ISM code of ethics

In particular:

• a profession provides a unique service involving a specific expertise;
• a profession operates on the basis of a body of knowledge which has a high intellectual content, whose mastery and practice require specialised training;
• the relationship between professionals and their clients is based on best practice.
• professionalism involves a two-way responsibility: on the one hand, accepting recognised standards of professional conduct and on the other, accepting that failure to comply with the Code of Ethics and other regulatory procedures is likely to result in action being taken.

Code of ethics

1. The Incorporated Society of Musicians ('the Society') exists to promote the art of music and to serve the interests of the music profession, the Society and its members.

2. This Code of Ethics applies to both full members and associate members of the Society.

3. All ISM full members are expected to have regard to the ISM code of practice for private music teachers and the ISM code of practice for performers and composers to the extent that these are relevant to the member’s work as a professional musician.

4. All full members of the Society are governed by the Society’s child protection policy and procedures. Failure to comply with its provisions could lead to membership with the Society, or membership of a Register or a Section being suspended or terminated.

5. Any violation of this code of ethics must, in the first instance, be referred to the Chief Executive. The ISM takes complaints or allegations in relation to its members seriously and will investigate them thoroughly in accordance with its complaints and disciplinary procedure.

6. Articles 11, 15, 16, 18 and 29 describe the powers of the Council when any full member or associate member has failed to comply with the relevant codes or procedures.

7. The conduct of any member of the Society reflects upon the Society and profession as a whole. All members must therefore maintain the highest standard of moral and professional conduct and personal integrity and refrain from engaging in any activity or enterprise which may bring the Society or the profession into disrepute.

8. All members are required to support the Society in its endeavours to promote the art of music and the honour and interests of the music profession.

9. Unless speaking, having been duly briefed, in an official capacity on behalf of the ISM, the member must make it clear that his/her opinions whether made known publicly or privately, are personal and are not that of the Society. If the member has any comments, complaints, or matters of general concern, he or she should refer these to the Society’s Chief Executive, rather than express them publicly.

10. The ISM believes that respect between fellow professionals and members of the public is critical. Accordingly, the member should make every effort to foster good relations between members of the music profession and also with the public.

11. Members should at all times respect the interests, attitudes and rights of others and act with humanity, dignity and discretion. Members are required not to discriminate on the grounds of gender, disability, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, age, religion or political belief.

12. Members should co-operate with other music professionals in sharing expertise and encouraging professional development, and acknowledge sources where appropriate. All full members should make a constant effort to improve professionally and maintain the very highest standards in the field in which he or she is engaged.

13. Acceptance of work is a business contract. The nature of the contract and the obligations of the parties should wherever possible be set out in a written agreement and understood by all parties at the outset. Members should carry out their part of a contract in accordance with the written agreement or oral understanding and to the best of their abilities.

14. Members should not disclose confidential information about their clients except as required by law.