Code of Conduct and Ethic cases

Being a CIPD member shows that you are serious about your career in the people profession and that you uphold the standards of professionalism that the CIPD expects. These standards are captured in our Code of Conduct and Ethics. 

But sometimes mistakes are made and standards can slip. When this happens, we have a duty to act, not only to uphold standards but also to help any members who are struggling.

Anyone can raise an alleged breach of the Code. Investigations and hearings are supported by a pool of experienced volunteers – members and non-members – trained by the Code team. On the very rare occasion that a serious breach of the Code has occurred, sanctions may be applied. These often require elements of reflection and personal development and in very serious cases a Conduct Hearing is required.

If a conduct panel finds that a member has breached the Code, the CIPD considers whether to publish details of the case, the member and the sanction applied. The CIPD does not publish the outcome where an alleged breach of the Code has not been found or the allegation has not been taken forward.

We can only investigate cases that are a breach of the CIPD Code of Conduct and Ethics. Complaint enquiries often relate to employment or recruitment disputes and are resolved outside of the CIPD. Others are beyond the scope of the Code and more relevant for Acas or separate dispute resolution. 

*This is the total number of enquiries about any HR professional, a small percentage may not be CIPD members although they may claim to be CIPD members on social media or company websites. These cases are referred to our legal department for cease-and-desist letters to be issued for misrepresentation.  

Summary of Permanent Expulsion Cases

Nicola Price was alleged to have acted improperly in connection with the findings of an Employment Tribunal, which concluded that the member failed to investigate a workplace grievance properly, played a key role in efforts to terminate an employee and delete documentation, and demonstrated dishonesty and a lack of credibility during the Tribunal proceedings.

The Investigation Panel determined that the member breached the following principles of the CIPD's Code of Conduct and Ethics:

1iii Do not bully, harass, abuse, discriminate, victimise behaviour in the work environment or conduct offensive

1v Encourage and facilitate a range of Speak up options beyond whistleblowing, across the organisation. To understand the views, concerns and needs of those speaking up; supporting them and protecting them from reprisals or adverse treatment

2i Evidence that stakeholders, including the wider community have been considered and (where relevant) consulted in your practice, decisions and actions

2iii Act in accordance with the interest of the employer/client except where professional, ethical or legal duties require otherwise

3i Role-model high standards of ethical conduct, honesty, professional and personal integrity

3ii Always act in a way which supports and upholds the standards reputation, values and virtues of the profession. Do not act in a way which might discredit the profession, the CIPD or other members.

3v Ensure that your professional judgement is not compromised nor could be perceived as being compromised because of bias or undue influence of others

4iv Safeguard all restricted, confidential, commercially sensitive and personal data. Do not use it for personal advantage or to the benefit or detriment of third parties

5ii Take all reasonable steps to resolve disputes and complaints in a fair, timely and professional manner. Never allow a complaint to affect the standard of behaviour or professionalism shown to those who raise concerns, engage authentically and respectfully

5v Comply with all reasonable requests for information.

The Investigation Panel imposed a Class 6 sanction: permanent lifetime exclusion from CIPD membership.

Blacklisting in the construction industry

The CIPD unequivocally condemns blacklisting.

The CIPD have concluded investigations into potential breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct related to blacklisting regarding 18 members. Investigation and conduct proceedings and outcomes are confidential. We cannot therefore respond to enquiries regarding specific individuals but can confirm that of the 18 investigations, 12 were referred to a conduct hearing and a total of six cases were found in breach of the code. A range of sanctions were applied to the members found in breach of the code, from reprimands to expulsion of membership.

Read the press release: CIPD responds to blacklisting settlement.