Code Of Ethics

– Dealing with the CII in an open, clear and co-operative manner.

– Dealing with Regulators in an open, clear and co-operative manner.

– Ensuring that the Regulators and the CII are treated courteously and not in a vexatious or frivolous manner and that all queries are dealt with promptly.

– Meeting any continuous professional development (CPD requirements).

– Working not only within the law but also within the spirit of the law.

– If within your control, making sure the organisation is suitably regulated and has effective compliance arrangements.

– Ensuring, where required, you are individually authorised or regulated.

– Reporting any breaches of the code to the CII.

– Being honest and trustworthy.

– Being reliable, dependable and respectful.

– Not taking unfair advantage of a client, colleague or a third party.

– Not bringing the Financial Services or the CII into disrepute whether through your actions in work or outside work.

– Not offering or accepting gifts, hospitality or services which could, or might appear to, imply an improper obligation.

Promoting professional standards within the industry.

– Encouraging the organisation to produce an ethical code.

– Making sure your CII membership or charter status is described correctly.

– Informing the CII of any change in your work or circumstance which affects your membership or charter status and

– Operating both professionally and in a financially responsible manner including avoiding personal insolvency.

– Encouraging our organisation to put a fair treatment of clients at the centre of the corporate culture.

– Basing our decisions on a clear understanding of client needs, priorities, concerns and circumstances.

– Giving our client all the information, of which you are aware, which is needed for the client to make an informed decision provided that information is not confidential to another client.

– Making sure that the promises you make to a client about a product’s performance and the aftersales service is true.

– Respecting confidential information of clients, former clients and potential clients.

– Ensuring you do not use information from work improperly and/or to your personal business advantage.

– Turning down work where a conflict of interest exists between you or your employer and the client.

– Refusing to act where a conflict of interest exists, save where acting in this circumstances is expressly permitted by a Regulator.

– Communicating with each client in a way that is accurate and straightforward and expressed in a way that the individual client can understand.

– Being transparent about fees and other costs.

– Making sure reasonable steps are taken to ensure all advice is accurate and suitable for the individual client.

– Obtaining and providing clear information before, during and after the point of sale.

– Ensuring adequate and correct records are kept.

– Acting with skill, care and diligence.

– Acting only within your ability and authorisation and seeking help where necessary.

– Ensuring your knowledge and expertise is kept up-to-date and relevant for your work.

– Ensuring those who work for you have appropriate training and supervision and contributing to their learning and development.

– If it is within your control, making sure your firm has a written clear complaints procedure which is followed.

– Treat each person as an individual.

– Challenging and reporting unlawful or otherwise unfair discriminatory behaviour and practice.

– Always acting openly and fairly in treating employers, employees, colleagues, clients, potential clients and suppliers with equal respect and opportunity.

– Making reasonable adjustments to assist people with disabilities or particular needs you may deal with at work.

– Encouraging your organisation to produce and promote an equality and diversity policy setting out how the business plans to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, prevent discrimination and deal with any instances of discrimination which might happen, and, if it is within your control, making sure processes and procedures do not discriminate.