CIPR code of conduct

All members of the CIPR are bound by the Code of Conduct. They make the commitment on joining and annually when they renew their membership.

Members are expected to develop the ethical competence to apply the Code to decisions they make throughout their career. This is at the heart of our approach to professional standards.

Under the principles of the Code, members of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations agree to:

  • Maintain the highest standards of professional endeavour, integrity, confidentiality, financial propriety and personal conduct

  • Deal honestly and fairly in business with employers, employees, clients, fellow professionals, other professions and the public

  • Respect, in their dealings with other people, the legal and regulatory frameworks and codes of all countries where they practice

  • Uphold the reputation of, and do nothing that would bring into disrepute, the public relations profession or the Chartered Institute of Public Relations

  • Respect and abide by this Code and related Notes of Guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and ensure that others who are accountable to them (e.g. subordinates and sub-contractors) do the same

  • Encourage professional training and development among members of the profession in order to raise and maintain professional standards generally.

Legal and business hotline

Exclusively available to CIPR members, use the Croner helpline for free and unlimited business and legal advice on everything from HR and employment law to health and safety and commercial. Find out more .

Free Ethics Hotline

At some point in your career you may be faced with an ethical dilemma. If the right thing to do isn’t clear and you don’t know which course of action to take, call our Ethics Hotline for free and confidential advice and support. The hotline is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 until 17:00 (GMT). Call +44 (0)20 7631 6944.

everyday ethics guide

This collection of case studies features seven real-life examples of ethical dilemmas as described to the CIPR Ethics Hotline. Read and reflect on how you would approach them for 5 CPD Ethics points.

Download the guide (pdf)

Making a complaint against a member

Anyone can bring a complaint against a member under the Code of Conduct . This is an outline of how we enforce the code and manage complaints. 

The process for making and hearing a complaint is governed by a set of regulations.

Download a guide to our complaints process (pdf).

To make a complaint against a member, or for further information or advice on the CIPR Code of Conduct and the processes that support it, please contact:

Kevin Taylor Chart.PR, FCIPR, Regulatory Consultant

[email protected]

0207 631 6944

 

Other public resources

All members of the CIPR are bound by our Code of Conduct. A full list of our members is available in the PR Register.

See our guidance on the Code and professional conduct   

See our guidance on professional standards in lobbying.