Introduction
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1.1
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This Code establishes and seeks to maintain standards for members
of the IW. This Code is intended to inform and safeguard the interests
of Members and those who seek to use their services.
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1.2
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All members of the IW are required to abide by this Code of
Ethics.
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CODE OF ETHICS
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2
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Responsibility
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2.1
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The work which members undertake should be non-exploitive. The
inherent basic values are impartiality, integrity and respect
whether the work is paid or voluntary.
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2.2
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Members shall have a responsibility to the client, self and
to their employer. They shall have due regard to the client's
interests and dignity.
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3
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Safety
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3.1
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Adequate precautions must be taken to ensure not only the client's
safety but that of the IW Member and of the organisation, if relevant.
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4
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Confidentiality
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4.1
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Within the requirements of the law, and public and individual
safety, confidentiality shall be maintained in respect of all
information received.
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5
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Non Discriminatory Practice
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5.1
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Members should ensure that a non0discriminatory approach is
integral to and maintained, throughout the course of their work.
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6
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Competence
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6.1
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It is a requirement that members monitor and develop their own
personal and professional competence and work within their limits.
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6.2
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Competence should be maintained by the use of consultative support
and where appropriate, ongoing external supervision.
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Items
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Health, Safety and Welfare
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1.
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Members of the Institute have a statutory obligation to be aware
of, and abide by, current Health and Safety legislation. They
will take all reasonable steps to ensure the physical and physical
and psychological well being of themselves and their clients.
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Contract & Boundaries
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2.
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Members may be required to give guidance, support, advice and
a degree of individual counselling. They must ensure they understand
and work within the regulations and policies of the organisation
they work for and the responsibilities laid down within this Code
of Practice.
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3.
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Before embarking on a welfare relationship, the Member should
determine from the client if other therapeutic or helping relationships
are current.
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4.
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If counselling is to be undertaken, clients have a choice in
whether or not they wish to participate. During such a counselling
relationship the client should be given the opportunity to review
the methods and terms under which counselling is being carried
out.
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5.
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The Member must ensure the client understands about the degree
of confidentiality, the length and number of sessions available
on any formal counselling relationship together with cancellation
arrangements and any potential fees. Negotiations over these issues
should be completed prior to commencing the session.
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6.
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Clearly defined arrangements show respect for the individuals
rights and their abilities to hold their own beliefs and values,
and to make their own decisions.
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7.
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Explanations of boundaries to the client and the adherence to
them is the responsibility of the Member.
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8.
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Clients should be given information regarding access to their
records, and how available they are to other people, along with
details of the security under which the records are stored.
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9.
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The Member should avoid unnecessary conflicts of interests.
If any conflict of interests become apparent this should be made
known to the client.
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Issues of Competence
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10.
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Competence includes being able to recognise when it is appropriate
to make a client referral.
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11.
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Members should ensure that they have received sufficient training
to be able to use counselling skills appropriately, recognising
their own personal and professional limitations. Training in counselling
skills alone is not sufficient for members to consider themselves
qualified to engage in a therapeutic or psychoanalytic counselling
relationship.
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12.
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Members are responsible for ensuring that their relationships
with clients are not unduly influenced by their own emotional
needs. They are expected to monitor their own personal functioning
and to seek help from their line manager or other professional
supervisor if their personal resources are sufficiently depleted
to affect Member/client relationship.
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13.
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Members must actively monitor their own competence through supervision
and be willing to consider any views expressed by their clients,
and supervisors, and take appropriate action.
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14.
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When uncertain as to whether a particular situation or course
of action may be in violation of the Code of Ethics and Practice,
members must consult with their manager or professional supervisor
and (in the case of a sole private practitioner) other experienced
practitioners.
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15.
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Members must have achieved a recognised and accredited level
of competence before commencing a professional relationship and
must maintain continuing professional development, as well as
regular and ongoing supervision.
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Anti-Discrimination Practice
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16.
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The Institute of Welfare (IW) is committed to promoting and
encouraging Equality of Opportunity of access and participation
through its members and their workings.
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17.
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Members shall be committed to the principles of non-discrimination
and treat individuals on equal terms.
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18.
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Members have a responsibility to be aware of their own discriminatory
prejudices, attitudes and behaviour, and to take remedial action.
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Legal
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19.
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A Code of Practice has no statutory basis and takes the form
of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if
it were a specification and particular care should be taken to
ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.
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20.
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In particular, attention is drawn to all existing employment
law and requirements of the criminal legislation system.
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21.
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Compliance with this Code of Practice does not of itself confer
immunity from any legal obligations.
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22.
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Members shall operate within current Data Protection legislation.
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23.
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Members in private practice are recommended to obtain appropriate
cover to assist them financially in the event of any acts of litigation.
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24.
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Users of thie Code of Practice are responsible for its correct
application.
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Responsibility
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25.
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Whilst Members have a duty to their clients, the relationship
cannot exist in social isolation; Members will also need to consider
other sources of ethical responsibility, as well as the requirements
of the law, public and individual safety.
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26.
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Members must take all responsible steps to ensure that their
client suffers neither physical or psychological harm during contact.
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27.
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Members must respect clients by ensuring client confidentiality
within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act(s) and the regulations
and policies of the organisation they work for. These should be
made known to the client if not already public information, prior
to engaging in a helping/professional relationship.
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28.
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Members shall obtain whenever possible appropriate informed
consent of the client before acting on their behalf. Any informal
discussion of cases should take place without revealing the personal
identity of the client.
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29.
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Members shall conduct themselves in their professional activities
in ways which ensure public confidence in their role and in the
work of the Institute.
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30.
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A Member who suspects professional misconduct by another Member,
which cannot be resolved or remedied by discussion with the person
concerned or by following the employers own systems or procedures
set up to deal with issues of professional rather than
employment misconduct, should implement the Institute's Complaints
Procedure, ensuring that there is no breach of confidentiality
other than that necessary for investigating the complaint.
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31.
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Members are accountable for their services to their employer
or funding body, as appropriate, whilst respecting the contract
of confidentiality agreed with the client.
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32.
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The Client has the right to seek services elsewhere.
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33.
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Members shall explore all reasonable opportunities to resolve
conflicts of interests between themselves and their employers
and/or agencies
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34.
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Members shall take all reasonable steps to be aware of current
laws which apply to their welfare duties, and shall work wholly
within the law.
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Revised: Nov. 2000
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