Client Responsibility
Relationships with Clients
A member of AHPK must not accept any assignment or engage in any practice involving a violation of the law, this Code or the member's specific ethical responsibilities. A member must immediately withdraw if such a violation is identified.
Section A
General Responsibilities
Members should understand the client's needs, preserve confidentiality, offer honest advice and avoid unrealistic promises.
01
Understand the Client’s Needs
Members shall, before accepting an engagement, confer with the client or prospective client in sufficient detail and gather sufficient facts to gain an understanding of the perceived issues, the objectives to be achieved, the scope of assistance needed and the possible benefits that may accrue to the client.
02
Maintain Confidentiality
Members shall hold as strictly confidential all information concerning the affairs of the client or employer that is gathered during the course of a professional engagement, except when the client or employer has released such information.
03
Provide Honest Advice
Members shall advise the client of any significant reservations they have regarding anticipated benefits of an engagement. They shall not accept an engagement in which they cannot perceive a client benefit.
04
Avoid Unrealistic Promises
Members shall not promise any benefit that is not within their control to deliver to other employees or clients.
Section B
Independence, Objectivity and Integrity
Members must preserve impartial judgement, disclose conflicts, operate with proper authority and protect professional credibility.
05
Remain Independent and Objective
Members shall assume an independent position with the client, ensuring that advice is based on impartial consideration of all pertinent facts and responsible opinions. Members shall not knowingly present a misleading report.
06
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Members shall not accept any assignment involving a conflict of interest and must withdraw when an unavoidable conflict arises after acceptance, unless the conflict is fully disclosed in writing to all parties and all parties agree that the assignment may continue.
07
Protect Professional Integrity
Members shall not knowingly accept any assignment in which the member is called upon solely to lend professional reputation or signature to misleading predetermined opinions or positions.
08
Preserve Professional Judgement
Members shall not accept any assignment that precludes or limits the ability to develop factual and supportable opinions, findings or conclusions. Where the scope is limited, those limitations must be communicated in writing and agreed upon before the assignment is accepted.
09
Act Only with Proper Authority
Members shall not be the medium of payments made on an employer’s behalf unless requested by the employer, nor shall they place contracts or orders in connection with their work except with proper authority or on behalf of the employer.
10
Observe Professional Fitness
Members shall be guilty of improper conduct if convicted by a competent tribunal of a criminal or civil offence which, in the opinion of the AHPK Disciplinary Committee established under the Bye-laws, renders the member unfit for AHPK.
Core Client Principles
Foundations of professional trust
01
Confidentiality
Client and employer information must remain private unless the client has authorised its release.
02
Objectivity
Professional advice should be based on facts, responsible opinion and impartial judgement.
03
Disclosure
Conflicts, limitations and material concerns should be communicated clearly and in writing.
04
Authority
Members should only act, contract or make payments where proper authority has been granted.
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