Code of conduct

1. They must conduct their business in a proper and professional manner, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Prior to accepting any assignment:

2.1. They must advise their clients of any potential conflicts of interest that could arise, due to other contractual commitments, so called ‘off-limits', or similar work that they are conducting on behalf of other clients.

2.2. They must agree any restrictions with their clients that they will not (without the client's express, prior permission), make the ‘first' approach:

2.2.1. To any candidates placed with and still in the employ of the client

2.2.2. To any employee of a client within a pre-agreed period of completing an assignment with the same client.

In those cases where the client is part of a group, the extent of this restriction must be agreed with the client in advance.

3. Post-briefing, the member will provide the client with:

3.1. A description of the role to be filled, the methodology, and the names of the consultant(s) responsible.

3.2. Written confirmation of the assignment, together with details of the member's fee schedule including all expenses, Terms and Conditions of Business, and a timetable for key assignment deadlines.

4. During the course of their activities, members must adhere to the following principles:

4.1. The client will not be provided with any candidate details without the prior consent of the candidate.

4.2. Compliance with any restrictions laid down by clients, concerning the divulging of confidential information to candidates. Within these guidelines, candidates should be provided with as much information as possible.

4.3. Unless otherwise agreed with the client, no candidate details should be submitted until their suitability has been assessed by interview performed by one or more of the consultants responsible (see 3.1).

4.4. Throughout the course of an assignment, members must stay in regular contact with both client and candidate(s) to ensure that all parties are fully cognisant of the progress of the assignment.

4.5 No information which could influence the final decision of either the candidate or the client should be withheld. Any disclosure of information will be governed by the law of 2nd August 2002, which covers the collection, storage and transmission of personal data.

4.6. In the event of a client agreeing to work with more than one member on a contingency basis, the member securing the first interview for a candidate, will have the right to the contingency fee, if the candidate is placed with the client.

4.7. Members should be prepared to demonstrate to the client the progress of any research conducted, during the course of an assignment (whilst maintaining candidate confidentiality).

4.8. Any recruitment advertising must abide by the rules and regulations governing such advertisements.

4.9. Members will only advertise those open positions for which they have a mandate, and must identify those positions to the LPRA when requested.

4.10. Members will never advertise or promote an open vacancy without the prior permission of the client concerned, nor will they submit CVs to clients unless requested to do so by the client.

4.11. When using psychometric testing/assessment, members must ensure that all such tests are validated scientifically, evaluated by qualified practitioners, and that the appropriate feedback is given to candidates.

4.12. Members must agree with the client:

Who follows up on references?
Who validates professional and educational qualifications?

4.13. Members must promote and encourage equal opportunity and discourage discriminatory practices.

4.14. Members must not make false claims, nor exaggerate their own capabilities, through any medium, including the web.

4.15. Members undertake never to offer any financial incentive to either candidates or sources, since this is likely to cloud judgment, undermine objectivity and negatively impact on the image of the profession.

4.16. Members should make every effort to avoid situations where conflicts of interest could undermine their independence and impartiality.

4.17. No member shall offer any services or engage in any activity that could create a conflict of interest with their recruitment business.

4.18. In all activities, including research, members must behave in an ethical manner and ensure the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.