Code of Ethics

Association of Saskatchewan Forestry Professionals
2006

Preamble

The Association of Saskatchewan Forestry Professionals has approved this Code of Ethics to govern the professional conduct of its members. Registered members recognize that professional ethics are founded upon trust, integrity, credibility, respect, diligence, confidentiality, and commitment to learning. This professional ethic guides their conduct to ensure just and honourable professional and human relationships, mutual confidence and respect, personal integrity, and competent service.

Adherence

All members, however and wherever they may practice, are bound by the Code of Ethics set out hereunder and as such have responsibilities to the public, the profession, the client or employer; and other members. This Code of Ethics does not deny the existence of other important duties that are not specifically included.

1) The responsibility of a member to the public is:

To advocate, promote and practice the highest possible standards of forest stewardship, based on ecologically sound principles, which will maintain, protect and enhance the integrity, utility and value of the forest resource for the benefit of society, without compromising the opportunity for present and future generations to meet their objectives;

To work to improve practices and policies affecting the stewardship of forest land;

Where a member believes a practice is detrimental to good stewardship of forest land:
- To advise the responsible person promptly and if the matter is not resolved, to inform the professional conduct committee immediately in writing of the issue; or
- If it is not possible to raise the matter with the responsible person or it is inappropriate in the circumstance to do so, to inform the professional conduct committee immediately in writing of the issue;

To use member’s knowledge and skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws based on both scientific principles and societal values;

To broaden the public's understanding and appreciation of forests, the practice of forestry, the value of forestry to society and the association’s commitment to the highest possible standards in the practice of forestry;

To undertake only work that a member is competent to perform by virtue of training and experience and, where advisable, shall retain and co-operate with other professional foresters and specialists;

To not make misleading or exaggerated statements regarding the member’s qualifications or experience;

To express opinions on forestry matters only on the basis of adequate knowledge and honest conviction, and discourage and challenge the presentation of untrue, biased or exaggerated statements concerning the practice of forestry;

To have proper regard, in all aspects of work, for the safety, health and welfare of the public and the potential impacts of forestry practices on public welfare;

To promote truthful, factual and accurate statements on forestry matters; and

To work in a spirit of integrity, honour, fairness, good faith and courtesy.

2) The responsibility of a member to the profession is:

To maintain the honour and integrity of the profession and act at all times with responsibility and dignity;

To inspire confidence in the profession by maintaining high standards in conduct and daily work through continuous improvement of methods and personal knowledge and skills;

To contribute to the work of forest societies and educational institutions and to advance scientific and personal knowledge;

To review with the colleague responsible, any practice or behaviour they believe contrary to this code. If not resolved to report the matter in writing with the knowledge of the colleague concerned to the professional conduct committee;

To sign or seal only documents, plans, or work which members have prepared or carried out or which have been prepared or carried out under their direct professional supervision or review;

To apply the best knowledge that is reasonably available and make a personal commitment to a process of continuing education to keep current in the skills and knowledge of the professional practice of forestry;

To state clearly on whose behalf professional statements or opinions are made; and

To not misrepresent facts.

3) The responsibility of a member to the client or employer is:

To anticipate and advise employers or clients of the consequences of any contemplated policy, procedure or course of action which, based on professional judgment, is not consistent with the principles of sound forestry practice and best possible stewardship of forest land;

To undertake no assignment which may create a conflict of interest in their employer or client and to inform such employer or client of any business connections, interests or circumstances which may be deemed as influencing their judgment or the quality of their services;

To hold as confidential information concerning the business affairs, technical methods, processes or practices of employers or clients and shall only disclose such information with the consent of the employer or client or where required to do so by law;

To obtain a clear understanding of the client or employer’s objectives;

To undertake only those assignments for which the member is competent to perform by virtue of training and experience or seek assistance from knowledgeable peers or specialists whenever a field of practice is outside the member's competence;

To act in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner;

To levy only those charges for services rendered that are fair and due; and

To accept no compensation in any form for a particular service from more than one source without the knowledge and consent of all interested parties.

4) The responsibility of a member to other members is:

To provide advice, recognition, support and guidance to those practicing forestry in order to assist in furthering and enhancing their efforts and to ensure that the best possible practices and objectives are undertaken and recognized;

To provide opportunity for the professional development and advancement of forest practitioners including employees and/or less experienced individuals;

To give credit for professional work, assistance, methods, facts or opinions provided by others;

To conduct themselves towards other registered professionals with fairness and in good faith;

To share knowledge and experience with other members;

To strive to avoid improper or questionable practices in their own work and in the work of others and to take steps as soon as possible to correct such practices and minimize their impacts on both the resource and the reputation of those engaged in the practice of forestry;

To not unfairly criticize the work of other members or attempt to injure the professional reputation or business of another member; and

To abstain from undignified public communication with another member.

Code of Ethics

Preamble

Adherence

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