CILIP launched a new Ethical Framework in 2018 consisting of ethical principles, a code of conduct, and commitments from CILIP. Since then, it has enabled positive developments like collaborations and inclusion initiatives. CILIP now proposes additional "Institutional Ethical Principles" for employer partners related to human rights, diversity, privacy, public benefit, and more. The existing disciplinary regulations allow for sanctions if a member acts against CILIP's aims through investigation and possible outcomes of warnings, hearings, or expulsion. Next steps include implementing plans from a new position paper, a professionalism review, and taking a more proactive stance on sanctions.

1. Putting the CILIP Ethical Framework into action
– update, institutional ethics and sanctions
Dawn Finch, Trustee, CILIP
October 2019 AGM

2. CILIP Ethical Framework
Launched in 2018 as a simplified, revitalised Ethical
Framework in 3 sections:
1. 7 Ethical Principles
2. 4 commitments by the individual practitioner to a Code
of Conduct
3. 10 supporting and enabling commitments from CILIP as
the professional association
• Available with full text & supporting materials from
http://www.cilip.org.uk/ethics

3. Encouraging developments
Since launch, the new Ethical Framework has enabled a number of
important positive developments for the sector:
• New Position Paper on an ‘actively ethical’ CILIP – Libraries,
Information and Knowledge Change Lives (due to be published 28th
October)
• Collaboration with the Child Poverty Action Group
• Incorporating the Ethical Principles into the joint Public Library Skills
Strategy
• Progress on CILIP’s own Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
programme including the establishment of BAME, LGBTQ+ and Allies
Networks

4. Institutional Ethical Principles (Pt 1)
As part of the tightening up of definitions for the CILIP Employer Partners Scheme and following the initial
recommendations of the Ethics Committee, we propose the following additional ‘Institutional Ethical Principles’:
Commitment to Professional Ethics by institutions
As an organisation employing Information Professionals, we commit proactively to champion ethical practice by
upholding, promoting and defending:
D1 Human rights
D2 Equalities and diversity
D3 Information governance and practice that protects the privacy of individuals
D4 The contribution of information professionals to the public benefit
D5 The provision of excellent information services, relevant to the needs of all members of society
D6 The development of balanced and fair open access and copyright systems

5. Institutional Ethical Principles (Pt 2)
As part of the tightening up of definitions for the CILIP Employer Partners Scheme and following the initial
recommendations of the Ethics Committee, we propose the following additional ‘Institutional Ethical Principles’:
Commitment to Professional Ethics by institutions
In addition as an ethical employer of information professionals, we commit to:
D7 Promoting the health and wellbeing of our staff
D8 Supporting the professional development of our staff
D9 Promoting a diverse, inclusive and representative workforce through our employment practices
D10 Being a good employer that treats our staff with fairness and respect
D11 Valuing the role and contribution of our information professional staff

6. Sanctions
For a professional ethics to be meaningful, they need to be enforceable. The existing Disciplinary Regulations (2011)
provide a mechanism for sanctions in relation to the Ethical Principles:
• Members are required to comply at all times with the Ethical Principles prescribed and published by CILIP
• Must be triggered by a formal complaint (does not have to be from a member)
• Disciplinary action may be taken if on investigation a member is guilty of ‘professional misconduct’:
• If they have acted in a manner that is contrary to the aims, objects and interests of CILIP, or otherwise
contrary to its Charter, Bye-Laws or Regulations or;
• In a manner prejudicial to his/her professional status or the reputation of CILIP

7. Sanctions - outcomes
Members who are the subject of a complaint relating to professional misconduct have the right to appeal. Possible
outcomes of an investigation of a complaint are:
• No action is taken
• A written warning is provided
• A disciplinary hearing is convened
If there is a disciplinary hearing and the professional misconduct is proven, possible sanctions include:
• Suspension of the member from any office within CILIP or its Member Networks
• Alteration of the membership status of the member (including removal from the Professional Register)
• Temporary suspension from membership (subject to Board approval)
• Permanent expulsion from membership (subject to Board approval)

8. Next steps
We want to ensure that the Ethical Framework sits at the heart of everything CILIP does – including our future
strategy and plans. We aspire to be an activist organisation which fights for the interests of our members.
During 2020, we will:
• Implement concrete plans based on the Libraries, Information and Knowledge Change Lives Position Paper;
• Implement the findings of our Professionalism Review, ensuring that we adopt a more open and inclusive
definition of professionalism, with our values at its core
• Take a more proactive stance on sanctions, strengthening our commitment to the shared values and ethics of
our profession.