| Code
Of Conduct STGA
is established to promote and develop the professionalism of guiding in Scotland.
In particular the objects in the Memorandum of Association as stated in paragraph
3. Members
of the Association are committed to the achievement and to the maintenance of
the standards of professional conduct as established by the Code of Conduct.
This Code of Conduct defines the standards
required by the Articles of Association. It is in two parts:
(a) Rules of conduct
These define the professional standards
which members must maintain as a condition of membership. Adherence to these rules
is obligatory. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action being taken against
the member in accordance with the Complaints Procedure. (b)
Principles of good professional practice
These principles expand on the basic
standards set down in the Rules of Conduct and indicate the standards which members
should seek to achieve in the interests of good practice. Failure to achieve these
standards alone would not lead to disciplinary action but in the event of any
complaint being considered under the Complaints Procedure, such failure would
be admissible in evidence and taken into account in proceedings before the Complaints
Subcommittee or Board. In general, members of the Association are required
to exercise their professional skill and judgement to the best of their ability
and faithfully to carry out their professional responsibilities with integrity.
In particular, members shall: (a) Comply with
the laws and ethical customs and practices of any country with which they work.
Expressions of prejudice, bigotry, or other offensive remarks on the subject of
race, religion, colour, sex are totally unacceptable.
(b) Uphold and safeguard
the reputation and standards of the STGA.
(c) Declare to the STGA any conflict
of interest which might arise in the course of representing the Association.
(d) Not misuse their authority for personal aggrandisement or gain.
(e) Respect
the confidentiality of information.
(f) Maintain a proper balance between
the interests of employer or proprietor and customers or clients.
STGA members must accept the
responsibilities and obligations implicit in their work. In respect of themselves
and others with whom they interact in the course of their professional life, they
should seek to maintain and promote the following standards:
(a)
in respect of STGA and fellow members: i)
Avoid injuring or damaging directly or indirectly the reputation, interests or
prospects of fellow members.
ii) Promote and recommend the Association and
its standards.
iii) Uphold the educational standards and policies of the Association
and support the advancement and acquisition of education, training and qualifications.
iv) Avoid bringing the Association into disrepute.
v) When acting as a representative
of STGA, the interests of the Association should be paramount to personal or employers'
interests.
vi) Not knowingly misrepresent the corporate views of the Association
in public.
vii) Avoid professional critisism by maintaining the standards
of performance. (b) personally
viii) Regulate their professional affairs to a high standard
of integrity and uphold their statutory responsibilities in all respects.
ix) Make proper use of resources available.
x) When in pursuit of personal
ambitions and interests, take account of the interests of others.
xi) Maintain
their standards of professional competence, knowledge and skill. Take advantage
of opportunities for training and education offered to advance and improve professional
standards. (c) in respect of their employers
i) Carry out duties and responsibilities conscientiously and
with proper regard for the employers' interests.
ii) Disclose immediately
and fully to an employer any interest which conflicts with those of the employer.
iii) Consult with and advise the employer on the implementation or adoption of
any change of itinerary as there may be legal implications.
iv) Have full
regards for the interests of the profession and the public interest in fulfilling
obligations to the employer. (d) in respect
of tourist industry colleagues i) Promote
good relationships through effective communication and cooperation.
ii) Establish
their confidence and respect for himself(the member) and his qualification.
iii) Members of the STGA must never allow their badge to be used by anyone else
in any circumstances. (e) in respect of customers,
clients and employers i) Promote the standing,
impartiality and good name of STGA
ii) Establish good, but detached relationships
iii) Establish and develop with customers, clients and employers a relationship
leading to mutual confidence.
iv) Protect at all times the health and safety
of customers.
v) Arrive punctually for each engagement. It is recommended
that this should be not later than 15 minutes before the start of any tour.
vi) Appear appropriately and presentably dressed at all times.
vii) To guide
only in those languages for which they hold appropriate qualifications as recognised
by the STGA.
viii)Work provided by the STGA booking service must not be given
to non-Blue-badge guides without the approval of the agent. (f)
the environment Protect the reputation of
tourists by making every endeavour to ensure that guided groups treat with respect
the environment, wildlife, sites and monuments, also local customs and sensitivities. See Complaints Procedure 26.11.97, edition 09.01.1998,
as adopted 31.01.1998. If there are any amendments to this
Code of Conduct, then this document will be reissued. |