Kode Etik adalah kaidah-kaidah moral  atau tatanan etika yang disepakati oleh sesuatu kelompok professional tertentu di dalam masyarakat.

Kaidah moral ini tentunya terkait dengan fungsi dan peranan kelompok professional  yang bersangkutan, serta tanggung jawab mereka terhadap anggota  masyarakat lain yang terkait dengan  pekerjaan atau layanan professional yang mereka berikan.

Kode Etik terkait dengan kehormatan  dan perilaku ideal dalam menjalankan fungsi dan tanggung jawab tersebut.

Tugas dan tanggung jawab yang diberikan dengan rasa kepercayaan ini jika menggunakan terminologi agama disebut sebagai ”amanah”. Jadi dapat juga disimpulkan bahwa keberadaan Kode Etik  adalah guna menjaga agar seseorang atau sekelompok profesional tersebut diatas bekerja dengan cara yang  amanah.

Konsultan Teknik adalah suatu profesi  yang sarat dengan penggunaan standard, peraturan, norma, kriteria, dan  ketentuan  yang bersifat ideal,  malah dalam sejumlah hal bersifat mutlak untuk dipenuhi. Hal ini tidak hanya menyangkut aspek teknis, tapi juga aspek administratif dan finansial.

Disamping peraturan, norma, dan lain-lain tersebut, pelaksanaan pekerjaanpun disyaratkan untuk  mengikuti cara-cara, sistim, dan prosedur yang dirangkum dalam berbagai pedoman, guidelines, manual, dan sejumlah ”buku pintar” lainnya.

Tampak disini bahwa melihat pada  sejumlah ketentuan yang harus dipenuhi tersebut, dan kepercayaan yang diberikan oleh Pemberi Tugas /Client, keberadaan dari suatu Kode Etik memang sangat diperlukan dalam rangka menjaga perilaku yang amanah dan kehormatan seorang profesional.

Hampir semua profesi memiliki Kode Etiknya masing-masing, seperti Kode Etik Dokter, Pengacara, Civil Engineer, Konsultan Teknik, Arsitek, Apoteker, dan lain-lain.

Idealnya Kode Etik ini diberi bingkai yang baik dan digantungkan di ruang kerja, agar selalu dapat dilihat dan tidak terlupakan. Orang lainpun seyogianya dapat membacanya sehingga secara tidak langsung akan menimbulkan rasa segan dan malu untuk melanggarnya, karena menyangkut kehormatan profesional.

Bagaimana nasibnya Kode Etik ini sekarang di Indonesia, khususnya Kode Etik yang terkait dengan Konsultan Teknik ?

Diyakini bahwa sebagian besar pelaku di bidang yang menyangkut kualitas kerja teknik ini sudah  tidak lagi memikirkan keberadaan atau fungsi dari Kode Etik ini. Atau mungkin sejumlah profesional malah belum pernah membaca atau mengetahui keberadaan dokumen penting ini.

Asosiasi perusahaan Konsultan yang bernama INKINDO atau INTAKINDO jelas memiliki Kode Etik, dan malahan mengadakan kursus/pelatihan menyangkut hal  ini. Di dalam organisasi konsultan ini biasanya juga terdapat komisi Kode Etik yang mengawasi kinerja para anggota terkait Kode Etik yang telah ditetapkan dan disepakati itu.

Bagaimana kalau kita mulai lagi membaca dan mencermati  beberapa Kode Etik yang ada (dari dalam dan luar negeri) yang terkait dengan profesi Konsultan Teknik. Dokumen-dokumen yang ada ini tentunya disusun oleh  komite-komite khusus yang telah bekerja secara sungguh-sungguh dengan mempertimbangkan bermacam aspek secara seksama.

Dari upaya mencermati ini diharapkan masing-masing kita sampai pada suatu kesimpulan bahwa profesi Konsultan Teknik  memiliki kaidah-kaidah moral yang perlu dipedomani guna dapat menumbuhkan kehormatan, rasa tanggung jawab moral, dan sifat amanah dari para pelakunya.

Kode Etik menyiratkan bahwa  profesi Konsultan Teknik  tidak semata berorientasi pada hasil akhir/end product berupa materi, tapi proses memperoleh imbalan materi harus dilakukan secara terhormat dengan mengikuti kaidah-kaidah moral yang telah ditentukan dan disepakati.

Dengan sikap mental dasar yang tepat ini, diyakini bahwa upaya-upaya untuk ”memperbaiki habitat kita sendiri” ini selanjutnya akan dapat dilakukan secara lebih terarah.

Kode Etik yang  ditampilkan di bawah ini terdiri dari  Kode Etik INKINDO, Kode Etik INTAKINDO, Kode Etic FIDIC, World Federation of Engineering Organizations, Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Association of Consulting Engineers Australia.

Dari pencermatan atas sejumlah Kode Etik dari dalam dan luar negeri ini, kita dapat lebih memahami dunia Konsultan Teknik dari aspek idealnya.

Sebagian dari professional yang bergerak di bidang Konsultan Teknik berasal dari jalur Civil Engineer. Civil Engineer mengenal Kode Etik atau Canon of Ethicnya tersendiri, dan begitu mereka masuk ke dunia Konsultan Teknik, mereka juga harus mengenal Kode Etik dari dunia yang benar-benar berorientasi pada persyaratan teknis ideal ini.

Selamat mencermati.

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IKATAN NASIONAL TENAGA AHLI KONSULTAN INDONESIA  (INTAKINDO)

Kode Etik Konsultan 

Mukaddimah

Konsultan adalah profesi yang penting dan terus berkembang. Sebagai anggota profesi ini, konsultan diharapkan untuk selalu menunjukkan standar tertinggi kejujuran dan integritasnya. Konsultan (khususnya konsultan enjiniring) mempunyai impak yang langsung dengan kualitas hidup umat manusia. Dengan demikian, layanan yang diberikan oleh konsultan memerlukan kejujuran, imparsialitas, keadilan, dan kesamaan, dan harus didedikasikan terhadap perlindungan kesehatan, keselamatan dan kesejahteraan publik. Konsultan harus berunjuk kerja dalam standar tatalaku profesional yang memerlukan prinsip-prinsip disiplin tertinggi dalam tatalaku yang beretika.  

 

I. Kode Etik Hukum yang Fundamental

Dalam memenuhi tugas-tugas profesionalnya, Konsultan akan:

1. Memegang teguh kepentingan akan keselamatan, kesehatan, dan kesejahteraan publik.
2. Melaksanakan layanan hanya dalam bidang yang dikuasainya.
3. Mengeluarkan pernyataan umum hanya dengan cara yang obyektif dan benar.
4. Bertindak untuk setiap pemberi kerja atau klien sebagai agen yang setia dan terpercaya.
5. Menghindarkan diri dari tindakan-tindakan yang menipu.
6. Memperlakukan dirinya secara terhormat, bertanggung jawab, beretika dan mematuhi hukum untuk memperbaiki kehormatan, reputasi, dan manfaat profesinya sebagai Konsultan.

II. Peraturan Praktek

 1.      Konsultan akan memegang teguh keselamatan, kesehatan dan kesejahteraan publik.

a.       Bila pertimbangan konsultan dikalahkan oleh situasi yang akan membahayakan jiwa atau harta benda, dia harus memberi tahu pemberi kerja atau kliennya dan otoritas lain yang dianggap perlu.

b.      Seorang konsultan hanya akan menandatangani dokumen-dokumen konsultansi yang diperlukan yang cocok dengan standar kualitas yang berlaku.

c.       Konsultan tidak akan membuka fakta-fakta, data, atau informasi tanpa izin klien atau pemberi kerja kecuali jika diberi otoritas atau dikehendaki oleh hukum atau oleh Kode Etik ini.

d.      Konsultan tidak akan mengizinkan penggunaan namanya atau berasosiasi dalam bisnis dengan orang atau perusahaan yang dia percaya terlibat dengan praktek bisnis yang menipu atau tidak jujur.

e.       Konsultan tidak akan membantu atau mendukung praktek konsultansi yang melanggar hukum oleh perorangan maupun perusahaan.

f.        Konsultan yang memiliki pengetahuan atas dugaan pelanggaran atas Kode Etik ini harus melaporkan segera pada badan profesi yang terkait, INTAKINDO,  dan jika relevan, juga pada otoritas publik, dan bekerja sama dengan otoritas terkait memberikan informasi atau bantuan jika diperlukan.

2.      Konsultan akan melaksanakan layanannya dalam bidang yang dikuasainya.

a.       Konsultan akan melaksanakan tugasnya hanya jika dia memiliki kualifikasi berdasarkan pendidikan atau pengalamannya dalam bidang teknis yang spesifik yang terlibat.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan membubuhkan tanda tangannya pada rencana atau dokumen yang terkait dengan bahan-bahan di mana dia tidak memiliki keahlian, atau pada rencana atau dokumen yang tidak disiapkan di bawah arahan dan pengawasannya.

c.       Konsultan boleh menerima tugas dan menganggap tanggung jawab sebagai tugas koordinasi atas seluruh proyek dan menandatangani dan mensegel dokumen teknis untuk seluruh proyek, jika setiap bagian teknis proyek tersebut ditandatangani dan disegel oleh konsultan yang berkualitas yang mempersiapkan bagian tersebut.

3.      Konsultan hanya akan mengeluarkan pernyataan publik dengan cara yang obyektif dan terpercaya.

a.       Konsultan harus obyektif dan terpercaya dalam laporan, pernyataan, atau kesaksian profesionalnya. Dia akan menyertakan semua informasi yang relevan dan konsisten dalam setiap laporan, pernyataan, atau kesaksian, dan harus mencantumkan tanggal yang menunjukkan kapan hal tersebut terjadi.

b.      Konsultan boleh mengekspresikan pendapat teknisnya kepada publik yang didasarkan pada pengetahuan akan fakta dan kompetensi dalam hal tersebut.

c.       Konsultan tidak akan mengeluarkan pernyataan, kritik, atau argumentasi atas hal-hal teknis yang diinspirasi atau dibayar oleh pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan, kucuali dia telah memperkenalkan komentarnya secara ekspilisit dan menyatakan pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan yang mengatasnamakan pernyataannya, dan dengan memberitahukan kemungkinan hadirnya kepentingan dalam persoalan ini.

4.      Konsultan akan bertindak untuk setiap pemberi kerja atau kliennya sebagai agen yang setia atau dapat dipercaya.

a.       Konsultan akan membuka semua konflik kepentingan yang diketahui atau potensi konflik kepentingan yang dapat mempegaruhi atau timbul untuk mempengaruhi pertimbangannya atau kualitas layanannya.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan menerima kompensasi, berbentuk finansial ataupun lainnya, dari lebih dari satu pihak untuk layanan proyek yang sama, atau untuk layanan yang terkait dengan proyek yang sama, kecuali situasinya terbuka penuh dan disetujui oleh semua pihak yang terkait.

c.       Konsultan tidak akan meminta atau menerima uang atau barang berharga lain, langsung atau tidak langsung, dari pihak luar yang terkait dengan pekerjaan di mana dia bertanggung jawab.

d.      Konsultan  sebagai anggota, penasehat, atau pegawai dari sebuah layanan publik seperti pemerintah atau badan setengah pemerintah atau departemen tidak akan berpartisipasi dalam penentuan atas layanan yang diberikan atau disediakan olehnya atau organisasinya dalam praktek swasta atau praktek konsultansi publik.

e.       Konsultan tidak akan meminta atau menerima kontrak dari badan pemerintah di mana prinsipal atau pejabat organisasinya adalah sebagai anggota.

5.      Konsultan akan menghindari tindakan yang menipu.

a.       Konsultan tidak akan memalsukan kualifikasinya atau mengizinkan salah penafsiran atas kualifikasi dirinya atau rekannya. Konsultan tidak akan mengesankan atau membesar-besarkan tanggungjawabnya dalam atau untuk suatu hal sebelum penugasan. Brosur atau presentasi lain yang secara kebetulan ada dalam permohonan pekerjaan tidak akan dijadikan sebagai fakta yang terkait dengan pemberi kerja, pegawai, asosiat, kerja sama, atau tugas-tugas masa lalu.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan menawarkan, memberi, meminta, atau menerima, baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung, segala bentuk sumbangan untuk mempengaruhi pemberian kontrak oleh otoritas publik, atau yang mungkin beralasan untuk dikesankan oleh publik sebagai memiliki efek atau maksud untuk mempengaruhi pemberian sebuah kontrak. Konsultan tidak akan menawarkan hadiah atau pertimbangan berharga lainnya untuk mengamankan sebuah pekerjaan. Konsultan tidak akan membayar komisi, presentasi, atau upah pialang untuk mengamankan pekerjaan, kecuali pada pegawai yang bonafid atau agen komersil atau marketing yang bonafid yang dimaksudkan oleh para Konsultan.

 II. Kewajiban Profesional

 1.      Konsultan akan dipandu dalam semua hubungannya oleh standar kejujuran dan integritas tertinggi.

a.       Konsultan akan mengakui kesalahannya dan tidak akan menyimpangkan atau merubah fakta.

b.      Konsultan akan memberi tahu kliennya atau pemberi kerjanya ketika dia percaya proyek tersebut tidak akan berhasil.

c.       Konsultan tidak akan menerima pekerjaan luar yang akan memperburuk pekerjaan harian atau minatnya. Sebelum menerima pekerjaan konsultansi dari luar, Konsultan harus memberi tahu pemberi kerjanya.

d.      Konsultan tidak akan berusaha untuk menarik seorang konsultan lain dari pemberi kerja lain dengan iming-iming yang palsu dan menyesatkan.

e.       Konsultan tidak akan mempromosikan kepentingan pribadinya dengan mengorbankan kehormatan dan integritas profesinya.

2.      Konsultan akan berjuang sepanjang waktu untuk melayani kepentingan publik.

a.       Konsultan akan mencari kesempatan untuk berpartisipasi dalam urusan kewargaan; pembinaan karir untuk remaja; dan bekerja untuk perbaikan keselamatan, kesehatan dan kesejahteraan masyarakatnya.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan menyelesaikan, menandatangani, atau menyegel rencana dan/atau spesifikasi yang tidak sesuai dengan standar teknis yang berlaku. Jika klien atau pemberi kerjanya memaksa untuk melakukan tindakan yang tidak profesional ini, konsultan harus memberi tahu otoritas yang bewenang dan menarik diri dari layanan selanjutnya untuk proyek tersebut.

c.       Konsultan akan berjuang untuk memperbaiki pengetahuan dan apresiasi publik tentang konsultansi dan keberhasilannya.

3.      Konsultan akan menghindari semua perilaku dan praktek yang menipu publik.

a.       Konsultan akan menghindari penggunaan pernyataan tentang bahan yang mengaburkan fakta atau membuang fakta tentang suatu bahan.

b.      Konsisten dengan hal di atas, konsultan boleh mengiklankan untuk penerimaan personel.

c.       Konsisten dengan hal di atas, konsultan boleh menyiapkan artikel untuk penerbitan teknis, namun artikel tersebut tidak akan mengakibatkan kredit bagi penulis untuk pekerjaan yang dilakukan oleh orang lain.

4.      Konsultan tidak akan menutupi, tanpa persetujuan, informasi rahasia mengenai hubungan bisnis atau proses teknis dari klien pemberi kerja yang sekarang maupun yang lalu, atau badan publik di mana dia bekerja.

a.       Konsultan tidak akan, tanpa persetujuan semua pihak yang terkait, mempromosikan atau merancang untuk pekerjaan atau praktek baru yang terkait dengan proyek khusus di mana konsultan tersebut telah memperoleh pengetahuan khusus dan spesalis dari proyek tersebut.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan, tanpa persetujuan semua pihak yang terkait, berpartisipasi dalam atau merepresentasikan pihak yang berlawanan dalam kaitan dengan suatu proyek di mana konsultan tersebut telah memperoleh pengetahuan khusus atas nama klien atau pemberi kerja lama.

5.      Konsultan tidak akan terpengaruh dalam tugas-tugas profesionalnya oleh pihak-pihak yang bertikai.

a.       Konsultan tidak akan menerima uang atau pertimbangan lain, termasuk rancangan teknik secara cuma-cuma, dari pemasok bahan untuk menjadikan proyeknya lebih spesifik.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan menerima komisi atau tunjangan, secara langsung maupun tidak langsung, dari kontraktor atau pihak lain yang berurusan dengan klien atau pemberi kerjanya dalam hubungan kerja di mana konsultan tersebut bertanggung jawab.

6.      Konsultan tidak akan berusaha untuk memperoleh pekerjaan atau peningkatan penugasan profesional dengan mengkritisi konsultan lain secara tidak benar, atau dengan metoda yang tidak pantas atau patut dipertanyakan.

a.       Konsultan tidak akan minta, mengusulkan, atau menerima komisi yang mengikat dalam situasi di mana keputusannya mungkin dikompromikan.

b.      Konsultan dengan posisi menerima gaji akan menerima pekerjaan konsultansi paruh-waktu hanya bila konsisten dengan kebijaksanaan pemberi kerja dan sesuai dengan pertimbangan etika.

c.       Konsultan tidak akan, tanpa persetujuan, menggunakan peralatan, pasokan, laboratorium, atau fasilitas kantor pemberi kerja untuk melaksanakan paraktek pribadi dari luar.

7.      Konsultan tidak akan berusaha untuk mencederai, karena dendam atau dengan cara tak terpuji, secara langsung maupun tidak langsung, reputasi profesional, prospek, praktek atau pegawai konsultan lain. Konsultan yang percaya orang lain telah bersalah karena praktek yang tidak etis dan melawan hukum akan memberikan informasi ini pada otoritas yang berwenang untuk tindakan lebih jauh.

a.       Konsultan dalam praktek pribadi tidak akan mengkaji (review) pekerjaan konsultan lain untuk klien yang sama, kecuali dengan sepengetahuan konsultan yang bersangkutan, atau kecuali hubungan konsultan tersebut dengan pekerjaan tersebut telah dihentikan.

b.      Konsultan di lingkungan pemerintah, industri, atau pegawai pendidikan berhak untuk mengkaji dan mengevaluasi pekerjaan konsultan lain bila diperlukan oleh tugas-tugas kepegawaiannya.

c.       Konsultan di bagian penjualan atau pegawai industri berhak melakukan perbandingan produk-produk tertentu dengan produk dari pemasok lain.

8.      Konsultan akan menerima tanggung jawab pribadi untuk aktifitas profesionalnya, namun dengan syarat bahwa konsultan tersebut boleh mencari perlindungan ganti rugi untuk layanan yang timbul karena prakteknya, kecuali karena kecerobohan besar, di mana kepentingan konsultan tersebut dalam hal ini tidak dapat dilindungi.

a.       Konsultan akan menyesuaikan diri dengan hukum registrasi dalam hal praktek konsultansi.

b.      Konsultan tidak akan menggunakan asosiasi dengan non-konsultan, perusahaan, atau kerja sama sebagai „selimut“ untuk tindakan-tindakan yang tidak etis.

9.      Konsultan akan memberikan kredit untuk pekerjaan konsultansi pada mereka yang berhak, dan akan menghargai kepentingan dan hak orang lain.

a.       Konsultan, sedapat mungkin, akan menyebutkan nama orang atau orang-orang yang mungkin bertanggung jawab untuk perancangan, penemuan, penulisan, atau pemenuhan tugas lainnya.

b.      Konsultan yang menggunakan rancangan yang dipasok oleh klien mengakui hak milik klien dan tidak boleh ditiru oleh konsultan tanpa izin yang jelas.

c.       Konsultan, sebelum melaksanakan pekerjaan untuk orang lain yang terkait di mana konsultan boleh melakukan perbaikan, rencana, rancangan, penemuan, atau catatan-catatan lain yang mungkin merubah hak cipta atau paten, harus masuk ke dalam perjanjian yang positif terkait dengan kepemilikannya.

d.      Rancangan, data, rekaman, dan catatan konsultan yang mengacu secara ekklusif pada tugas pemberi kerja adalah merupakan hak milik pemberi kerja. Pemberi kerja harus melindungi (indemnify) konsultan untuk penggunaan informasi tersebut untuk keperluan lain selain keperluan aslinya.

Konsultan akan meneruskan pengembangan profesionalnya selama karirnya dan harus menjaga kemutakhiran dalam bidang spesialisasinya dengan terlibat dalam praktek profesional, berpartisipasi dalam kursus-kursus pendidikan lanjutan, membaca literatur-literatur teknis, dan menghadiri pertemuan-pertemuan profesional dan seminar.

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KODE ETIK IKATAN NASIONAL KONSULTAN INDONESIA (INKINDO)

KODE ETIK PROFESI

MUKADIMAH

Sejalan dengan norma-norma tata hidup yang berlaku umum, maka ditetapkanlah Kode Etik Ikatan Nasional Konsultan Indonesia untuk mempertinggi pengabdian para anggotanya kepada Tanah Air, Masyarakat dan Lingkungannya, yang selaras dengan Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia dan mengutamakan kejujuran, keahlian dan keluhuran budi.

KETENTUAN DASAR

Dengan menjunjung tinggi profesi Konsultan dan menghormati Kode Etik Ikatan Nasional Indonesia sebagai dasar yang dinamis untuk melayani sesama manusia, maka tiap anggota Ikatan Nasional Indonesia :

·         Menjunjung tinggi kehormatan, kemuliaan dan nama baik profesi Konsultan dalam hubungan kerja dengan pemberi Tugas, sesama Rekan Konsultan dan masyarakat

·         Bertindak jujur serta tidak memihak dan dengan penuh dedikasi melayani Pemberi Tugas dan Masyarakat

·         Tukar menukar pengetahuan bidang keahliannya secara wajar dengan Rekan Konsultan dan kelompok profesi, meningkatkan pengertian masyarakat terhadap profesi Konsultan, sehingga dapat lebih menghayati karya Konsultan

·         Menghormati prinsip pemberian imbalan jasa yang layak dan memadai bagi Konsultan

·         Menghargai dan menghormati reputasi profesional Rekan konsultan serta setiap perjanjian kerja yang berhubungan dengan profesinya

·         Mendapatkan tugas, berdasarkan standar keahlian profesional tanpa melalui periklanan, menawarkan komisi atau mempergunakan pengaruh yang tidak pada tempatnya Bekerja sama sebagai Konsultan hanya dengan Rekan Konsultan atau tenaga ahli lain yang memiliki integritas yang tinggi

 

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FIDIC (International Confederation of Consulting Engineers)

 Code of Ethics

 The International Federation of Consulting Engineers recognises that the work of the consulting engineering industry is critical to the achievement of sustainable development of society and the environment.

To be fully effective not only must engineers constantly improve their knowledge and skills, but also society must respect the integrity and trust the judgement of members of the profession and remunerate them fairly.

 All member associations of FIDIC subscribe to and believe that the following principles are fundamental to the behaviour of their members if society is to have that necessary confidence in its advisors.

 Responsibility to society and the consulting industry

 The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Accept the responsibility of the consulting industry to society.

-          Seek solutions that are compatible with the principles of sustainable development.

-          At all times uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the consulting industry.

 

Competence

The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Maintain knowledge and skills at levels consistent with development in technology, legislation and management, and apply due skill, care and diligence in the services rendered to the client.

-          Perform services only when competent to perform them.

 

Integrity

 The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Act at all times in the legitimate interest of the client and provide all services with integrity and faithfulness.

 Impartiality

 The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Be impartial in the provision of professional advice, judgement or decision.

-          Inform the client of any potential conflict of interest that might arise in the performance of services to the client.

-          Not accept remuneration which prejudices independent judgement.

 

Fairness to others

 The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Promote the concept of “Quality-Based Selection” (QBS).

-          Neither carelessly nor intentionally do anything to injure the reputation or business of others.

-          Neither directly nor indirectly attempt to take the place of another consulting engineer, already appointed for a specific work.

-          Not take over the work of another consulting engineer before notifying the consulting engineer in question, and without being advised in writing by the client of the termination of the prior appointment for that work.

-          In the event of being asked to review the work of another, behave in accordance with appropriate conduct and courtesy.

 

Corruption

 The consulting engineer shall:

 -          Neither offer nor accept remuneration of any kind which in perception or in effect either a) seeks to influence the process of selection or compensation of consulting engineers and/or their clients or b) seeks to affect the consulting engineer’s impartial judgement.

-          Co-operate fully with any legitimately constituted investigative body which makes inquiry into the administration of any contract for services or construction.

  

International Federation of Consulting Engineers

Box 311

CH-1215 Geneva 15

Switzerland

Tl +41-22-799 49 00

Fx +41-22-799 49 01

fidic@fidic.org

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 World Federation of Engineering Organizations

CODE OF ETHICS

Professional Engineers shall conduct themselves in an honourable and ethical manner. Professional Engineers shall uphold the values of truth, honesty and trustworthiness and safeguard human life and welfare and the environment. In keeping with these basic tenets, Professional Engineers shall:

·         hold pararnount the safety, health and welfare of the public and the protection of the environrnent and promote health and safety within the workplace;

·         offer services, advise on or undertake engineering assignments only in areas of their competence and practise in a careful and diligent manner;

·         act as faithful agents of their clients or employers, maintain confidentialitv and disclose conflicts of interest;

·         keep themselves informed in order to maintain their competence, strive to advance the bodv of knowledge within which they practice and provide opportunities for the professional development Qf their subordinates;

·         conduct themselves with fairness. and good faith towards clients, colleagues and others, give credit where it is due and accept, as well as give, honest and fair professional criticism;

·         be aware of and ensure that clients and employers are made aware of societal and environmental consequences of actions or projects and endeavour to interpret engineering issues to the public in an objective and truthful manner.

·         present clearly to employers and clients the possible consequences if engineering decisions or judgments are overruled or disregarded;

·         report to their association and/or appropriate agencies any illegal or unethical engineering decisions or practices by engineers or others;

 

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Japan Society of Civil Engineers

Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers

Preamble:

1. In March of 1938, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers promulgated “the Beliefs and Principles of Practice for Civil Engineers.” This had initially been prepared in February of 1933 and was later codified by an entrusted committee on mutual rules of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (the Chairman was Dr. Akira Aoyama, an ex-president of the Society). In 1933, Japan declared its withdrawal from the League of Nations, a turning point prior to the later Lukouchiano (Marco Polo Bridge) Incident that led to War with China and the Pacific War. Despite the trends of such an era, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers is proud of its insight to stipulate its “Beliefs and Principles of Practice for Civil Engineers”.
2. The Japan Society of Civil Engineers is composed of engineers who carry out civil engineering work and researchers who study the relating subjects. Its members are obliged to strive for: 1) mutual collaboration among its members; 2) contribution to the progress of science and technology; and 3) direct contribution to civil societies.

The Society has renewed “the Beliefs and Principles of Practice for Civil Engineers” into the Code of Ethics, solely because the Society has recognized the increasing importance of the mission and the emerging responsibility shouldered by civil engineers today and in the future.

Basic Perceptions:

1. From the dawn of human history till the present day, civil engineering has contributed to ensuring human beings’ safety and enriching their quality of life through constructing, maintaining, and managing social overhead capital. The current industrial civilization has especially been supported by great technological achievements, which has remarkably improved the lives of mankind. However, along with the expansion and diversification of technological advancement, the influence caused by these phenomena upon nature and societies has drastically increased in its complexity and magnitude. Civil engineers should deeply recognize these facts and adhere to the ethical principles of self-disciplined moral obligation when applying advanced technology.
2. The present generation is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of life-supporting conditions for generations to come. It is an honorable mission for the present civil engineers to create and preserve the environment that enhances the coexistence of nature and mankind.

 

Code of Ethics

 A Civil Engineer Shall

1. Apply his/her technical skills to create, improve, and maintain “a beautiful national land,” “a safe and comfortable life,” and “a prosperous society”, thus contributing to society through his/her knowledge and virtue with an emphasis upon his/her dignity and honor.
2. Respect nature while giving the highest priority to the safety, welfare, and health of generations today and in the future, and shall endeavor to preserve and work with nature and the global environment for the sustainable development of mankind.
3. Value traditional technology rooted in indigenous cultures, engage in research and development of advanced technology, promote international cooperation, deepen mutual understanding of other cultures, and enhance welfare and safety of human beings.
4. Perform civil engineering work from a broad perspective based on his/her specialized expertise and experience regardless of his/her organizational affiliation.
5. Publish reports and express opinions based on his/her accumulated expertise and experience, and live up to his/her own beliefs and conscience.
6. Disclose all relevant information concerning public safety, health, welfare, and sustainable global development, in an effort to carry out irreversible civil engineering work that is of long-term and large-scale in nature..
7. Keep a fair and impartial attitude to the public, clients of civil engineering work, and himself/herself while performing work sincerely.
8. Act as an honest agent or trustee of the employer or client in regard to technical work.
9. Treat everyone fairly without any discrimination against race, religion, sex, or age.
10. Perform work in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules & regulations, contracts, and other standards, and shall not give, ask, nor receive directly or indirectly any undue compensation.
11. Understand the function, forms, and structural characteristics of civil engineering facilities and structures. In their planning, design, construction, maintenance, and disposal, apply not only advanced technology but traditional technology as well while preserving the ecosystem and the beauty it contains, while staying mindful to preserve historical heritage.
12. Strive to enhance his/her own expertise, study diligently concepts and engineering methods, and contribute to technological development through informing academic societies of the results of these efforts.
13. Endeavor to cultivate human resources by effectively utilizing his/her own personality, knowledge, and experience while providing support for others to enhance their professional proficiency.
14. Actively explain the significance and role of his/her own work and respond sincerely to any criticism of such explanation. Further, evaluate objectively the work completed by himself/herself and by others, and express positively individual opinions.
15. Live up to the Code of Ethics stipulated by the Society while continuously seeking to enhance the social status of civil engineers. In particular, members of the Society shall take the initiative of professional dignity by observing this Code of Ethics.

(Promulgated on May 7, 1999, by the Board of Directors, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers)

 

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 Association of Consulting Engineers Australia

Preamble

This Code of Ethics establishes the standards, including the Standards of Conduct, to be adopted and adhered to by all member firms of the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia and their staff as part of their working habits and relationships with clients, colleagues and the community generally.

A member of the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia, in the context of this code of Ethics, refers to both the firms and their staff individually.

The members are bound by a common commitment to promote technology based intellectual consulting services for the built and/or natural environment and facilitate its practice for the common good, based upon shared values of:

• ethical behaviour;
• competent performance;
• innovative practice;
• excellence in service provision;
• equality of opportunity;
• social justice;
• unity of purpose;
• sustainable development;
• responsible decision making;
• accountability for conduct and behaviour;
• recognition and management of risk; and,
• honesty and integrity.

This Code of Ethics and its obligations and requirements on members was approved by members in accordance with Article 12.1 and By-Law 6.1(b) by a general meeting of the Association held on 28 November 2003.

Code of Ethics – Principles

The members are committed to the Principles of this Code of Ethics. These are:

• to act honestly and with integrity;
• to respect the inherent dignity and privacy of the individual;
• to act on the basis of competence and a well informed conscience;
• to hold paramount the welfare, health and safety of the community; and
• to uphold, at all times, the Tenets as expressed in this Code of Ethics.

Code of Ethics – Tenets

The Tenets of the Code of Ethics are the specific principles to which the Association ascribes:

1. Members shall at all times place their responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of the community before their responsibility to private interests, or to other members;
2. Members shall act with honour, integrity and dignity in order to merit the trust of the community;
3. Members shall act only in areas of their competence and shall practise in a careful and diligent manner;
4. Members shall act with honesty, good faith and without discrimination towards all in the community, including clients, employers and colleagues;
5. Members shall apply their skill and knowledge in the interest of their employer or client for whom they shall act with integrity, without compromising any other obligation to these Tenets;
6. Members shall take all reasonable steps to inform themselves, their clients and employers and the community of the social and environmental consequences of the actions and projects in which they are involved;
7. Members shall express opinions and recommendations, make public statements or give evidence in an objective and truthful manner and only on the basis of existing and adequate knowledge having regard to their obligations of confidentiality and their responsibility to the safety, health and welfare of the community;
8. Members shall continue to develop relevant knowledge, skill and expertise throughout their careers and shall actively assist and encourage those under their direction to do likewise; and
9. Members shall not assist, induce or be involved in a breach of these Tenets, shall support those who seek to uphold them, and having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code of Ethics will raise it with the member and the Association as considered appropriate.

Interpretation

The comments which follow provide interpretation of the Tenets as they apply to practices and situations in which members may find a need for ethical guidance. A breach of the Code of Ethics occurs when a member acts contrary to one of the nine Tenets judged on the circumstances of the case and not on the emphasis of the interpretations.

4.1 The community

Members’ obligations to the welfare, health and safety of the community involves the application of sound judgement based on experience and relevant analysis to arrive at the appropriate balance of considerations which must apply in a given situation. Protection of the environment is both a short term and long term concern of the community and needs to be considered by members at all times. Members’ obligations extend to taking all reasonable steps to understand the consequences of their own actions and the actions of those with or for whom they are working.

Members:

1. shall work in conformity with accepted environmental standards in a manner which does not jeopardise the public welfare, health or safety;
2. shall endeavour at all times to maintain services essential to public health and safety;
3. shall use their best endeavours, at all times, to meet the requirements and obligations in relation to the health and safety of employees, colleagues and the workforce;
4. shall give due weight to the need to achieve sustainable development and to conserve and restore the productive capacity of the earth;
5. shall endeavour to ensure that information provided to the public is relevant and in a readily understood form;
6. shall avoid assignments taken on behalf of clients or employers that are likely to create a conflict of interest between the member or their clients or employers and the community;
7. shall not use association with other persons, corporations or partnerships to conceal unethical acts
8. shall not involve themselves with any practice which they know to be of a fraudulent, dishonest or criminal nature. Successful prosecution before a Court for any such action may be deemed to be a breach of the Code of Ethics ; and
9. shall work in accordance with generally accepted professional and engineering standards in a manner which does not jeopardise the safety, health or welfare of the public and the community.

4.2 Areas of competence and description of qualifications

Members should understand the distinction between working in an area of competence and working competently. Working in an area of competence requires members to operate within their qualifications and experience; working competently requires sound judgement. If an error of judgement occurs, the outcome may be construed as negligence, however, it does not necessarily imply that the member has acted unethically.

Members:

1. shall neither falsify nor misrepresent their own, or their associates’, qualifications, experience and prior responsibility;
2. shall inform their employers or clients, and make appropriate recommendations on obtaining further advice, if an assignment requires qualifications and experience outside their fields of competence;
3. shall only undertake assignments and provide services within the member’s area of competence and qualification, and;
4. shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which the member lacks competence or qualifications.

4.3 Clients and employers

Members shall practice in an open and informed manner and act in the best interests of the client and/or the employer unless to do so would jeopardise the safety, health or welfare of the public, the community or the environment.

Members:

1. shall promote the principle of selection of services by clients upon the basis of merit, and shall not compete with other consulting engineers on the basis of fees alone. However, it shall not be a breach of the Code of Ethics for members to provide information as to the basis upon which they usually charge fees for particular types of work. Also, it shall not be a breach of the Code of Ethics for members to submit a proposal for the carrying out of work, which proposal includes, in addition to a technical proposal, an indication of the resources which members can provide and information as to the basis upon which fees will be charged or as to the amount of the fees for the work which is proposed to be done. In this respect it is immaterial whether or not members are aware that others may have been requested to submit proposals, including fee proposals, for the same work;
2. shall take reasonable steps to recognise, manage and mitigate the risks associated with each assignment or engagement of work, and, in particular, the risks to the client, the workforce, the community and the environment, and;
3. shall, on request prior to engagement, advise existing clients and prospective clients of the relevant insurance maintained by the member. If the member does not maintain professional indemnity insurance this must be disclosed to the existing client or prospective client.
4. may use advertising (which includes direct approaches to prospective clients by any reasonable means) which is not misleading, to announce their practice and availability. Information given must be truthful, factual and free from ostentatious or laudatory expressions or implications;
5. shall, when acting as administrator of a contract, be impartial as between the parties in the interpretation of the contract. This requirement of impartiality shall not diminish the duty of members to fairly apply their skill and knowledge in the interests of their employers or clients;
6. shall keep their employers or clients fully informed on all matters, including financial interests, which are likely to lead to a conflict of interest;
7. shall advise their clients or employers when they judge that a project will not be viable, whether on the basis of commercial, technical, environmental or any other such risk which the member might reasonably have been expected to consider;
8. shall inform their clients or employers of the possible consequences in the event that a member’s judgements are overruled on matters relating to the welfare of the community. Where justified by the consequences which result from the matter continuing, members shall endeavour further to persuade the client or employer to discontinue with the matter. If unsuccessful, members may make the details of the adverse consequences known to the public without incurring a breach of the Code of Ethics.
9. shall neither disclose nor use confidential information gained in the course of their employment without express permission, unless permission unduly withheld would jeopardise the welfare, health or safety of the community;
10. shall not undertake, nor should they be expected to undertake, professional work where the terms of reference are so restrictive that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with recognised professional standards;
11. shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, nor provide free services, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to, and agreed to, by all interested parties;
12. shall neither solicit nor accept financial or other valuable considerations from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their products;
13. shall neither pay nor offer directly or indirectly inducements to secure work, and;
14. shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other parties dealing with their clients or employers in connection with work for which they are responsible.

4.4 Colleagues

Members have an obligation to act in good faith, honestly and with integrity when dealing with colleagues to whom this Code of Ethics applies.

Members:

1. shall exercise due restraint in explaining their own work, shall give proper credit to those to whom proper credit is due, and shall acknowledge the contributions of subordinates and others;
2. shall accept, as well as give, honest and fair professional criticism when commenting on another’s work or making public comment;
3. shall compete on the basis of merit and not compete unfairly;
4. shall neither maliciously nor carelessly do anything to injure, directly or indirectly, the reputation, prospects or business of others:
5. shall, where acting as a representative on behalf of an employer, recognise that other members, who are employees, are colleagues to whom the Code of Ethics applies;
6. shall uphold the principle of adequate and appropriate remuneration;
7. shall neither attempt to supplant another individual or organisation who has been duly appointed by a client or employer nor accept engagement from a client or employer in replacement of another without first ascertaining that the appointment has been terminated by due notice;
8. shall examine the circumstances and determine the appropriateness of accepting an engagement from a client if they have evidence that they are to replace another, having first made all reasonable efforts to make the other aware of the situation;
9. shall, if asked by a client to review the work of another, proceed only after gaining consent from the client to discuss that review with the other party concerned. Members shall discuss the review with the other person or organisation prior to submitting the review if it is possible to do so; and
10. shall not unfairly criticise others for their past work where such work was conducted in accordance with the accepted standards and practices and community values of the time, and in accordance with the needs of the time.

Acting as an expert witness

An expert witness provides a special and unique service to legal or quasi-Iegal proceedings established for the purpose of making judgements. Once accepted by the judge or arbitrator, an expert becomes “an officer of the Court or Hearing”.

In this capacity the expert witness is normally afforded two important privileges: the freedom to remain in the proceedings at all times and the freedom to express an opinion.

At all times the expert witness owes the proceedings total objectivity. The role of expert witness is to give the tribunal the benefit of his or her special training and experience in order to help the tribunal understand matters which it would not otherwise understand and thus help the tribunal to come to the right decision.

It follows that:

1. members’ reports, statements or testimony before any tribunal shall be objective and accurate. They shall express an opinion only on the basis of adequate knowledge and technical competence in the area, but this shall not preclude a considered speculation based on experience and wide relevant knowledge;
2. members must reveal the existence of any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, including any conflict of interest, that could be taken to affect their judgement about which they are making a statement, giving evidence or providing an opinion. This shall include advising the parties and the court or tribunal of any actual or perceived conflict of interest and any circumstance where the member has previously received payment for any work or services provided to any of the parties involved in the proceedings before the court or tribunal;
3. members must ensure that all reports and opinions given to a client prior to a hearing include all relevant matters of which they are aware, whether they are favourable or unfavourable;
4. members giving evidence as experts should listen very carefully to the question put, and ensure that each answer is given objectively, truthfully and completely and covers all matters relevant to the question of which they have knowledge; and
5. when discharging these responsibilities, members should have regard to the normal practice at the time of the occurrence of the incident which gave rise to the call for advice.

Members should also refer to relevant Practice Notes issued by this Association (and in particular to section 4.0) and also to the document “Guideline for Expert Witnesses in proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia” issued by the Federal Court of Australia.

Members must act in accordance with the requirements for expert witnesses as prescribed by the relevant court or tribunal when providing reports, statements or testimony as an expert witness.

Public comment or statements

Public comments and statements by members should be made in a way that maintains and enhances the trust of the community and must be made in good faith in an honest and objective manner. Any public comments or statements made by members must not breach the obligation of confidentiality to the client, must not breach the privacy of an individual and must consider the safety, health and welfare of the public, the community and the environment.

It follows that:

1. Members may, if they consider that by so doing they can constructively advance the well-being of the community, contribute to public discussion on technical matters in their area of competence;
2. in areas outside of a member’s area of competence, but those in which a member can demonstrate adequate knowledge, comment may be made on details of a project within that area of knowledge. Adequate knowledge generally applies to a narrow aspect of an area of competence. Adequate knowledge may be acquired from working in a related area of competence or through continued professional development. However, adequate knowledge in a narrow area is not generally a sufficient basis for public comment or advice on the overall solution to a task outside of a member’s area of competence; and
3. in areas outside of a member’s area of competence, and in which the member is not able to demonstrate adequate knowledge, public comment or statements should be limited to enquiries which seek to provide deeper understanding. In this respect, the member may draw on experience in training and analysis as a basis for asking objective questions which may assist the public to evaluate services without the member implying personal competence or knowledge in the area.

Whistleblowing

In the course of a member’s employment, situations may arise concerning the employer, client or external organisation which may present the member with a significant moral and legal problem. This could include criminal behaviour, threats to public safety, threats to the welfare of the community, threats to the welfare of the environment, unethical policies and breaches of this Code of Ethics. Depending on the particular circumstances a member may have responsibility under existing legislation or the provisions of this Code of Ethics to ensure that any such practices are brought to the attention of those with authority to rectify the problem or to raise the matter with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

The following practical and commonsense guidance is set out for the benefit of members who have or are intending to make such disclosure:

1. Make any objections to unethical practices promptly so as to avoid any misinterpretation of the motives for doing so;
2. Focus on the issues and proceed in a tactful, low-key manner to avoid unnecessary personal antagonism which might distract attention from solving the problem;
3. Keep supervisors informed of actions as much as possible, both through informal discussion and formal memoranda;
4. Be accurate in observations and claims and keep formal records documenting relevant events;
5. Raise the problem initially through normal organisational channels;
6. Consult colleagues for advice and avoid isolation;
7. Consult with the Association through the Chief Executive on the ethical issues involved, or with other organisations as appropriate; and/or
8. Seek legal advice concerning potential legal liabilities.

Procedures for handling alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics

The members of the Association have approved Articles and By-Laws to govern the investigation and hearing of alleged breaches of the Memorandum & Articles of Association, the By-Laws and this Code of Ethics. The Articles at Part 3 and Part 4 and By-Laws at Part 3 provide for a process to investigate and hear alleged breaches and to reflect the importance which the Board places on all members upholding the ethical standards of the Association and its members. All alleged breaches and complaints will be considered and dealt with in accordance with the Articles of Association, the By-Laws and this Code of Ethics. If a breach of the Memorandum & Articles of Association, the By-Laws or this Code of Ethics is substantiated or held to be the case by the Board of ACEA then the following sanctions may be applied:

• admonition;
• reprimand;
• fine;
• suspension;
• expulsion;
• ongoing membership declined; or

termination of membership.