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  1. Policy Effective date: 17/11/2025
  2. Next Review date: 17/11/2027
  3. Policy Owner: Sylvia Hampartumian
  1. This Code covers the conduct and ethical behaviour expected of Fellows (including International and Honorary) of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
  2. The majority of Fellows are also Fellows of a professional engineering body and are expected to meet the standards of professional conduct associated with that body. All Fellows, including International Fellows, are expected to meet equivalent standards as a minimum, and to behave in accordance with the UK Statement of Ethical Principles for engineering.
  3.  The charitable aims of the Academy, as stated in Article 3 of the Charter, are “the pursuit, encouragement and maintenance of excellence in the whole field of engineering to useful purpose in order to promote the advancement of the science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public”. Fellows are ambassadors for the Academy and should therefore conduct themselves in a manner which supports these aims and which upholds and enhances the reputation of the Academy and its Fellows.
  4. The Academy aims to act in accordance with the highest standards of public life. Fellows are expected to follow the Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
  5. Fellows who are working for or on behalf of the Academy must also act in accordance with the standing policies on conduct and behaviour covering items such as conflicts of interest, equality, diversity and inclusion, anti-bullying and harassment, and anti-bribery.
  6. The Conduct Committee will be the principal point of contact for the management of complaints or grievances. The Committee will be responsible for the maintenance and dissemination of the Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Regulations and associated standing policies for conduct in the workplace.
  7. In the event of a complaint of alleged misconduct in professional life (including research), or while acting for the Academy, or in personal behaviour which threatens the reputation of the Academy, the Conduct Committee will be called upon to propose the appropriate action and make recommendations to the Trustee Board. Fellows are obligated to report any misdemeanor or case against them (including those that could cause reputational harm to the Academy) to the Committee, who will determine what action, if any, is required. Cases brought to the Committee will be dealt with confidentially.
  8.  The Conduct Committee will, if warranted, invoke the Disciplinary Regulations. In keeping with the Regulations, the Committee will be responsible for the formation of the required Disciplinary panels to manage the investigation, judgment and any appeals. If an allegation is proven, this could lead to a warning, formal reprimand, suspension, recommendation of resignation or expulsion from the Fellowship in line with the Disciplinary Regulations.