As part of its remit as a professional body the Institution promotes high standards of ethical conduct among its members. It does this to protect the public and its members and to uphold the reputation of the Institution and the wider engineering profession. Here, we learn more about the Institution’s bylaws and code of conduct.
The bylaws and code of conduct are the Institution’s ethical standards. They apply to all members, irrespective of their grade, the professional role they fulfil, or the countries in which they practise. They also refer to aspects of members’ personal conduct which could have a negative impact on the Institution or the profession.
No code of conduct can be exhaustive; however, the Institution’s code covers, in plain language, the fundamental behaviours with which all members are expected to abide. In essence the code articulates the duty of members to behave ‘honourably’, that is to be truthful and honest in dealings with clients, colleagues, other professionals, and anyone else they come into contact with in the course of their duties. That includes, for example, a responsibility to maintain appropriate levels of competence and to act only within those areas of competence.
In the course of their careers members often undertake roles which do not include direct involvement with engineering matters. They remain, however, obliged to act in accordance with the code: an obligation which remains throughout their time in membership.
The code is updated periodically to ensure it remains relevant to modern practice and so members are advised to refer to it from time to time. The code of conduct can be found on the Institution’s website.
The Institution takes alleged misconduct seriously and has two committees to deal with such allegations: the Investigating Panel and the Disciplinary Board. The Investigating Panel reviews, in private, complaints made about members. It may also investigate possible breaches of the code that have not been referred to it but of which it becomes aware. The Disciplinary Board is responsible for adjudicating on allegations of improper conduct referred to it by the Investigating Panel.
Possible breaches of the Code of Conduct should be reported to:
By post: Clerk to the Investigating Panel
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
1 Birdcage Walk
Westminster
London
SW1H 9JJ
United Kingdom
Enquiries, complaints and information are treated in confidence and in accordance with Institution Disciplinary Regulations which are also contained in the Institution’s Royal Charter and bylaws.