Code of Conduct

The professional image of the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum (“Forum”) is reflected by its members. In order to maintain the professional image set by the Forum, members are required, at all times, to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standard of conduct.

The essence of professionalism is an attitude, a commitment to high standards of honorable conduct. Professional conduct is therefore not only limited to the office environment but should encompass all aspects of the member’s lifestyle.

As professionals, members must be seen to be respected members of their communities and this is attained through maintaining high moral, ethical and work standards.

Fundamental Principles

The code of professional conduct expected of each member is embodied in these fundamental principles:

• Integrity and objectivity
• Knowledge and skills
• Professional conduct
• Compliance with laws and regulations

Understanding The Code

This document outlines the code of business conduct and ethics, which applies equally to all members of the Forum. It is designed to inform members of the Forum’s principles in various areas. Compliance with the Code is mandatory and it is important that members understand their obligations under the Code. If they are in doubt about the application of this Code or any element of it, they should discuss the matter with members of the Forum’s Management Board (“Board”).

The Forum expects all members to share their commitment to high moral, ethical and legal standards, as set out hereunder.

Integrity and Objectivity

Members should perform their duties with integrity and objectivity, at all times. Objectivity refers to one’s ability to maintain an impartial attitude in carrying out responsibilities. Integrity refers to ethics and trustworthiness.

Conflict of interest

1. All members should avoid conflicts of interest and are expected to perform their duties conscientiously, honestly and in accordance with the best interests of Forum and its stakeholders
2. To this end members may not abuse their position in the Forum or misuse confidential knowledge acquired in that position, for the purpose of personal gain. Nor may they have any direct involvement in any business interest which is in conflict with the Forum’s constitution and principles
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3. Where members are aware of any potential conflict of interest arising from family involvement in any concern with which Forum may do business, such interest must be declared in writing to the Board
4. Conflict of interest can arise where members are offered gifts, hospitality or other favors which might, or could be perceived to, influence their judgment in relation to activities of the Forum

Gifts and Hospitality

The Forum expects all members to act in accordance with the particular guidance set out below:

Personal Gifts

Members may not accept personal gifts from any stakeholder and should courteously decline or return any gift that may be offered. However, acceptance of personal gifts inscribed with the donor’s corporate name/logo would not of itself be considered contrary to this Code.

Corporate Gifts

Members may accept, on behalf of the Forum, gifts of a corporate nature to be retained by the Forum. All such corporate gifts must be recorded in a register held by the Forum, such register to be available for inspection at any time by the members.

Hospitality

The acceptance of occasional personal hospitality such as tickets to sporting events or theaters, where the recipient is accompanied by the provider and the cost of any transport or overnight accommodation is borne by the recipient, would not be considered contrary to this Code.

If members have any doubt as to the acceptability of their conduct in any of the above circumstances, the Board must be consulted.

Knowledge And Skills

Continuing Professional Education

1. The Forum encourages its members to equip themselves with the necessary skills to confidently declare that they are competent to perform their job function to an expected professional standard.
2. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is defined as any education which enhances one’s technical knowledge or professional skill. Members should therefore attend seminars, courses, conferences, etc. to ensure they are abreast of new developments at all times and technically competent

Professional Conduct

Personal Conduct

1. Members should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes co-operation, mutual understanding and fosters good relations with colleagues and external parties.
2. Members’ conduct should be of such a nature as to enhance the stature of the Forum
3. It is important that members create a positive and favorable impression. This can be achieved by neatness in appearance and dress and by being courteous, tactful, helpful and punctual

Responsibilities To Colleagues

Members should conduct themselves in a manner which promotes co-operation and good relations amongst fellow Forum members and stakeholders.

External relations

Relations with external parties are of the utmost importance. People will judge the Forum not only on the basis of the quality of the services they render, but also on the basis of the conduct and impression created by members when rendering services.

Members should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes co-operation, mutual understanding and fosters good relations with external parties.
Compliance with laws and regulations -

The Forum will not condone any violation of the law, dishonesty or unethical business dealing by any member, including any payment for, or other participation in, any illegal act such as bribery, fraud, theft, money-laundering or illicit dealing in stolen property.

In accordance with its constitution and this Code of Conduct the Forum pursues all reasonable steps with respect to ensuring its compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It follows that no member shall engage in illegal acts in any country in which the member conducts any business.

Social responsibility

The Forum will pay due regard to social considerations. It is committed to ethical standards and an appreciation of the social and economic impact of its activities on the communities in which it operates.

Other matters

Publication of articles

Members are encouraged to submit suitable articles to professional journals. All articles are not to be published as those of the Forum, but rather as those of the relevant member in her personal capacity.

Software copyright policy

All software used for or on behalf of the Forum shall be correctly and appropriately licensed and used only in conformity with the terms of the license, whether the usage is on hardware belonging to the Forum or not.

Paper, documents or computer hardware of the Forum be used solely for authorized business on behalf of the Forum.
Publicity

No statements may be made by any member or third party on behalf of the Forum unless such statements have been cleared by a majority of the Management Board or in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the forum.

Contravention Of The Code

Any contravention of this Code will be regarded as a serious matter and appropriate disciplinary action will follow after due consideration in respect of any breach.

Any members becoming aware of contraventions of the Code should promptly and confidentially advise the Management Board.