Information Technology is a critical component of business today.  It has become complex and beyond that ability of business owners and non IT professionals to manage.  Businesses now require the services of an Information Technology Expert to manage there Information Technology. 

Information Technology Professionals are now trusted business advisors in a similar way to Accountants.

It is therefore imperative that we as IT Professional members of SMBiT Professionals Association operate in an ethical manner.

This document is a set of principals that clarify some of the ethical obligations and responsibilities of SMBiT Professionals Association members.

No single set of rules could comprehensively cover all the situations that may occur.  SMBiT Professionals should follow their personal and professional judgement and when needed seek advice from fellow SMBiT Professional peers on matters where they are unsure of the ethical solution.

General

• A member will treat everyone fairly.  A member will not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, national origin, or membership of another organisation.
• A member of the association must be honest, forthright and impartial in dealings at all times.
• A member will act with professional responsibility and integrity in their dealings 
• A member will be honest in their representations of skills, knowledge, services and products.
• A member will endeavour to preserve the integrity and security of the information of others.
• A member will respect the proprietary nature of the information of others.
• A member will endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of the information of others.
• A member will not misrepresent their skills or knowledge.
• A member will give opinions which are as far as possible unbiased and objective.
• A member will protect and promote the health and safety of those affected by their work.
• A member will consider and respect people's privacy which might be affected by their work.
• A member will continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
• A member will not knowingly engage in, or be associated with, dishonest or fraudulent practices.

Clients

• A member will work competently and diligently for their clients and fellow association members.
• A member will not knowingly mislead a client or potential client as to the suitability of a product or service
• A member will keep customers informed about IT matters that may affect them.
• A member will advise their clients when they believe a proposed project is not in their client’s best interest.
• A member will endeavour to provide products and services which match the operational and financial needs of their clients.
• A member will only access private information on computers systems when it is required in the course of a members duties.  A member will maintain the confidentiality of information to which they have access. Members acknowledge the statutory laws governing data privacy such as the Commonwealth Information Privacy Principals
• A member will advise their client of any potential conflicts of interest between their assignment and legal or other accepted community requirements.
• A member will accept responsibility for their work

Vendors

• A member will act in a professional manner in dealings with all Vendors and their representatives.
• A member will respect relationship between members and vendors and will abide by any non disclosure agreements whether formal or informal.
• A member will keep all accounts with vendors and suppliers within the agreed trading terms
• A member will not criticise a Vendors product or service in the presence of their customers or in public forums. They should attempt to work with the vendor to resolve the problem for the benefit of the customer.
• A member should enlist the assistance of the Vendor Relationship coordinator when a member is not able to resolves issues directly.
• A member will comply with all licensing terms of the vendor and to the extent possible and urge customers to do the same
• A member will not perform any work on products or services that violate the vendor licensing terms.  The member will work with the customer to correct the licensing issue.

IT Service Providers

• A member will not criticise any fellow member’s work in the presence of their client or in any public forum. They must however, make any shortcomings in any members work known to that member and assist the member, where possible, to correct any such short comings.
• A member will respect and protect the integrity of their fellow members and assist them to improve and develop their businesses where possible.
• A member will take appropriate action if they discover a member, or a person who could potentially be a member, of the Association engaging in unethical behaviour.
• A member will not attempt to enhance their own reputation at the expense of another's reputation.
• A member will respect, and seek when necessary, the professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of competence.
• A member will enhance their own professional development, and that of their colleagues and employees.