Every IAEM-USA member in good standing has a continual duty to adhere to the principles and tenets of this IAEM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. This obligation of IAEM-USA members applies to all members engaging in IAEM-USA business, activities, and events, as well as to all individuals, irrespective of membership status, who have been awarded the AEM® or CEM® professional certification issued by IAEM-USA. The duty to follow the Code requires that members act prudently and responsibly beyond mere legal and code requirements. The Code of Professional Conduct further reflects the philosophy and objectives of the certification program.

Preamble

The IAEM-USA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct addresses a range of issues affecting emergency management professionals in their daily work. Maintaining public trust and confidence is central to the effectiveness of the Emergency Management Profession. This Code aims to ensure and justify public trust in the services provided by its members.

Principles

Members of IAEM-USA shall adhere to the core principles of RESPECT, COMMITMENT, and PROFESSIONALISM.

RESPECT

Respect for supervising officials, professional colleagues, associates, and the people we serve through compliance with the laws, regulations, and recognized standards is essential in maintaining integrity and trust in our professional and community relationships.

COMMITMENT

IAEM-USA members make decisions that build trust, manage our responsibilities fairly, and communicate clearly. We aim to improve stewardship and service quality while supporting our community.

PROFESSIONALISM

IAEM-USA actively promotes professionalism to ensure public confidence in emergency management. Our reputations are built on the diligent fulfillment of our professional duties. Our professionalism is grounded in education, safety, and the protection of life and property.

Code

1. Quality: Members should consistently produce high-quality work and apply the 'Principles of Emergency Management.'
2. Professional Independence: IAEM-USA members have a primary duty of loyalty to the communities they serve and the environments they impact. Their work should uphold high ethical standards and respect for human dignity. Emergency management practitioners must maintain professional independence, whether in advisory or executive roles within their organizations.
3. Legal Requirements: Members must comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of their practice and be aware of the applicable laws in their communities.
4. Objectivity: Members providing professional opinions should be honest, objective, and reliable, based on the best available knowledge. If such knowledge is lacking, they should refer to relevant emergency planning and management principles.
5. Competence: Members should not take on roles as emergency management practitioners unless they are confident in their ability to perform effectively. They must acknowledge their limitations and actively work to improve their professional competence by staying informed about new developments. Competence involves having the necessary knowledge, experience, and skills to perform tasks according to established standards while recognizing one’s limitations. Maintaining competence requires ongoing professional development and certifications such as AEM® or CEM®, along with potential membership in relevant specialist organizations.
6. Abuse of Membership: Members are prohibited from misusing their IAEM-USA membership for any personal or commercial advantage. This commitment upholds the integrity of our organization and ensures that all members act in the best interest of the organization.
7. Conflict of Interest: Members must keep their professional judgment free from conflicting interests and inform their employer or client of any actual or potential conflicts. Members, officers, and agents of IAEM-USA are expected to act in the organization's best interest and avoid actions that result in personal gain, maintaining high ethical standards.
8. Confidentiality: Members must not disclose any information, data, or documents considered confidential or proprietary to IAEM or its affiliates without prior written consent. This includes protecting the interests of current and former employers or clients. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial for IAEM-USA groups, such as the Board of Directors and various committees. Discussions in these meetings are confidential and may only be shared with non-participants after approval. Only IAEM-USA staff or authorized officials are permitted to communicate confidential information to outside parties.
9. Professional Responsibility: Members are responsible for their professional work and must ensure that those they supervise are competent and treated fairly.
10. Financial Propriety: Members must maintain financial integrity in their dealings with employers and clients. They should avoid any inducements that could compromise their professional independence or violate ethical obligations.
11. Upholding the Aims and Objectives: Members must uphold the reputation and integrity of the IAEM-USA and their fellow members, avoiding actions that could tarnish them.
12. Professional Reputation: Members must not intentionally or recklessly harm the professional reputation, prospects, or business of other IAEM-USA members.
13. Members Relations: Members must treat each other with respect and professionalism within the IAEM and IAEM-USA, avoiding any actions that undermine integrity or dignity. Collaboration should always be professional and productive.
14. IAEM Code of Conduct: All IAEM participants, including certified members, must treat their colleagues in the emergency management community with dignity and respect at all IAEM events and adhere to the Board of Directors' policies, including the IAEM-USA Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Complaint Procedure

To file a complaint, please visit www.iaem.org/Complaint-Procedure.

From IAEM-USA Administrative Policies & Procedures

Approved June 20, 2023

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