GAATES CODE OF ETHICS Introduction AT GAATES we understand that a strong commitment to compliance and ethics is the foundation for a successful certification program. The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to ensure GAATES ICAC-BE Consultants (“Consultants”) maintain professionalism and adhere to the highest ethical standards in the provision of services to consumers and other professionals and organizations. GAATES requires that Consultants serve their clients with integrity, competence, independence, objectivity, and professionalism at all times. Therefore, GAATES requires all Consultants to adhere to this Code of Ethics as a condition of maintaining their certification in good standing. Consultants shall always follow this code of ethics, and should consult it whenever necessary to resolve any doubt as to the appropriate course of action.

All ICAC-BE Consultants pledge to abide by GAATES’s Code of Ethics and voluntarily agree to be selfdisciplined. initial

Articles of the Code of Ethics Consultants shall aim to maintain the highest quality, precision, and effectiveness in their service. Furthermore, members shall endeavor to continually improve their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their services. Consultants shall act with utmost values of honor, dignity, and respect, and will represent the profession with integrity and professionalism in relations with clients, colleagues, and the general public. Consultants shall be competent, knowledgeable, and strive to maintain the highest standards in the profession by abiding with all applicable laws as well as by staying informed of all current developments in the applicable Acts, legislations, codes, standards and regulations. . Consultants will only accept assignments for which they possess the requisite experience and competence to perform and will follow the guidelines established in the levels of service developed by GAATES. Consultants will not claim expertise they do not possess in order to win a contract. When they need the services of a partner or subcontractor to fulfill the responsibilities of an engagement, they will disclose this fact in advance to the client.

When Consultants discover in the course of an engagement that they cannot fulfill the agreed-upon responsibilities, they will offer to withdraw or to change the terms of the engagement such that the expectations and fees are commensurate with their abilities. Before accepting any engagement, Consultants will:  ensure that they have worked with the clients to establish a mutual understanding of the objectives, scope, and work plan;  mutually established with their clients, realistic expectations of the benefits and results of the services; and  agreed in advance with the client, the basis for fees and expenses, and will charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services to be delivered and the responsibility accepted. Consultants will not advertise their services in a deceptive manner nor misrepresent or denigrate GAATES and its certification process, individual consulting practitioners, consulting firms. Consultants will disclose to clients in advance any fees or commissions that are expected for equipment, supplies, or services we recommend to our clients. Consultants will never accept fees or commissions from others for recommending equipment, supplies, or services to clients. Consultants will avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such, and will immediately disclose to the client circumstances or interests that they believe may influence their judgment or objectivity. Consultants will offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when they believe their objectivity or integrity may be impaired. Consultants will treat appropriately all confidential client information that is not public knowledge, take reasonable steps to prevent it from access by unauthorized people, and will not take advantage of proprietary or privileged information, either for use by myself, the client's firm, or another client, without the client's permission. Consultants will respect the rights of consulting colleagues and consulting firms and will not use their proprietary information or methodologies without permission. Consultants shall promote the principles of Universal Design and accessibility in the development of the built environment so as to promote full inclusion for everyone, including persons with disabilities. Consultants will consider the environmental and social impact of decisions and practice and promote environmental stewardship to the extent their line of work affords the opportunity to do so.

Consultants will comply with and promote International, National and local disability and accessibility legislation as appropriate. Members’ recommendations to a client will be feasible. Consultants shall know and promote the mandate and principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

Code of Ethics Enforcement Consultants recognize that the success of this Code of Ethics requires awareness amongst themselves, colleagues and clientele and will therefore endeavor to create such awareness and respect. No Consultant shall attempt to persuade, induce or coerce another party to breach this Code of Ethics, and hereby agree that inducing a breach of this Code is itself a violation of the Code.
 If Consultants perceive a violation of the Code, they will report it to GAATES and will promote adherence to the Code by other Members, staff, and consultants working on their behalf. Any violation of the letter or of the spirit and purpose of this Code shall be considered unethical and revocation of ICAC-BE status with GAATES may be possible, at the discretion of GAATES, with no refund of any fees paid. Failure to specify any particular responsibility or practice in this Code of Ethics shall not be construed as denial of the existence of such responsibilities or practices. All ICAC-BE members are required to submit to GAATES, along with their application for membership, a statement as to how the Consultant plans to publicize ICAC-BE’s Code of Ethics to its staff, associates and clients. The statement shall contain, at a minimum, one of the following:  an inclusion on the Consultant's web site of the GAATES ICAC-BE's Code of Ethics with a step-by-step explanation as to how to file a complaint;  a link from the Consultant's web site to the GAATES ICAC-BE's Code of Ethics with a clear, bold faced statement as to how to make the connection; or  for Consultants without a web site, the information about the GAATES Code of Ethics and how to file a complaint with GAATES shall be included as part of regular business promotional materials. By signing this document you agree to abide by its letter and intent.

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