Professional Conduct

All members of the Institute are required to uphold the integrity and reputation of the profession of forestry and to safeguard the public interest in matters of safety and health and otherwise. Members must exercise their professional skills and judgement to the best of their abilities and discharge their professional responsibilities with integrity. All members of the Institute are bound by the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Download the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct [PDF 65 KB]

Complaints and Discipline

All communication on matters relating to a complaint against a member must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Institute.

In summary, a complaint against a member must be made in writing on the official Complaints Form which has an accompanying set of Guidance Notes for Complainants. If the complaint is considered by the Complaints Assessor that it would constitute a breach of the Institute’s Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, it will be submitted to the Professional Complaints Panel and copied to the member against whom the complaint has been made. The Panel will consider the complaint, any comments from the member, further comments from the parties to the complaint and will decide whether to uphold or dismiss the complaint. If the complaint is upheld, the Panel will impose a disciplinary sanction. The complainant has a right of appeal at each stage of the process. The accused member has the right of appeal following the decision of the Panel and/or of the Appeal Board.

The Institute, through the Professional Complaints Panel, Appeal Board or the Council cannot fine or order any other financial penalty against a member.

Download the Professional Complaints guidance and complaints form [Word document]

If further information is required, or you have difficulty downloading the forms or guidance notes, please email us using Contact Us or phone the Secretary on 0131 240 1425.