INNOVATION July-August 2012

et h i c s

PROFESSIONALISM

The Fourth Pillar: Ethics in Practice Dr Alison L Dempsey

EDUCATION

EXPERTISE

EXPERIENCE

ETHICS

through the regulation of engineering and geoscience. Comprising members from across a broad range of experience, practice disciplines and regions of the province, this task force reviewed and assessed APEGBC’s existing programs to ensure they support continuing quality, competency and integrity of professional engineering and professional geoscience practice in the province. The resulting framework—the Professional Renewal Program—was developed in consultation with members and other major stakeholders, and made 38 recommendations in eight areas. The first three recommendations concerned public confidence and the Code of Ethics. Ethics in Practice In light of the recommendations, APEGBC undertook a review of its ethics-related programming. The review identified limited ongoing education, opportunities for engagement, and guidance for members and licensees on ethical principles and issues in the practice of engineering and geoscience, specifically regarding compliance with the APEGBC Code of Ethics. Accredited Canadian engineering programs are required to include instruction on ethics, and APEGBC requires applicants for registration to complete a professional practice and ethics exam and attend or view a law and ethics seminar. Following admission to professional practice in BC, there are no further APEGBC requirements or supported opportunities for members or licensees to engage with peers on ethical issues arising in practice throughout their careers or to receive continuing education in this area. The importance of and need for ethical conduct has arguably never been greater, with high profile scandals, crises and disasters

The Four Pillars Four pillars form the foundation of professional practice and the basis of a professional’s reputation for integrity and the public’s trust. They are: education, expertise, experience and ethics. Engineering and geoscience professionals are charged with protecting and serving the public interest whilst engaging in inherently risky activities. As a consequence, each of the four pillars must be maintained and strengthened over the course of a professional career in order to support the weight of responsibility that comes with being relied upon to act at all times with the appropriate knowledge, skill, integrity and judgment. In recognition of this, APEGBC provides to its members and licensees practice guidelines, resources, and educational opportunities to support ongoing learning and professional development. The content and format of this support is reviewed for continued relevancy and to identify issues or opportunities that may be addressed through revisions to existing resources and programs—or the development of new ones. Professional Renewal Task Force Recommendation #3 Promote and enhance the use of the Code of Ethics as the driving force and principal instrument to guide members in the provision of safe and ethical professional services and to preserve the confidence of clients, industry, government, other regulators and the public at large in the professions. In September 2007, APEBGC Council created the Professional Renewal Task Force with the goal of enhancement and renewal of the Association’s programs in order to best serve the public interest

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