News
5 August 2024

Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct Consultation

 **PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 30TH AUGUST 2024**

The Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa New Zealand (2002) is being revised by a Working Group formed by representatives from He Paiaka Tōtara, the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, the New Zealand Psychological Society, the New Zealand Psychologists Board, and Pasifikology.  

After extensive consultation and deliberation we are seeking feedback from psychologists and interested others on the revised ethical framework for psychologists in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

In line with many other organisations and professional bodies, the current Code of Ethics is being split into two separate documents: A Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics. These two documents have different functions. In a psychological context:  

  • A Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours that are mandated as part of professional work and that form base-line expectations of behaviour and practice. It specifies those things that the psychologist must or must not do. 
  • A Code of Ethics outlines the core ethical values and principles that should guide psychologists’ practice and behaviour. Many decisions that psychologists need to make are not directly covered in the Code of Conduct, so psychologists use the principles in the Code of Ethics to help them to decide on the best (most ethical) of alternative courses of action. 

Ethical behaviour in the future will be guided and determined by both the Code of Conduct and the Code of Ethics. 

We are seeking your feedback on both of these documents. 

The Code of Conduct can be found at Code of Conduct Draft for Feedback July 2024.pdf 

The Code of Ethics can be found at Code of Ethics Draft for Feedback July 2024.pdf 

PLEASE READ THESE CODES CAREFULLY BEFORE PROVIDING YOUR FEEDBACK 

After you have read these, please use the following survey to provide your feedback: https://forms.office.com/r/8k2t8UVPE3 

All feedback will be entirely confidential. Responses will be used only for the purpose of improving future versions of the Codes. Participating in the survey will constitute consent. Please provide feedback/complete the survey by the end of day - 30th August, 2024 

Any feedback you wish to give will be appreciated. In particular, we are seeking feedback regarding: 

  • Any areas that you think are not covered or that need to be covered in more depth. Remembering that these Codes are for the whole of the psychology profession and detailed guidelines separate from the Codes may be needed for psychologists working in specific areas. 
  • Any content that you disagree with or think it should be presented differently. 
  • Any inconsistencies you see within or between either of these documents. 
  • Any other changes you would like to see. 

YOUR FEEDBACK ON THESE DRAFT CODES WILL BE MOST APPRECIATED 

AND WILL HELP TO MAKE THEM BETTER