Code of Ethical Practice
§1. Introduction
§1.1 The Disability Equality Professionals Association (DEPA) is a rigorous system of self-regulation for all trainers and analyst involved in Disability Equality and Disability Analysis programmes. The Association has created a framework within which individual members can achieve the highest standards of professionalism linked to best practice in Disability Equality programmes. Registration is achieved and maintained through the gaining of accredited training programmes gaining training awards that are nationally recognised and linked to the Disability Equality Standards set by Gallant2000 Ltd.
§1.2 Membership signifies that a disability equality professional meets required standards of good practice, and professionals who join the Association will need to:
- Have gained a recognised and approved training award
- Demonstrate competence in their working environment
- Be committed to their own (ongoing) professional development
- Adhere to the Associations accepted Code of Ethical Practice
§1.3 In isolation, any one of these four points is of little value … but together they measure the suitability of individuals to be members of the DEPA.
§1.4 Any alleged professional misconduct or avoidance of compliance with the terms of membership of the Association will be referred to the Professional Practice Committee (PPC), which will consider any need for sanctions against their membership. The appropriate authority will deal with any criminal allegations. The terms of reference for the PPC can be viewed at http://www.depassociation.co.uk/guide.html
§1.5 This Code of Ethical Practice defines what is best in good practice for professionals in the disability equality field by reflecting on the core values of rights, relationships, responsibilities and standards. The term ‘professional’ is used in a qualitative context in this Code and does not necessarily imply a paid position or person. Disability Equality Professionals who assent to this Code accept their responsibility to people who participate in Disability Equality Training or Disability Access Analysis; to other professionals and colleagues, professional bodies and institutes; to their employer; and to society.
§2. Background
It is important to establish, publicise and maintain standards of ethical behaviour in Disability Equality practice, and to inform and protect members of the public and participants using the services of Disability Equality professionals. Disability Equality and Access Analysis can contribute positively to the development of individuals. It is a vehicle for physical, mental, personal, social and emotional development. Such development is enhanced if the individual is guided by an informed, thinking, caring and enlightened Disability Equality professional operating within an accepted ethical framework as a self-monitoring professional.
§2.1 Mission Statement
The Mission Statement of the Association of Disability Equality Professionals is:
“To ensure that all Disability Equality Professionals are suitably knowledgeable and qualified to help safeguard and promote Disability Equality and interests of people who use their services.”
§2.2 Role of DE Professional
The role of the Disability Equality Professional is to:
- Identify and meet the equality needs of disabled people
- Improve awareness of Disability Equality Agenda through informed, effective and structured programmes
- Create an environment in which individuals are motivated to maintain participation and improve the Disability Equality agenda for change
- Conform to ethical standards in a number of areas — humanity, relationships, co-operation, integrity, advertising, confidentiality and personal standards
§3. Principle One — Rights
Disability Equality Professionals will:
§3.1 Promote the rights of every individual to participate in the programmes, and recognise that people should be treated as individuals.
§3.2 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate right to self-determination.
Specifically, Disability Equality Professionals must treat everyone equitably and sensitively within the context of their activity and ability — regardless of gender, age, disability, occupation, ethnic origin, colour, cultural background, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or political opinion.
§3.3 Not condone or allow to go unchallenged any form of discrimination, nor to publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.
§3.4 Be discreet in any conversations and not impart any personal information without consent.
§3.5 Recognise the rights of individuals to confer with other professionals
§4. Principle Two — Relationships
Disability Equality Professionals will:
§4.1 Develop a relationship with participants based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.
§4.2 Inform participant(s) of their training award, experience, and registration details.
§4.3 Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying, etc).
§4.4 Always promote the welfare and best interests of their participants, and encourage and guide them to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and actions in training and in their relationship with others.
§4.5 Be aware of the physical, psychological, and preferred method of communication needs of people, by ensuring that frequency, intensity, duration and type of training/service provision is appropriate.
§4.6 Clarify in advance with participants the number of sessions, fees (if any), method of payment, and any other potential costs involved in participation.
§4.7 Maintain an awareness of potential conflicts between their obligation to participants and their obligation to the Disability Equality Professionals Association, their employer by making explicit to all parties concerned the nature of the conflict, and the loyalties and responsibilities involved.
§4.8 Communicate and co-operate with other Disability Equality and allied professions in the best interests of their participants.
§5. Principle Three — Personal Responsibilities
Disability Equality Professionals will:
§5.1 Demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times.
§5.2 Be fair, honest and considerate to all participants and others working in the Disability Equality field, and display control, respect, dignity and professionalism.
§5.3 Project an image of professional effectiveness and functional efficiency, by displaying high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
§5.4 Not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or whilst engaged in their professional activities, or to take actions which could compromise participants.
§5.5 Ensure that the activities and training programmes are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the participant(s).
§5.6 Advertise their services taking respect of their qualifications, training, knowledge and ability and must be accurate and professionally restrained. They must be able to present evidence of current qualifications and registration upon request and to be able to support any claim associated with the promotion of their services.
§5.7 Have valid public liability insurance cover to adequately and appropriately cover their legal liability in the event of any claim being made.
§5.8 Within the limits of their control, have a responsibility to ensure as far as possible the safety of the participants with whom they work.
§6. Principle Four — Professional Standards
Disability Equality Professionals will:
§6.1 Work towards attaining a high level of competence through qualifications and make a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice which will maximise benefits and minimise risks to participants.
§6.2 Promote the execution of safe and effective practice and plan all sessions so that they meet the needs of participants, and are progressive and appropriate.
§6.3 Need to accept responsibility for their actions, and recognise when it is appropriate to refer to another professional or specialist.
§6.4 Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification(s) available and maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical developments in the Disability Equality field.
§6.5 Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify professional needs, and to develop a concept of lifelong learning, personal development and continuous professional development.
§6.6 Not assume responsibility for any role for which they are not qualified or prepared.
§6.7 Confine themselves to practise those activities for which their training and competence is recognised by the Association.
§6.8 Training includes the accumulation of knowledge and skills through formal education, independent research and the accumulation of relevant, verifiable experience. The Professional Standards for Disability Equality Training and Access Analysis provide the framework for assessing competence at the different levels of Association entry. Competence should normally be verified through evidence of qualifications and practice and not inferred solely from evidence of prior experience.
§6.9 Welcome evaluation of their work by colleagues and be able to account to participants, employers, trade Disability Equality Professionals Association for what they do, and why.
§6.10 Have a responsibility to themselves and their participants to maintain their own effectiveness, resilience and abilities and need to manage their lifestyle to avoid overtraining.
§6.11 Any complaint or matter arising from the application of this Code should be addressed to:
The Registrar Disability Equality Professionals Association 401f The Big Peg 120 Vyse Street Hockley Birmingham B18 6NF
url: http://www.depassociation.co.uk.co.uk/codeP.html email: info@depassociation.co.uk Version 1 (20/9/06)
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