All Members and Fellows are advised to read through these Rules and acquaint themselves with their content, so as to avoid the danger of inadvertently transgressing accepted levels of professional behaviour which may lead to a disciplinary action by the Institute.

1. The Institute and its Committee:

The Committee of the Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment under clause 37 of the Memorandum has charged the Disciplinary Panel to make “rules” which are to be observed by Members and Fellows. These “Rules of Conduct” set the standard for the conduct of Members and Fellows, and they shall be kept under review by the Disciplinary Panel, which may, from time to time, suggest changes for approval by the Committee of the Institute.

2. Principles of the Rules of Conduct:

  • Work and behaviour of Members and Fellows should always be of a professional standard acceptable to their peers so as to uphold the dignity, integrity, standing and reputation of the profession.
  • Public trust and confidence in the Institute should be upheld at all times.
  • Taking unfair advantage of, or denigrating, other members of the Institute is not acceptable.
  • Professional misconduct or negligence which lead to a disciplinary hearing may result in expulsion from the Institute and cancelling of the listing of an AMP.

3. Disciplinary Hearings:

A disciplinary offence which may lead to a disciplinary hearing occurs when a Member or Fellow

  • is guilty of misconduct or neglect is any professional respect;
  • has obtained membership of the Institute by fraud or misrepresentation;
  • has been convicted of an offence which brings the profession into disrepute.

When a complaint of a disciplinary offence is received, the Disciplinary Panel will meet to determine the outcome. 

Members and Fellows shall cooperate fully and without reservation in any formal enquiry or when called upon to appear before the Disciplinary Panel.

4. Professional Misconduct and Negligence:

Misconduct in any professional respect can be broadly defined as doing something which can normally be regarded as disgraceful, unethical or dishonourable by professional colleagues according to the rules, written and unwritten, governing professional behaviour.

Negligence in any professional respect can be considered to occur when, in the course of professional activity, an individual fails to act in a way commensurate with his/her training or skill.

5. Responsibility to Self, Clients, the Public and the Profession:

Members and Fellows must not allow their professional judgement, integrity or conduct to be influenced by non qualified persons in any matter requiring the application of professional knowledge or skill.

Members and Fellows shall continually strive for improvement in the proficiency, effectiveness and quality of their service.

Members and Fellows should assist and support colleagues in their professional development.

When a Member and Fellow prepares a report or any other document, it is imperative that it be prepared with care and accuracy and he/she should not sign any document containing matters that are not properly and truthfully represented or personally verified.

A Member and Fellow shall not disclose details concerning their client, the nature of their business or any other information about the work undertaken to any third party without prior written approval from the client, unless required to by law.

Members and Fellows should not permit motives of profit to influence the independent and free exercise of professional judgement.

Members and Fellows should report for any possible disciplinary offence to the Panel.