Professional values in the construction industry

The link between professional recognition and ethics

Whilst personal values are set when we are young, professional values are discussed and instilled in us as adults.

Professional bodies offer significant value to society in governance and ethics – by setting standards for behaviour and competence and sanctioning those who contravene them, according to the report ‘Understanding the Value of Professionals and Professional Bodies’, which surveyed more than 2,000 members of the public and over 150 Members of Parliament.

In an uncertain world where government, trade associations and trade unions often have to think short term, one set of organisations stands out as providing a constant and consistent push for technical, productivity and welfare improvements – the professional bodies.

Making things better

Despite their traditional associations, professional bodies have as their central activity the sharing and dissemination of information on how to make things better, whether that is improved techniques and processes, advances in technology or better worker welfare. And they don’t exist to help their members compete, but to help them collaborate.

The top value is needed in the construction industry today.

The report finds that professional bodies in the UK offer significant value to society and their membership in five areas that top current social and political agendas, namely:

Productivity

Through increasing the capability of the workforce by promoting best practices and sharing the latest advancements;

Social mobility

By providing routes to entry for all and in providing trusted qualifications that remain open to individuals at any point within their career;

Governance and ethics

By setting standards for behaviour and competence and sanctioning those who contravene them;

International development

By exporting qualifications and professional services via growing international networks;

Policy formation

By undertaking research that advances understanding of important issues and by sharing specialist knowledge with decision-makers.

Professional ethics where a person has joined a membership body, are governed not only by a person’s own values but also by those stipulated by the professional body.

“Ethics and ethical behaviour are central to professionalism. It does not matter how skilled and experienced a person becomes: if they behave dishonestly and without regard for the rights of others, they are not a professional person” (CIOB website).

The CIOB Code of Conduct

The CIOB Code of Conduct for members’ first four rules are:

1. Members shall, in fulfilling their professional responsibilities and the duties which they undertake, have full regard for the public interest.
2. Members shall demonstrate a level of competence consistent with their class of membership.
3. Members shall at all times act with integrity so as to uphold and enhance the dignity, standing and reputation of the Institute.
4. Members undertaking work in a country other than their own shall observe these Rules and Regulations so far as they are applicable.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of CIOB, take a look at how to join today.