Our Values
We exist to support you to learn, connect, share and grow
We believe we are better together
We utilise a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to exploring life’s complexities
We value whole-person development
Our work is informed by the Health and Care Professions Council ‘Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics’ (2016) and we subscribe to the principles of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Competence outlined in the British Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Conduct (2018).
Respect
Respect for the dignity of persons and peoples is one of the most fundamental and universal ethical principles across geographical and cultural boundaries, and across professional disciplines. It provides the philosophical foundation for many of the other ethical Principles. Respect for dignity recognises the inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of perceived or real differences in social status, ethnic origin, gender, capacities, or any other such group-based characteristics. This inherent worth means that all human beings are worthy of equal moral consideration.
Statement of values: Psychologists value the dignity and worth of all persons, with sensitivity to the dynamics of perceived authority or influence over persons and peoples and with particular regard to people’s rights. In applying these values, Psychologists should consider: (i) Privacy and confidentiality; (ii) Respect; (iii) Communities and shared values within them; (iv) Impacts on the broader environment – living or otherwise; (v) Issues of power; (vi) Consent; (vii) Self-determination; (viii) The importance of compassionate care, including empathy, sympathy, generosity, openness, distress tolerance, commitment and courage.
Competence
Psychologists, whether academic, practitioner or in training, may offer a range of services that usually require specialist knowledge, training, skill and experience. Competence refers to their ability to provide those specific services to a requisite professional standard. A psychologist should not provide professional services that are outside their areas of knowledge, skill, training and experience.
Statement of values: Psychologists value the continuing development and maintenance of high standards of competence in their professional work and the importance of working within the recognised limits of their knowledge, skill, training, education and experience. In applying these values, Psychologists should consider: (i) Possession or otherwise of appropriate skills and care needed to serve persons and peoples; (ii) The limits of their competence and the potential need to refer on to another professional; (iii) Advances in the evidence base; (iv) The need to maintain technical and practical skills; (v) Matters of professional ethics and decision-making; (vi) Any limitations to their competence to practise taking mitigating actions as necessary; (vii) Caution in making knowledge claims.
Responsibility
Because of their acknowledged expertise, Psychologists enjoy professional autonomy; responsibility is an essential element of autonomy. Psychologists must accept appropriate responsibility for what is within their power, control or management. Awareness of responsibility ensures that the trust of others is not abused, the power of influence is properly managed and that duty towards others is always paramount.
Statement of values: Psychologists value their responsibilities to persons and peoples, to the general public, and to the profession and science of Psychology, including the avoidance of harm and the prevention of misuse or abuse of their contribution to society. In applying these values, psychologists should consider: (i) Professional accountability; (ii) Responsible use of their knowledge and skills; (iii) Respect for the welfare of human, non-humans and the living world; (iv) Potentially competing duties.
Integrity
Acting with integrity includes being honest, truthful, accurate and consistent in one’s actions, words, decisions, methods and outcomes. It requires setting self-interest to one side and being objective and open to challenge in one’s behaviour in a professional context.
Statement of values: Psychologists value honesty, probity, accuracy, clarity and fairness in their interactions with all persons and peoples, and seek to promote integrity in all facets of their scientific and professional endeavours. In applying these values, Psychologists should consider: (i) Honesty, openness and candour; (ii) Accurate unbiased representation; (iii) Fairness; (iv) Avoidance of exploitation and conflicts of interest (including self-interest); (v) Maintaining personal and professional boundaries; (vi) Addressing misconduct.