AAPT Code of Conduct

Code of Professional Conduct

What is Professionalism?

The role of a professional body is many and varied and in this respect the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists is no different to any other. We all talk about our professional body without ever perhaps considering what it is that we are saying. What do we mean when we use the term “professional”. 

A professional is a person who practices or belongs to a profession.

An internet search will reveal a variety of definitions of the term profession but perhaps the most complete is that according to Wikipedia:

"A profession is a vocation founded upon specialised educational training, the purpose of which is to supply disinterested counsel and service to others, for a direct and definite compensation, wholly apart from expectation of other business gain".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Profession  

Why Have a Code of Conduct?

A professional code of conduct is designed to ensure that all of those that practice the profession do so to the same standards. By having a code of professional conduct we can by definition call ourselves professionals.   

The standards are not to be feared and are those that anyone might expect of someone who calls themselves a professional. They therefore include such obvious things as operating with honesty and integrity but also make it clear that we must operate within the limits of our practice and expertise and that we have a duty to ensure that we maintain those operating standards throughout our professional careers.

As a profession that aspires toward statutory regulation it is vital that we have in place professional standards that link in with the regulatory process.

Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology
Code of Conduct 

This code of conduct applies to all members of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology who shall always:

• uphold the dignity and reputation of the Association by applying the highest standards of conduct, honesty and integrity in their personal and professional behaviour 
• must exercise their professional practice and skill, within the agreed and known limits of their professional knowledge with judgement and responsibility  
• Maintain, develop and keep up to date their professional competence and skills
• Observe the legal and ethical framework appropriate to their current and future roles
• Comply with all relevant health & safety legislation & policy
• Recognise the beliefs and values of the wider general public, the users of the service and professional colleagues, treating them on a fair and equitable basis
• Ensure their own beliefs and values do not prejudice or compromise their ability to carry out their professional roles and duties
• Educate professional peers, colleagues and the wider general public about anatomical pathology technology and its practice
• Promote the study and activity of anatomical pathology by promotion of the values, aims and objectives of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken under Article 21 of the Association's constitution which states:

“21. Expulsion of any member of the Association, or Honorary Officer, shall be the sole decision of the Council, with right to appeal at the next Council meeting at which a two-thirds majority by ballot shall be required for reinstatement. If reinstatement is refused, then no further applications or appeals will be accepted.”