The Australian Financial Counselling Code of Ethical Practice Department of Psychology Children and Families Research Centre Wayne Warburton Photo © Graham Weule 2012

The big picture Why do we need a national code of ethics? Professionalism: National standards crucial for o Accreditation. o Training: Purpose-built, stand alone course. o Ethical practice. Progress in all three areas, but this code helps establish an Australia-wide approach Reputation of the profession Standing with regulatory bodies

Day to day practice Why do we need a national code of ethical practice? Ethics are important (more from panel) Guidance important in day-to-day practice – we face ethical dilemmas frequently Clarity Ethical practice benefits ourselves, our clients, the profession and wider society

How was the code developed? Funding from FCA (AFCCRA Foundation) Team: Wayne Warburton Danya Braunstein Lyn Brailey Lynne Flynne Richard Brading

How was the code developed? Examined Principles of ethical practice (St James Ethics) National Guidelines: Australian Standard for Organisational Codes of Conduct Relevant legislation (Privacy; NMHPS etc.) Relevant Existing Codes o FC Codes from AFCCRA and each state o APS, CAPA, PACFA o Australian Association of Social Workers o Problem Gambling (NSW RGF)

How was the code developed? Draft code Basic principles – code of ethics Code of practice Starting with obligations to self, then to clients and outwards to wider social concerns 2 day summit Reps from FCA + each state and territory Ethics and legal professionals Discussed the issues; consensus approach

How was the code developed? Revisions Back and forth between delegates until final draft completed Examined by FCA and comments by other FCs; final revisions Strong acceptance by FC community Adopted by FCA Up to each State and Territory Association to decide whether to adopt Code.

Code of Ethics Overarching principles Return to these if no specific guidance in Code of Practice RespectConflicts on Interest Non-discriminationEmpowerment BoundariesAdvocacy ConfidentialityProfessionalism Community engagementSocial Justice

Code of Practice Responsibilities To self (self care, skills, supervision) To clients (boundaries, case management) To colleagues (referrals, boundaries, conflicts) To the workplace (policies, OH&S, data) To the profession (integrity, professionalism) To the wider community (legal, contribution)

The Code of Ethical Practice A living document An important first step Thanks to FCA, the project team, and the large number of FCs and others who contributed Photo © Graham Weule 2012