members will operate in accordance with the published Codes of Practice and Codes of Conduct relevant to their professional activities.

Members shall not:

1. Engage in, encourage or tolerate unethical practices or in anyway bring the Association into disrepute.
2. Knowingly mislead, make false statement, exaggerate or understate the extent of any defects or repairs.
3. Overstate, exaggerate or miss-sell works or treatments following diagnostic investigations or requests for professional guidance from consumers.
4. Make derogatory remarks concerning the practises of other firms, materials or personnel, or publish or advertise derogatory remarks or comparisons with other firms.
5. Make offers that may influence the employees of other firms or individuals to do unsatisfactory work.
6. Make or offer gifts in money or kind for the purpose of influencing clients, their agents, officers or servants to place an order or favourably recommend the services or materials of the firm or individual concerned.
7. Delay the completing of work or submitting of correspondence, or delay in attending to guarantee or warranty claims or, indeed, any sub sequential works resulting from such a claim.

Professional Courtesy:

1. Members and officers must, at all times, demonstrate a commitment to extending professional courtesy toward fellow members and officers of the Association.
2. If a member is asked by a client to comment on the work of another firm that member should act in accordance with the Association’s “Guidelines on inspection and reporting on properties where previous works have been carried out and guarantees may therefore be in force”.