The ethics of the psychological society, as defined by the British Psychological Society (BPS), center on four primary ethical principles.
Core Ethical Principles
The BPS outlines the expected ethical conduct of its members through these principles:
1. Respect
- Values the dignity and worth of all persons.
- Includes consideration of privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy.
2. Competence
- Requires maintaining and developing professional skills.
- Adhering to the boundaries of one's expertise.
3. Responsibility
- Involves acting responsibly toward clients, the public, and the profession.
- Avoidance of harm.
4. Integrity
- Demands honesty, accuracy, and fairness in all professional activities.
BPS Standards
Each of these principles is further defined by a statement of key values and a set of standards. These standards detail the specific forms of ethical conduct and behavior expected of BPS members, ensuring a framework for responsible and ethical practice.
