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Academic and Professional Standards and Behaviour

 

University of the West of England, Bristol

 

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Academic and Professional Standards and Behaviour
A guide for students on health and social care programmes

 

 

  • Professional status is not an inherent right, but is granted by society.
  • Its maintenance depends on the public’s belief that professionals are trustworthy.
  • To remain trustworthy, professionals must meet the obligations expected by society. (p,1674)

Cruess, S.R., and Cruess, R.L. (1997) Professionalism must be taught. BMJ, 315, 1674-1677

Health and social care professionals and practitioners have to demonstrate the highest standard of behaviour and conduct. Such behaviour and conduct are governed by ‘code of conduct’ of respective professions in addition to the standards set by individual health and social care employers. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has a statutory obligation to ensure, as a requirement of ‘fitness’ for professional practice, students on health and social care programmes learn, practise and demonstrate appropriate standards of behaviour and conduct. The following guiding principles are a reminder of the standards expected of students and need, where pertinent, to be read in conjunction with the appropriate code of professional conduct.

As a student on health and social care programme I agree to demonstrate -

Respect for others by:

  • Showing courtesy and being respectful to colleagues, staff and the public at all times
  • Maintaining the dignity and privacy of individuals in all care situations.
  • Valuing and respecting the views, beliefs, and rights of all individuals.
  • Embracing difference and valuing diversity; taking steps to promote, tolerance, respect, dignity and equality for all.
  • Promoting a work and learning environment free of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
  • Promoting an environment conducive to learning by contributing actively and equitably to learning and teaching activities, whilst minimising the risk of unnecessary disruptions.

Professional responsibility by

  • Engaging in actions that benefit others and minimise the risk of harm.
  • Acting in the best interest of individual service users and carers.
  • Demonstrating reliability and punctuality in attendance and adhering to agreed procedure for reporting of non-attendance.
  • Adhering to appropriate dress/uniform code, including, maintaining appropriate hygiene; taking pride in personal appearance.
  • Working collaboratively and harmoniously, as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; respecting the views, expertise and contributions of others.

Social responsibility by

  • Respecting and making appropriate use of University, Faculty and practice placement facilities and services; including use of books, computer, and other teaching/learning resources.
  • Ensuring own actions and behaviour enhance the profession’s reputation and the public’s confidence.
  • Maintaining high personal standards in all settings; refraining from actions that can be construed as dishonest, fraudulent and unprofessional.

Professional integrity by

  • Maintaining honesty and openness in all encounters with service users, academic and service staff, and student colleagues.
  • Refraining from accessing and sharing information in practice and academic settings without appropriate authorisation.
  • Accepting responsibility and accountability for own actions.
  • Ensuring that confidentiality and security of information are maintained at all times.
  • Taking appropriate action to report situations and incidents that may harm the safety and well being of others.

Professional competence by

  • Practising safely at all times by meeting required standards of competence.
  • Responding appropriately to individuals’ needs and providing safe and competent care.
  • Accepting responsibility for own learning and responding appropriately to constructive criticisms.
  • Acknowledging limitations in own knowledge, skills and competence; seeking help and guidance as and when necessary.

Academic integrity by

  • Ensuring academic honesty in all course work; including examinations, research activities, and assessment of clinical competence.
  • Ensuring academic work submitted reflects own effort with credit given to the work of others.

 

I agree to abide by the principles outlined above.

Name of student:

Signature of student:                                                            Date: