Keanu

Lecture 7b

Engineering Ethics

Lecturer: Mr Robert Holdom

Term 3, 2020

CVEN3101

ENGINEERING OPERATIONS AND

CONTROL

2

Introduction 2

Code of Ethics and Guidelines

on Professional Conduct

NOVEMBER 2019

2

Introduction 3

Code of Ethics

• As engineering practitioners, we use our knowledge and skills for the

benefit of the community to create engineering solutions for a sustainable

future. In doing so, we strive to serve the community ahead of other

personal or sectional interests.

• Our Code of Ethics defines the values and principles that shape the

decisions we make in engineering practice. The related Guidelines on

Professional Conduct provide a framework for members of Engineers

Australia to use when exercising their judgment in the practice of

engineering and as members of Engineers Australia more broadly.

• As members of Engineers Australia, we commit to practise in accordance

with the Engineers Australia’s General Regulations regarding competency,

continuing professional development and the Code of Ethics. We accept

that we will be held accountable for our conduct under Engineers

Australia’s disciplinary regulations.

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In the course of engineering practice we will: 4

1. Demonstrate integrity

1.1 Act on the basis of a well-informed conscience

1.2 Be honest and trustworthy

1.3 Respect the dignity of all persons.

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In the course of engineering practice we will: 5

2. Practise competently

2.1 Maintain and develop knowledge and skills

2.2 Represent areas of competence objectively

2.3 Act on the basis of adequate knowledge.

2

In the course of engineering practice we will: 6

3. Exercise leadership

3.1 Uphold the reputation and trustworthiness of

the practice of engineering

3.2 Support and encourage diversity

3.3 Make reasonable efforts to communicate

honestly and effectively to all stakeholders,

taking into account the reliance

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In the course of engineering practice we will: 7

4. Promote sustainability

4.1 Engage responsibly with the community and

other stakeholders

4.2 Practise engineering to foster the health,

safety and wellbeing of the community and the

environment

4.3 Balance the needs of the present

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 8 • These Guidelines on Professional Conduct provide a framework for members of

Engineers Australia to use.

• The Guidelines are not intended to be, nor should they be interpreted as, a full or

exhaustive list of the situations and circumstances which may comprise compliance and

non-compliance with the Code of Ethics. If called upon to do so, members are expected

to justify any departure from either the provisions or spirit of the Code.

• Ethical engineering practice requires judgment, interpretation and balanced decision-

making in context.

• Engineers Australia recognises that, while our ethical values and principles are

enduring, standards of acceptable conduct are not permanently fixed. Community

standards and the requirements and aspirations of engineering practice and members’

behaviour more generally will develop and change over time. As a minimum, members

are to practise in accordance with the Engineers Australia’s General Regulations

regarding competency, continuing professional development and the Code of Ethics.

Within limits, what constitutes acceptable conduct may also depend on the nature of

individual circumstances.

• Allegations of non-compliance will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and

administered in accordance with the disciplinary regulations.

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 9

1. Demonstrate integrity

1.1 Act on the basis of a well-informed conscience

(a) be discerning and do what you think is right

(b) act impartially and objectively

(c) act appropriately, and in a professional manner, when you

perceive something to be wrong

(d) give due weight to all legal, contractual and employment

obligations

(e) act within your area of expertise

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 10

1. Demonstrate integrity (continued)

1.2 Be honest and trustworthy

(a) accept, as well as give, honest and fair criticism

(b) be prepared to explain your work and reasoning

(c) give proper credit to those to whom proper credit is due

(d) in managing perceived conflicts of interest, ensure that those conflicts

are disclosed to relevant parties

(e) respect confidentiality obligations, express or implied

(f) do not engage in fraudulent, corrupt, or criminal conduct

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 11

1. Demonstrate integrity (continued)

1.3 Respect the dignity of all persons

(a) treat others with courtesy and without

discrimination or harassment

(b) apply knowledge and skills without bias in

respect of race, religion, gender, age, sexual

orientation, marital or family status, national

origin, or mental or physical abilities

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 12

2. Practice Competently

2.1 Maintain and develop knowledge and skills

(a) continue to develop relevant knowledge and expertise

(b) act in a careful and diligent manner

(c) seek peer review

(d) support the ongoing development of others

(e) maintain continuing professional development

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 13

2. Practice Competently (continued)

2.2 Represent areas of competence objectively

(a) practise within areas of competence

(b) neither falsify nor misrepresent qualifications,

grades of membership, experience or prior

responsibilities

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 14

2. Practice Competently (continued)

2.3 Act on the basis of adequate knowledge

(a) practise in accordance with legal and statutory

requirements, and with the standards of the

day accepted within the Engineers Australia

community

(b) inform employers or clients if a task requires

qualifications and experience outside your

areas of competence

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 15

3. Exercise Leadership

3.1 Uphold the reputation and trustworthiness of

the practice of engineering

(a) advocate and support the extension of ethical

practice

(b) engage responsibly in public debate and

deliberation

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 16

3. Exercise Leadership (continued)

3.2 Support and encourage diversity

(a) select, and provide opportunities for, all

engineering practitioners and other team

members on the basis of merit

(b) promote diversity in engineering

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 17

3. Exercise Leadership (continued)

3.3 Make reasonable efforts to communicate

honestly and effectively to all stakeholders,

taking into account the reliance of others on

engineering expertise

(a) provide clear and timely communications on

issues such as engineering services, costs,

outcomes and risks

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 18

4. Promote Sustainability

4.1 Engage responsibly with the community and other

stakeholders

(a) be sensitive to public concerns

(b) inform employers or clients of the likely consequences of

proposed activities on the community and the

environment

(c) promote the involvement of all stakeholders and the

community in decisions and processes that may impact

upon them and the environment

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 19

4. Promote Sustainability (continued)

4.2 Practise engineering to foster the health,

safety and wellbeing of the community and the

environment

(a) incorporate social, cultural, health, safety,

environmental and economic considerations

into the engineering task

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Guidelines on Professional Conduct 20

4. Promote Sustainability (continued)

4.3 Balance the needs of the present with the needs of

future generations

(a) in identifying sustainable outcomes consider all options

in terms of their economic, environmental and social

consequences

(b) aim to deliver outcomes that do not compromise the

ability of future life to enjoy the same or better

environment, health, wellbeing and safety as currently

enjoyed.

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Contacting Engineers Australia 21