Code of Conduct

Introduction

This Code of Conduct (CoC) defines the basic obligations that all members of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) will adhere to, and its acceptance forms part of the BCAS membership criteria and
application.

It aims to set out the ethical and other standards that BCAS and BCAS member companies should apply.

It has been developed in accordance with the Trade Association Forum CoP, which came about following the Heseltine Review Report ‘No Stone Unturned in Pursuit of Growth’ Recommendation No. 66, which was subsequently accepted by the Government.

BCAS’ Obligations

Principles of Conduct

• We will seek to achieve the highest standards and will offer our Products and Services honestly and our members and stakeholders to do the same.
• We shall behave in a professional manner and will respect the reputation of the Compressed Air and Vacuum market sector (the Sector) and the other organisations with which we liaise.
• We will undertake to promote co-operation within the Sector and between members, customers
  and suppliers. In doing this, we will seek to identify and apply good practice.
• We will commit to improving the performance and reputation of the Sector.
• We will endeavour to maintain and improve the quality of our work through constant review of our aims, activities and outcomes, and the cost-effectiveness of every activity. Where there is a proven and positive cost or benefit to doing so, we will aspire to seek appropriate certification or
  accreditation under a recognised quality assurance scheme.
• We will follow the rules of any public body to which we make representation and, where appropriate, seek guidance from the public body on any rules of relevance.
• We will pay our bills promptly and encourage the same of our members and suppliers.

Integrity

• We are committed to maintaining the highest degree of integrity in all our dealings with potential,
  current and past members as well as public bodies and other stakeholders.
• We recognise that our member companies may be in direct competition. We will strive to avoid
  showing any preference towards any member company over another and endeavour to maintain an independent position in our dealings with them.
• We will ensure that all relevant competition laws are respected by our members in their dealings
  with us and each other, where such dealings have been facilitated by us. In accordance with the BCAS Competition Compliance Policy (link to document)
• We will never offer any financial or other inducement, including direct and indirect payments, offers of employment or substantial gifts or entertainment, to any member, prospective member or holder of public office in an attempt to influence any decision-making process which may affect our organisation or our industry in any way.

Transparency and Openness

• We are clear and precise about our identity and the Sector and industry that we represent.
• We will endeavour to represent the common interests of all members.
• Where there is diverging opinion within the membership, we will seek to present a balanced case respecting the different interests involved. Where appropriate we will work with non-members and other associations in allied sectors on matters of joint concern.
• We will clearly declare any relevant financial or other links to public office holders in order to ensure that he or she is protected from any potential conflict of interest.
• We will use reasonable endeavours to ensure the truth and accuracy of any statements made or information provided to any third party in order to never knowingly make false or misleading claims or misrepresent the views of others.

Confidentiality

• We will always try to maintain commercial confidentiality,
• We shall take reasonable endeavours to safeguard the confidences of all members and past members and shall not disclose these confidences to their disadvantage or prejudice unless the member has released such information for public use or has given permission for disclosure.

Discriminatory Conduct

• We will strive to ensure that our professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the grounds of gender, race, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination or unacceptable reference.

Information Management

• We will respect your privacy and take all reasonable precautions to protect all personal
  information. In accordance with the BCAS privacy policy (insert link to document).
• We will endeavour to provide information & correspondence that is appropriate and of a legitimate interest to employees of BCAS members.
• We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organisation, other than as necessary to provide a service.

Members’ Obligations

Principles of Conduct

• We will seek to achieve the highest standards and will offer our Products and Services honestly and honourably in a fair manner.
• We will ensure that our Products are fit for purpose and are delivered and installed in a safe and serviceable condition.
• We will ensure that only competent and trained personnel specify our products.
• We will ensure that only competent and qualified engineers are responsible for the installation,
  service and repair of our Products.
• We will carry out all Health and Safety requirements as appropriate.
• We shall behave in a professional manner and will respect the reputation of our Sector.

Insurance

• We will have suitable public liability and product liability insurance and make the insurance documents available for inspection.

Integrity

• We are committed to maintaining the highest degree of integrity in all our dealings.
• We will exercise care in the day-to-day conduct of business relationships and transact business in such a manner as will reflect credit on ourselves and the industry.
• We will deal promptly with all queries or complaints from a customer.
• We will never offer any financial or other inducement, including direct and indirect payments, offers of employment or substantial gifts or entertainment to anyone in an attempt to influence any decision-making process which may affect our organisation or our industry in anyway.

Discriminatory Conduct

• We will strive to take reasonable care that all professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the grounds of gender, race, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination or unacceptable reference.

Information Management

• We are committed to achieving the highest standards with regards to the collection, storage,
  usage and sharing of both business and personal information.
• We will endeavour to provide information & correspondence that is appropriate and of a legitimate interest to customers.