A code of practice is an important statement for your business to complete whether engaging in business-to-business or business-to-customer relations. It outlines your business beliefs, standards and organizational structure to provide a basis for resolving disputes.

Depending on the focus of your business, an approved code of practice may include your business procedure for professional improvement, supplier relations, customer relations, and health or safety of individuals. Code of practice information provides the employees and customers with standards of practice for your business. Consider the following advice when developing your code of practice:

1. Ensuring quality and integrity of products and service may be a point of inclusion for your code of practice.

2. Treating everyone fairly and equally may be important for your code of practice.

3. Expecting employees to maintain professional conduct in all aspects of business may be stated in your code of practice.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an approved code of practice for your business

Deciding what to include in your code of practice statements involves brainstorming. Consider what is important regarding your business practice and organizational standards, your position on issues relevant to those receiving service and expectations of all involved in upholding the code of practice.

I recommend: Compare several code of practice statements from other businesses in your area of expertise for examples and ideas for your code of practice statement. The Press Complaints Commission's Code of Practice is an excellent example for including details. The International Laser Display Association provides a summary of its Code of Business Practice.

Write a code of practice for your business

Code of practice statements are most effective when they are concise and specific. To narrow the scope of your code of practice, consider a consultant for code of practice advice. A consultant can be an employee with a firm understanding of company standards, the target group affected by your code of practice statement or a code of practice expert.

I recommend: In addition to utilizing code of practice consulting, Internet sites provide guidelines and suggestions for writing a code of practice. Illinois Institute of Technology provides standards-of-practice examples from many professions, and Businessballs.com has a code of practice template for business use.

Implement your code of practice in the workplace

A code of practice that is upheld and utilized develops a deeper level of integrity through accountability. Everyone is responsible for adhering to the code of practice, so it is important to gain cooperation from all involved.

I recommend: Motivation and cooperation are keys to upholding your code of practice. Quantum Market Research developed a tool that helps spot and stop employee disengagement and increases your ability to motivate employees. Roger Reece Seminars provide training that increases ability, productivity, and teamwork within your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Periodically re-evaluate your code of practice to ensure all subjects continue to be relevant, review those involved in upholding the code of practice, seek feedback from those affected by the code of practice and make recommendations for maintaining or adjusting the current code of practice.