INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Institute of Horticulture aims to promote the highest standards of
professional practice, responsibility and ethics within the profession
of horticulture and to support excellence in all aspects of the discipline.
1. Members of The Institute of Horticulture are required at all times
so to order their conduct as to uphold the dignity and reputation of the
profession of Horticulture and of the Institute of Horticulture.
2. Members should always conduct themselves in such ways as are appropriate
for gaining the respect and confidence of the general public, clients,
employers and members of their own and other organisations with whom they
are associated. They shall exercise their abilities and discharge their
professional responsibilities with complete integrity at all times.
3. Members should safeguard the public interest in all matters including
safety and health in the conduct of their professional duties.
4. Members should recognise that as part of the discipline of horticulture
they are providing an important contribution to the wealth and well-being
of the nations of the world through plants to the improvement of health,
food supply, culture, scholarship, sport and leisure pursuits.
5. Members should take all reasonable and responsible measures to safeguard
the environment and its diversity and sustainability; all reasonable steps
should be taken to avoid the waste of natural resources and damage to
the environment.
6. Members are expected to uphold the Codes of Conduct of any other professional
bodies to which they belong.
7. Status and Designations
Members shall only use the membership grade and designations awarded by
the Institute's Council and must not knowingly misrepresent or misinterpret
their membership of the Institute in any way.
8. Professional development
Members should take all reasonable steps to maintain and develop their
professional competence by ensuring that they are informed of developments
in the profession and broader aspects relevant to their career, for example
ensure that their practice, expertise, knowledge, skills and techniques
are up-to-date, both generally and particularly in relation to their careers
and employment.
continue acquiring knowledge and experience in their area of specialism
or expertise, and disseminate these more widely into the discipline of
horticulture through informal or formal channels
promote horticulture to both lay and expert audiences, including other
professionals not necessarily familiar with the discipline of horticulture.
members should encourage those for whom they have responsibility to increase
their knowledge and performance and develop their potential through education,
suitable training and continuous professional development
9. Equal Opportunities
Members should have regard for equality of opportunity for all in the
conduct of their professional duties and should not knowingly discriminate
directly or indirectly on the grounds of sex, marital status, sexual orientation,
age, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or disability.
10 Breaches of the Code of Conduct
Any complaint brought against a Member of the Institute of Horticulture
that constitutes an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct must be reported
to the General Secretary who will immediately consult with the Institute's
President. If it is determined that there is an apparent prima facie case
then the Institute's Disciplinary Procedure will be invoked as set out
in the Bye-laws. Thereafter the Institute's Council has the ultimate responsibility
to consider whether or not to remove any member from membership.
Revised Code agreed by Council 3/2004
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