Home About EMDR Association UK Policies & Position Statements Code of Conduct for Members

Code of Conduct for Members

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  1. Introduction
    1. EMDR Association UK is an association of clinicians and researchers seeking the highest standards for the clinical practice of EMDR in the United Kingdom.
    2. EMDR Association UK is governed by its Board of Trustees (who are also company directors) and its membership comprises of clinicians, researchers and other practitioners from across the United Kingdom.
    3. EMDR Association UK’s members regularly engage with each other, with the trustees, with other members of the health professions, with other statutory, voluntary and private sector services and members of the public in meetings, at training courses and generally as a result of their shared interests in EMDR and its standard of delivery. 
    4. This code of conduct exists to ensure that members conduct themselves appropriately at all times in their dealings with each other, with other members of the health professions and the general public.
    5. The good name of the EMDR Association UK is vital in enabling achievement of its mission. As a professional body, members have a duty to one another to uphold high standards of professional conduct that maintain and enhance the reputation of the EMDR Association UK and EMDR as a respected and recognised psychological treatment method.
    6. By committing to the Code of Conduct, members benefit one another by promoting EMDR Association UK as an organisation of good standing, enabling it to maximise its influence over the advancement of the practice and theory of EMDR.
  2. Members’ commitments
    • When members join the EMDR Association UK, they make the following commitments to the EMDR Association and to one another:
      • to support the EMDR Association UK’s mission.
      • to aim to provide the highest standards for the clinical practice of EMDR in the UK and to follow all requirements for practice, standards and accreditation set by EMDR Europe.
      • to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including when representing the EMDR Association UK and fellow members. 
      • to uphold the good name of the EMDR Association UK.
      • to deal honestly and fairly in business with fellow members, the trustees, EMDR Association UK employees, competitors, partner organisations and the public. 
      • not to make detrimental public statements about fellow members or the EMDR Association UK and its trustees. 
      • to act according to this code of conduct and that of any other body they belong to. To inform the EMDR Association UK of any breach of any such code and of any disciplinary action or investigation to which they are subject from any other regulatory or governing body.
      • To fully comply with any investigations instigated by the EMDR Association Uk.
      • to comply with the data protection standards in the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

  3. EMDR Association UK’s commitments
    1. The EMDR Association UK’s vision, mission, Memorandum and Articles of Association and associated policies and procedures inform the EMDR Association UK’s commitments to members
    2. In all its work with and on behalf of members the EMDR Association commits:
      • to promote the EMDR Association UK’s mission.
      • to deliver services that support members to provide high standards in the practice of EMDR therapy.
      • to conduct itself in a professional manner when representing members.
      • to uphold the good name of the EMDR Association UK.
      • to deal honestly and fairly in business with members, trustees, EMDR Association UK employees, competitors, partner organisations and the public.
      • to deal honestly and fairly with any complaints made by members or by the public.
      • to keep your data secure in line with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
  4. Implementation
    • The EMDR Association UK has notified members of this Code and will make a copy of the Code available on its website.
    • The trustees have approved the final wording and adoption of the Code. Existing members are deemed to have accepted the code from the date of implementation (March 2025).
    • New members will be made aware of the Code and will be required to commit to it when they join the EMDR Association UK.
    • The Code will be binding on all members throughout the term of their membership, and non-compliance with the Code may lead to expulsion as a member, without the refund of membership fees.
    • The Code of Conduct may be amended by the trustees of the EMDR Association UK from time to time in accordance with the Articles of Association.
  5. Monitoring, Investigations and Sanctions
    • All EMDR Association UK trustees, members and staff will be responsible for monitoring the Code of Conduct and investigations into allegations that members have broken the Code and any sanctions will be pursued by the trustees in accordance with the EMDR Association UK’s Complaints and Disciplinary Policies.
    • Examples of conduct and behaviour that may be considered to be a breach of the Code of Ethics include:
      • Obscene language or other offensive behaviour
      • Offensive, aggressive or otherwise derisory conduct towards a fellow member or trustee.
      • Fraud, forgery or other dishonesty, including fabrication of applications for accreditation
      • Actual or threatened violence. 
      • Bullying
      • Serious misuse of EMDR Association UK property or name
      • Discrimination or harassment
      • Bringing the EMDR Association UK into disrepute.
      • Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or other substances at EMDR Association UK meetings or events.
      • Unauthorised use or disclosure of confidential information or failure to ensure that confidential information in your possession is kept secure.
      • Conviction for a criminal offence that in the trustees’ opinion may affect our reputation or our relationships with members, partners or the public. 
      • Making a disclosure of false or misleading information maliciously, for personal gain, or otherwise in bad faith.
      • Making untrue allegations in bad faith against a fellow member or trustee.
      • Failing to act according to their core profession’s code of conduct.
      • Any other unethical or detrimental behaviour towards a client.
    • This list is intended as a guide and is not exhaustive.
  6. Review
    • This policy will be reviewed every three years, or more regularly if required. 
    • A report of the findings of the review, based on the data and other information collected and evaluated, will be presented to the Board of trustees and appropriate action taken.
  7. Date: 28/03/2025
  8. Date of next review: 28/03/2028