Code Of Conduct
General Statement
STGA is established to promote and develop the professionalism of guiding in Scotland. In particular the objects in the Memorandum of Association as stated in paragraph 3.
The Obligation of Members
Members of the Association are committed to the achievement and to the maintenance of the standards of professional conduct as established by the Code of Conduct.
This Code of Conduct defines the standards required by the Articles of Association. It is in two parts:
(a) Rules of conduct
These define the professional standards which members must maintain as a condition of membership. Adherence to these rules is obligatory. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action being taken against the member in accordance with the Complaints Procedure.(b) Principles of good professional practice
These principles expand on the basic standards set down in the Rules of Conduct and indicate the standards which members should seek to achieve in the interests of good practice. Failure to achieve these standards alone would not lead to disciplinary action but in the event of any complaint being considered under the Complaints Procedure, such failure would be admissible in evidence and taken into account in proceedings before the Complaints Subcommittee or Board.
The Rules of Conduct
In general, members of the Association are required to exercise their professional skill and judgement to the best of their ability and faithfully to carry out their professional responsibilities with integrity. In particular, members shall:
(a) Comply with the laws and ethical customs and practices of any country with which they work. Expressions of prejudice, bigotry, or other offensive remarks on the subject of race, religion, colour, sex are totally unacceptable.
(b) Uphold and safeguard the reputation and standards of the STGA.
(c) Declare to the STGA any conflict of interest which might arise in the course of representing the Association.
(d) Not misuse their authority for personal aggrandisement or gain.
(e) Respect the confidentiality of information.
(f) Maintain a proper balance between the interests of employer or proprietor and customers or clients.
The Principles of Good Professional Practice
STGA members must accept the responsibilities and obligations implicit in their work. In respect of themselves and others with whom they interact in the course of their professional life, they should seek to maintain and promote the following standards:
(a) in respect of STGA and fellow members:
i) Avoid injuring or damaging directly or indirectly the reputation, interests or prospects of fellow members.
ii) Promote and recommend the Association and its standards.
iii) Uphold the educational standards and policies of the Association and support the advancement and acquisition of education, training and qualifications.
iv) Avoid bringing the Association into disrepute.
v) When acting as a representative of STGA, the interests of the Association should be paramount to personal or employers’ interests.
vi) Not knowingly misrepresent the corporate views of the Association in public.
vii) Avoid professional critisism by maintaining the standards of performance.(b) personally
viii) Regulate their professional affairs to a high standard of integrity and uphold their statutory responsibilities in all respects.
ix) Make proper use of resources available.
x) When in pursuit of personal ambitions and interests, take account of the interests of others.
xi) Maintain their standards of professional competence, knowledge and skill. Take advantage of opportunities for training and education offered to advance and improve professional standards.(c) in respect of their employers
i) Carry out duties and responsibilities conscientiously and with proper regard for the employers’ interests.
ii) Disclose immediately and fully to an employer any interest which conflicts with those of the employer.
iii) Consult with and advise the employer on the implementation or adoption of any change of itinerary as there may be legal implications.
iv) Have full regards for the interests of the profession and the public interest in fulfilling obligations to the employer.(d) in respect of tourist industry colleagues
i) Promote good relationships through effective communication and cooperation.
ii) Establish their confidence and respect for himself(the member) and his qualification.
iii) Members of the STGA must never allow their badge to be used by anyone else in any circumstances.(e) in respect of customers, clients and employers
i) Promote the standing, impartiality and good name of STGA
ii) Establish good, but detached relationships
iii) Establish and develop with customers, clients and employers a relationship leading to mutual confidence.
iv) Protect at all times the health and safety of customers.
v) Arrive punctually for each engagement. It is recommended that this should be not later than 15 minutes before the start of any tour.
vi) Appear appropriately and presentably dressed at all times.
vii) To guide only in those languages for which they hold appropriate qualifications as recognised by the STGA.
viii)Work provided by the STGA booking service must not be given to non-Blue-badge guides without the approval of the agent.(f) the environment
Protect the reputation of tourists by making every endeavour to ensure that guided groups treat with respect the environment, wildlife, sites and monuments, also local customs and sensitivities.
Complaints Procedure
See Complaints Procedure 26.11.97, edition 09.01.1998, as adopted 31.01.1998.
If there are any amendments to this Code of Conduct, then this document will be reissued.