Code of Ethics Last Revision: 2003-03-24 Object of this Code: The object of this code it to provide practitioners with an accepted basis of professional ethics. These rules are compulsory and must be used by each member of the organization. For the purposes of this Code the word "practitioner" means an individual practising in the field of playground inspection, design, management or manufacture either as a freelance consultant or salaried employee. The Practitioner's Responsibility to the Community and the Association: Practitioners accept a professional obligation to further the goal of promoting playground environments that foster the development of healthy children in the broadest sense. Practitioners shall not act in a way contrary to the honour and dignity of this Association. Practitioners shall not consciously assume or accept a position in which personal interest conflicts with professional duty. Practitioners shall encourage education and research in the playground field. The Practitioner's Responsibility to Clients or Employers: Practitioners shall act in the interests of their clients or employers and use their best endeavours within the limits of their professional duty. Practitioners shall not work simultaneously on assignments which are in direct commercial competition without the agreement of the clients or employers concerned. Practitioners shall treat all knowledge of their client's or employer's intentions and affairs as confidential and shall not, at any time, divulge such information without the consent of their client. It is the practitioner's responsibility to ensure that all members of their staff are similarly bound to secrecy. Practitioners shall not release for publication to the Press or otherwise any information about the work they are doing or have completed unless their client or employer has given consent. The Practitioner's Responsibility to Other Practitioners: Practitioners shall not knowingly accept any professional assignment upon which another practitioner has been or is currently working without notifying the other practitioner and until they are satisfied the former appointment has been properly terminated. Practitioners must not attempt, directly or indirectly, to supplant another practitioner nor must they compete with other practitioners by means of unfair inducements. Practitioners must be fair in criticism and must not denigrate the work or reputation of a fellow practitioner. Fees Practitioners shall work only for a fee , salary, or direct sales commission. Where direct sales commissions are to be received, the practitioner shall make this fact known to all concerned prior to commencing any work. Practitioners shall not retain any discounts, commission, or allowances from contractors or suppliers for any consulting work. Practitioners shall not undertake any work at the invitation of a client without the payment of an appropriate fee. Practitioners may however undertake work without fee or at a reduced rate for charitable or non-profit-making organizations. Practitioners who are financially concerned with any company, firm, or business which may benefit from any recommendations made by them in the course of work shall notify their client or employer of this fact in advance. Practitioners who are asked to advise on the selection of other practitioners shall accept no payment in any form from the practitioner recommended. Publicity Any advertising or publicity must contain only truthful, factual statements. It must be fair to clients and other practitioners, and in accordance with the dignity of the association.