The Code of Professional Ethics of Expert
The Russian Society of Subsoil Use Experts
1. GeneralProvisions
1.1. The Code of Professional Ethics of Expert of the Russian Society of Subsoil Use Experts (hereinafter referred as the Code) was elaborated in accordance with the regulations and documents in the field of expert activities in sphere of subsoil use and establishes binding rules of the Expert’s behavior, based on ethical professional criteria, international standards and principles of expert practice.
1.2. Activity of an Expert on subsoil use should be based on universally recognized principles and norms of rational integrated use of subsoil, improving effectiveness of subsoil use, respect for the rights of subsoil users.
1.3. In the course of carrying out his activities an Expert should be guided by the Code, relevant documents, manuals, procedures and other documents, which define rules of conduct in the exercise of expert activity.
1.4. No provision of the Code shall be construed as requiring or permitting doing actions, which are contrary to the requirements of the laws.
2. Principles and Rules of Conduct of Expert
2.1. Need to comply with the rules of professional activities of Expert follows from the fact of awarding the rank of Expert of the Russian Society of Subsoil Use Experts (hereinafter referred as the Society).
2.2. Professional independence of Expert is a prerequisite for his credibility.
2.3. Expert ensures the required quality of examination of materials, stakes his reputation on objectivity and qualification of the Expert Opinion prepared.
2.4. Expert is guided only by professional standards and keeps out prejudgment and aforethought in his decisions that may break objectivity of judgments and conclusions.
2.5. Expert’s decisions and opinion should not depend on opinions or guidance from other organizations and individuals.
2.6. In the course of carrying out his professional duty Expert accepts only the jurisdiction of effective federal legislative acts, regulations and international standards, rejecting any attempts to pressure and interference from government agencies, subsoil users, natural and legal persons.
2.7. Expert must hold his honor, dignity and professionalism, observe rules of ethics and morality.
Expert may not:
To act guided by striving for personal benefit, immoral interests or under the influence of outside pressure.
To allow himself statements belittling honor and dignity of the subjects, on which examination is being conducted.
2.9. In the course of his work Expert is guided by the following principles:
- objectivity;
- honesty;
- decency;
- independence;
- fidelity;
- morality.
2.10. Expert must carry out examination in a professional manner, objectively and impartially.
2.11. Expert agrees to abide by the rules for handling confidential information in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.
2.12. Expert must observe professional secrecy and confidentiality with respect to third parties.
2.13. Expert is responsible for using his authority, reputation, professional abilities to disseminate advertising or commercial nature information.
2.14. Expert respects and defends rights of his colleagues, avoiding situations where Expert could prejudice interests of his colleagues and their reputation.
2.15. In his relations with colleagues, employers and third parties, Expert must be guided by the principles of the Code. Expert must not disseminate information, which may discredit any of his colleagues.
2.16. Expert is entitled to receive remuneration for executing his work (services).
The amount of the remuneration for examination is determined by a service contract.
Within the framework of the service contract Expert is forbidden to receive any additional money or property.
2.17. If Expert violates the requirements of the Code, the laws on subsoil use or his duties and tasks, he bears responsibility; the measures to be imposed on him, are subject to consideration by the Executive Committee of the Society.
For the violations committed intentionally or recklessly, disciplinary measures shall be applied:
-warning;
- cessation of the Society’s Expert status.
2.18. In its relations with representatives of subsoil users and authors of reviewed documents, Expert should observe ethics of relationships, know and respect the rules and practices adopted in these professions in strict compliance with the Code.
3. Subsoil User Relations
3.1. Expert should always inform a subsoil user about actual limitations of practical results that can be derived from his professional assistance, especially if this involves higher costs incurred by the subsoil user.
3.2. Expert should avoid any kind of negligence in his professional practice, especially if this entails risks or material and moral damage to subsoil user or the environment.
3.3. Expert must not distort or deny the existence of facts or technical and scientific information, misleading subsoil user.
3.4. Expert must not promise or widely distribute specific professional advices, which are not backed by actual objective possibilities, and must not advertise professional qualification, which he has not in fact, in order to keep subsoil user from contact with other colleagues.
3.5. Expert should not assume the functions of an expert in the areas of subsoil use, which do not fall within his competence.
4. Responsibility
4.1. Users of the Code are responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Code.
4.2. Chairman of the Society is responsible for approval, enactment, cancellation of, amendments to the Code.
4.3. Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Society is responsible for provision of users with the Code.
5. Introduction of Amendments
5.1. Contributed suggestions shall be drawn up in writing and handed to Chairman of the Society, which submits them for discussion at General Meeting of the Society members.
5.2. Introduction of amendments into the Charter is to be approved at General Meeting of the Society by a majority of 2/3 of votes of delegates participating in General Meeting of the Society.
5.3. Amendments shall be introduced into the Charter by the secretary of the Executive Committee of the Society after approval by General Meeting of the Society.