PSE Code of Conduct

1. Ethical Principles

Engineering professionals work to enhance the wellbeing of society. In doing so they are required to maintain and promote high ethical standards and challenge unethical behaviour. There are four fundamental principles for ethical behaviour and decision-making,1 . These are:

1.1. Honesty and integrity

1.2. Respect for life, law, the environment and public good

1.3. Accuracy and rigour

1.4. Leadership and communication.

These principles are detailed in Appendix 1, together with examples of how each should be applied. Professional Simulation Engineers are required to observe the provisions of these Ethical Principles.

2. Specific Duties

All Professional Simulation Engineers are obliged to:

2.1. Uphold the reputation of NAFEMS and the simulation engineering profession

2.2. Accept the NAFEMS Professional Simulation Engineer Disciplinary Procedure and co-operate with it when required.

2.3. Accept appropriate responsibility for work carried out under their supervision.

2.4. Assess relevant liability and, if appropriate, hold professional indemnity insurance.

2.5. Support a colleague or any other person to whom they have a duty of care who in good faith raises any concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others.

2.6. Notify NAFEMS if they have:

2.6.1. received a criminal conviction, or an adverse civil court judgement, related to any aspect of this Code of Conduct.

2.6.2. been declared bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director or Charity Trustee.

2.6.3. had membership of another professional body terminated as a result of a disciplinary procedure.

2.7. Notify NAFEMS of any significant violation of this Code of Conduct by another Professional Simulation Engineer.

Professional Simulation Engineers are required to comply with NAFEMS’ Code of Conduct; but if any elements of the Code of Conduct conflict with local laws, the Professional Simulation Engineer is required to comply with the Code of Conduct to the maximum extent possible without breaching such laws.

3. Breaches of the Code

Professional Simulation Engineers should be aware that:

3.1. Any alleged breach of this Code of Conduct received by NAFEMS will be dealt with in accordance with the NAFEMS Professional Simulation Engineer Disciplinary Process.

3.2. A Professional Simulation Engineer proved to have breached this Code of Conduct may be removed from the register of Professional Simulation Engineers or have other sanctions imposed by NAFEMS.

Appendix 1

The four fundamental principles for ethical behaviour and decision-making are:

1. Honesty and integrity

Engineering professionals have a duty to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct including openness, fairness, honesty and integrity. They should:

• act in a reliable and trustworthy manner
• be alert to the ways in which their work and behaviour might affect others and respect the privacy, rights and reputations of other parties and individuals
• respect confidentiality
• declare conflicts of interest
• avoid deception and take steps to prevent or report corrupt practices or professional misconduct
• reject bribery and improper influence
  

2. Respect for life, law, the environment and public good

Engineering professionals have a duty to obey all applicable laws and regulations and give due weight to facts, published standards and guidance and the wider public interest. They should:

• hold paramount the health and safety of others and draw attention to hazards
• ensure their work is lawful and justified
• recognise the importance of physical and cyber security and data protection
• respect and protect personal information and intellectual property
• protect, and where possible improve, the quality of built and natural environments
• maximise the public good and minimise both actual and potential adverse effects for their own and succeeding generations
• take due account of the limited availability of natural resources
• uphold the reputation and standing of the profession
  

3. Accuracy and rigour

Engineering professionals have a duty to acquire and use wisely the understanding, knowledge and skills needed to perform their role. They should:

• always act with care
• perform services only in areas in which they are currently competent or under competent supervision
• keep their knowledge and skills up to date
• assist the development of engineering knowledge and skills in others
• present and review theory, evidence and interpretation honestly, accurately, objectively and without bias, while respecting reasoned alternative views
• identify, evaluate, quantify, mitigate and manage risks
• not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled
  

4. Leadership and communication

Engineering professionals have a duty to abide by and promote high standards of leadership and communication. They should:

• be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society, and listen to the aspirations and concerns of others
• promote equality, diversity and inclusion
• promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievements
• be objective and truthful in any statement made in their professional capacity
• challenge statements or policies that cause them professional concern