Code of Ethics and Conduct
By: The British
Psychological Society
August 2009
Thinking about ethics should pervade all professional activity.
Ethics can be
defined as the science of morals or rules of behaviour. Psychology can be
defined as the scientific study of behaviour both internal (for example,
cognition and feelings) and external (for example, language and actions).
Thus whilst ethics
and psychology are distinct, there is nevertheless an overlap as both are
concerned with behaviour. Before embarking on professional work the ethical
implications should be considered as part of the work context together with
legal, professional and other frameworks.
Information from
surveys of psychologists, data on queries received by the Society and
information from formal complaints indicates that certain areas of work produce
the majority of concerns about ethical matters.
·
These areas of ethical concerns include:
o
Multiple relationships – where the psychologist owes an allegiance
to several different stakeholders;
o
Personal relationships – where the psychologist infringes or violates
the trust of a client or clients;
o
Unclear or inadequate standards of practice – where the psychologist
is unaware of or disregards the current systems in use by peers or others in
similar work;
o
Breaches of confidentiality – where rules and constraints were
broken or not clarified in advance with stakeholders;
o
Competence – where excessive or misleading claims are made or
where inadequate safeguards and monitoring exist for new areas of work;
o
Research issues including falsifying data, failing to obtain consent,
plagiarism or failing to acknowledge another’s work or contribution.
o
Health problems affecting performance or conduct; and
o
Bringing the profession or the Society into disrepute.
o
Many of the above concerns involve unethical behaviour but others
involve lack of information, poor planning or carelessness. Reflective
practice, peer support and transparency of professional activity would prevent
problems occurring or developing into serious concerns.
Despite every care
being taken ethical difficulties will occur. Several systems of ethical
decision making exist and the following is an adaptation of the core themes.
·
Identify the relevant issues:
o
What are the parameters of the situation?
o
Is there research evidence that might be relevant?
o
What legal guidance exists?
o
What do peers advise?
o
Is there guidance available from the Health Professions Council
or other relevant bodies?
·
Identify the clients and other stakeholders and consider or obtain
their views.
·
Use the Code of Ethics and Conduct to identify the principles involved.
·
Evaluate the rights, responsibilities and welfare of all clients
and stakeholders.
·
Generate the alternative decisions preferably with others to act
as a sounding board.
·
Establish a cost/risk benefit analysis to include both short-
and long-term consequences.
·
Make the decision after checking that the reasoning behind it is
logical, lucid and consistent. Document the process of decision making.
·
Assume responsibility and monitor any outcomes.
·
Apologise for any negative outcomes that result. Many formal complaints
are often a client’s only way of obtaining an acknowledgement of distress.
Saying ‘sorry’ does not automatically admit liability.
·
Make every effort to correct any negative outcomes and remain engaged
in the process.
·
Learn from the process for yourself, for others and for the Society.
·
While the process set out in this section may appear to be a counsel
of perfection, the thinking behind ethical decisions needs to be clear,
especially where time is short and/or where high levels of emotion and risk are
involved.
References
Code of Ethics and Conduct, the British Psychological Society,
August 2009
Ethical advice and support
for members can be obtained by e-mailing either practiceethics@
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