This Code of Conduct does not replace the law. Where these rules are inconsistent with any local law, that law shall prevail.
Members undertake to operate at all times:
Members are required to, at all times:
Members undertake to:
iTABB members are expected to operate to the highest ethical standards. They must not misrepresent their qualifications, accreditations or memberships in any way. Members must act in accordance with their clients’ instructions unless such instructions are contrary to this code or it would be unreasonable or unlawful to do so. Members must not solicit clients through misleading or deceptive marketing, or using high pressure tactics or harassment. Members must not advise clients or provide services which they are not authorised or allowed by law to provide - members must be transparent about the work they do, the manner in which they do that work and the limitations, costs & expenses.
Members must act in such a way that it is not contrary to building trust with clients, regulatory authorities, iTABB and the general public. Members must make clear to clients and prospective clients, in advance and to whatever extent is reasonably possible, what their fees, prices and terms & conditions are. Members must operate to a high standard of confidentiality and professionalism. They must act in good faith, follow good business practices and represent their services and products accurately. Where a member is recommending a third party to provide any goods or services to a client, the member must notify the client if the member has any pecuniary interest in making the recommendation. While they are under the instructions of a client, members must not take on any other engagement, paid or unpaid, that would conflict with the interests of that client unless they have made full disclosure to the client.
Where clients are businesses and not consumers, members must notify clients prior to taking their custom that the client is not eligible for the protections normally accorded to consumers, and specifically notify them of the lack of the cooling off period normally available to non-business consumers. Members must give clients an opportunity to obtain relevant independent or professional advice prior to the client appointing the member.
Members must obtain clients' written approval before incurring expenses or ordering goods or services if such costs are to be passed to the client, unless the member is acting under authorisation from the client. Members must ensure such goods or services obtained for a client are obtained at competitive prices.
Prior to taking on a client, unless it is otherwise obvious, members must disclose to the client whether they are operating under the laws of England & Wales, the laws of Scotland, or the laws of a different jurisdiction. Members must offer clients a clear route for complaints about their service and a route for escalations of such complaints. Where there is a conflict, members must be willing to use an adjudication service to resolve the matter prior to seeking a resolution in the courts.