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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.
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