Statement of Ethical Principles

Al-Kindi Society embraces and endorses fully the Statement of Ethical Principles that have been drafted by the Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Our members are expected and encouraged to peruse and immerse themselves with this document and adopt its principles in their day to day professional work.

The Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering have
jointly created a Statement of Ethical Principles for all engineering professionals.

In this Statement, “engineering professionals” means “professional engineers and those technicians, tradespeople, students, apprentices and trainees engaged in engineering”. Non-engineers managing or teaching engineering professionals should be made aware of this Statement.

Engineering professionals work to enhance the wellbeing of society. In
doing so they are required to maintain and promote high ethical standards
and challenge unethical behaviour. There are four fundamental principles
for ethical behaviour and decision-making. These are set out below,
together with examples of how each should be applied. Engineering professionals should read this Statement in conjunction with their relevant Code of Conduct or Licence to Practise. The Statement by itself is not prescriptive: it is neither a Regulation nor a Standard.

1. Honesty and integrity

Engineering professionals have a duty to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct including openness, fairness, honesty and integrity. They should:

  • act in a reliable and trustworthy manner
  • be alert to the ways in which their work and behaviour might affect others and respect the privacy, rights and reputations of other parties and individuals
  • respect confidentiality
  • declare conflicts of interest
  • avoid deception and take steps to prevent or report corrupt practices or professional misconduct
  • reject bribery and improper influence

2. Respect for life, law, the environment and public good

Engineering professionals have a duty to obey all applicable laws and regulations and give due weight to facts, published standards and guidance and the wider public interest. They should:

  • hold paramount the health and safety of others and draw attention to hazards
  • ensure their work is lawful and justified
  • recognise the importance of physical and cyber security and data protection
  • respect and protect personal information and intellectual property
  • protect, and where possible improve, the quality of built and natural environments
  • maximise the public good and minimise both actual and potential adverse effects for their own and succeeding generations
  • take due account of the limited availability of natural resources
  • uphold the reputation and standing of the profession

3. Accuracy and rigour

Engineering professionals have a duty to acquire and use wisely the understanding, knowledge and skills needed to perform their role. They should:

  • always act with care
  • perform services only in areas in which they are currently competent or under competent supervision
  • keep their knowledge and skills up to date
  • assist the development of engineering knowledge and skills in others
  • present and review theory, evidence and interpretation honestly, accurately, objectively and without bias, while respecting reasoned alternative views
  • identify, evaluate, quantify, mitigate and manage risks
  • not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled

4. Leadership and communication

Engineering professionals have a duty to abide by and promote high standards of leadership and communication. They should:

• be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society, and listen to the aspirations and concerns of others
• promote equality, diversity and inclusion
• promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievements
• be objective and truthful in any statement made in their professional capacity
• challenge statements or policies that cause them professional concern

Source : https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/statement-of-ethical-principles

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