Ethical practice course
This course explains the importance of ethical practice. It will help you to develop this key behaviour to achieve positive outcomes in your role
Core behaviours
Ethical practice
Building trust by role-modelling ethical behaviour, and applying principles and values consistently in decision-making
Ethical values provide the moral compass by which we live our lives and make decisions – 'doing the right thing' because it’s the right thing to do.
The way we make decisions is important for organisations because the wrong decisions – or decisions which have been implemented badly – can have a significant impact on people’s lives and the reputation of organisations.
But when we make decisions based on good principles, and live by good values, we can improve the lives of others and the experiences they have at work.
'In an era of increased transparency, perceptions are that unethical behaviour is increasing. As well as role modelling ethical behaviour individually, HR is often tasked with being the ethical conscience of an organisation. As a professional, habitual ethical practice is intrinsic in decision making and navigating dilemmas.'
'Internally, establishing a culture of ethical practice improves morale and reduces risks that arise from unethical practice. On a macro level, reputable ethical practice not only contributes towards good relations with customers, but has proven to impact financial performance.'
Tina Russell, Professional Conduct Manager, CIPD
Ethical practice standards
Each standard progresses through four levels of impact. Which level do you most embody in your day-to-day work?
Foundation level
At this level you will:
- Consider how professional principles and values inform your approach
- Take responsibility for your actions
- Act consistently with relevant regulation and law
- Handle personal data and information in a professional manner
- Demonstrate honesty in dealings with others
Associate level
At this level you will:
- Make responsible choices about your work, applying professional principles and values
- Consider the purpose and implications of actions, decisions and people practices for all stakeholders
- Raise concerns about people practices and policies which are not consistent with values or legislation
- Provide explanations and reasons for the choices you make and the advice you provide
- Demonstrate professionalism and consistency in what you say and do in order to build trust
Chartered Member level
At this level you will:
- Make responsible decisions by considering different ethical perspectives, and finding the best possible way forward for all stakeholders
- Coach and influence managers and leaders to consider the implications of their decisions on stakeholders
- Challenge decisions and actions which are not ethical, explaining the organisation risks
- Encourage transparency in decision-making and communication where possible
- Visibly and consistently role-model professional principles, values and personal integrity to build trust
Chartered Fellow level
At this level you will:
- Make responsible decisions by balancing different ethical perspectives, and shape how ethics inform wider decision-making and governance
- Coach and influence senior leaders to consider the ethical impact of their decisions in the short and long term
- Take a visible lead in solving ethical dilemmas, considering how they will play out beyond the organisation
- Surface the unsaid in leadership discussions to enable transparency and improved decision-making
- Role-model and promote ethical leadership and professional principles and values in organisations and the wider profession
Things to start thinking about
Use these prompts to reflect on your understanding of Ethical practice and uncover areas for future professional development.
- When did you last undertake an ethical review of your people policies and approaches?
- What are the principles by which the people team makes decisions?
- How can you ensure ethics sits at the heart of decision-making on people issues?
- To what extent are your leaders seen as role-modelling ethical behaviour?
Take the course
Resources to guide your work, career planning and development, available on the CIPD's main site.
- Best to good practice HR: developing the principles - Report
- Ethics at work: an employer’s guide
- Ethical practice and the role of HR - Factsheet
- Ethics: a leadership imperative - Podcast
- HR and business ethics - Podcast
- HR professional judgement: A Middle East perspective - Report
- Perspectives on ethical workplace decision-making - Report
Next: Professional courage and influence
Showing courage to speak up and influencing skillfully to gain buy-in