Compliance & Governance

Code of Ethics

Every member signs this code on admission and on each renewal. Breaches are examined by the Ethics & Complaints Panel and may lead to suspension or withdrawal of certification.

1. Quality of workmanship

Execute all dry construction and finishing works to the association's published technical standards, the project design and the manufacturer's instructions — whichever is the more demanding.
Never conceal a defect, a missing fixing, an unsupported joint or damp substrate behind a finished surface.
Quote realistically. Do not accept work that cannot be completed to standard within the offered price or programme.
Record deviations agreed with the client in writing before they are executed.

2. Workplace safety

Provide and use dust extraction and respiratory protection when sanding jointing compound or cutting board.
Maintain safe access equipment; no improvised platforms or unsecured trestles.
Ensure all crew members, including subcontracted and temporary labour, receive site-specific safety instruction in a language they understand.
Report accidents and near misses to the association's safety register so that guidance can be improved.

3. Fair labour practice

Employ and subcontract lawfully, with written terms and declared wages.
Pay apprentices for productive work and give them genuine instruction, not only clean-up duties.
Do not discriminate on grounds of nationality, language, sex, age, religion or disability.

4. Anti-corruption & integrity

Offer or accept no bribe, kickback, or improper gift or hospitality in connection with tendering, inspection, certification or supply.
Declare any personal or commercial interest before participating in an inspection, examination or procurement decision, and withdraw where a conflict exists.
Do not collude on prices, allocate clients between members, or rig tenders.
Represent certification accurately: never claim a tier, certificate or scope that has not been awarded.

5. Clients, disputes and complaints

Respond to a client complaint in writing within ten working days.
Accept independent assessment by the Technical Standards Committee where a dispute concerns workmanship.
Rectify confirmed defects without delay and at no cost where the member is responsible.

6. Enforcement

Complaints may be submitted by clients, members or authorities to the association office.
The Ethics & Complaints Panel hears both parties and issues a reasoned decision.
Sanctions range from written warning and mandatory retraining to suspension or withdrawal of certification and removal from the directory.