Professional Requirements & Procedures
Continuing professional requirements and formal procedures supporting ethical practice, professional accountability and fair, transparent professional recognition.
Standards Beyond Initial Recognition
Professional recognition carries continuing responsibilities. Members and recognised professionals are expected to maintain appropriate standards of conduct, continue developing their competence and cooperate with applicable professional accountability procedures.
This page brings together IGH3P® ongoing professional requirements and the principal procedures used when concerns, disputes or questions about professional recognition arise.
The specific requirements that apply will depend on the individual's membership, accreditation, certification or other recognised professional status.
Ongoing Professional Requirements
Professional recognition requires more than meeting entry criteria. Recognised professionals are expected to continue meeting appropriate standards throughout their professional practice.
Purpose
The Code of Conduct establishes expectations for the professional behaviour of IGH3P® members and supports the integrity, reputation and professional standing of the wider membership community.
Members Are Expected To
- act honestly, professionally and with integrity;
- treat clients, colleagues, members of the public and other professionals with dignity and respect;
- maintain appropriate confidentiality and protect personal or sensitive information;
- practise within the boundaries of their competence, qualifications and professional scope;
- comply with applicable laws, regulations and professional obligations;
- avoid misleading claims regarding qualifications, experience, professional recognition or likely outcomes;
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries and manage conflicts of interest responsibly;
- undertake continuing professional development where required;
- cooperate appropriately with IGH3P® complaints, review or professional accountability procedures.
Purpose of CPD
Continuing Professional Development supports the maintenance and development of professional competence throughout a practitioner's career.
CPD should contribute meaningfully to the individual's professional knowledge, skills, judgement or practice and should be relevant to their professional role and scope.
Appropriate CPD May Include
- professional education and structured courses;
- workshops, seminars and conferences;
- supervision and reflective professional learning;
- peer learning or professional discussion;
- research, professional reading and evidence review;
- specialist professional-development activities;
- structured reflection on professional practice.
Recording CPD
Where CPD requirements apply to a membership or professional-recognition category, individuals should maintain appropriate evidence or records of completed professional development.
Specific CPD-hour requirements, where applicable, are defined within the relevant membership, accreditation or certification requirements.
Professional Reflection
Reflective practice supports professionals in examining their work, professional decisions, relationships, challenges and development needs in a structured and thoughtful way.
Supervision
Professional supervision can provide a confidential, structured setting in which practitioners reflect on professional practice, ethical issues, boundaries, competence and practitioner wellbeing.
Where supervision is required by a particular accreditation, certification or professional-recognition pathway, recognised professionals are expected to meet the requirements applicable to that status.
Supervision and Reflective Practice May Support
- ethical decision-making;
- development of professional competence;
- consideration of professional boundaries;
- reflection on complex client work;
- identification of learning or development needs;
- practitioner wellbeing and sustainable practice.
Regulatory & Accountability Procedures
These procedures provide structured mechanisms for addressing concerns, reviewing decisions and protecting the integrity of IGH3P® professional recognition.
Raising a Concern
IGH3P® provides a formal process through which complaints concerning professional conduct, membership or recognised professional practice may be considered.
Complaints should normally be submitted in writing and should provide sufficient information to identify the matter being raised and the professional or organisation concerned.
Initial Review
On receipt, the complaint may be reviewed to determine whether it falls within IGH3P®'s remit and whether sufficient information has been provided for the matter to proceed.
Investigation or Consideration
Where appropriate, relevant information may be requested from the parties involved and the matter considered against applicable ethical, professional or membership requirements.
Outcome
The parties will be informed of the outcome where appropriate. Depending on the nature of the matter, an outcome may include no further action, recommendations, corrective requirements, referral to another procedure or formal professional action.
Purpose
Applicants or recognised professionals may request review of an accreditation, certification or recognition decision where they believe relevant evidence was not properly considered, the applicable process was not followed or another reasonable ground for review exists.
Requesting a Review
A request should normally be made in writing and should identify the decision being challenged, the grounds for review and any relevant supporting information.
Review
The matter may be considered by an appropriately authorised reviewer who was not responsible for the original decision where practicable.
Possible Outcomes
- confirmation of the original decision;
- reconsideration of part or all of the application;
- a request for additional evidence;
- amendment of the original recognition decision.
When Disciplinary Action May Be Considered
Disciplinary consideration may arise where there is evidence of a serious or repeated breach of the Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, professional standards, membership obligations or conditions attached to professional recognition.
Fair Consideration
The individual or organisation concerned should normally be informed of the matters under consideration and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Possible Outcomes
Depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the matter, action may include:
- no further action;
- advice or recommendations;
- a formal warning;
- requirements for corrective action or professional development;
- conditions placed on membership or recognition;
- suspension;
- withdrawal of membership or professional recognition.
Proportionality
Any disciplinary action should be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the matter and should take account of relevant evidence and circumstances.
Purpose
IGH3P® may suspend or withdraw professional recognition where the standards, conditions or continuing requirements associated with that recognition are no longer met.
Suspension
Suspension may be considered where a matter requires investigation, where corrective action is required or where temporary restriction of recognised status is considered appropriate.
Withdrawal
Recognition may be withdrawn where there is a serious breach of professional requirements, continuing non-compliance, failure to satisfy conditions of recognition or another substantial basis for withdrawal.
Consequences
Where recognition is suspended or withdrawn, the individual or organisation must cease representing themselves as holding the affected IGH3P® status for the period or from the date specified.
Reinstatement
Where appropriate, the conditions under which suspended recognition may be reinstated may be communicated to the individual or organisation concerned.
Procedures Should Be Clear, Fair & Proportionate
IGH3P® aims to apply professional accountability procedures consistently and proportionately, taking account of the available evidence, the seriousness of the matter and the rights of those involved.
Where appropriate, individuals and organisations should be informed of concerns affecting their professional status and provided with a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Recognition & Accountability →Professional Responsibility Continues Throughout Practice
Professional requirements, ethical standards and fair accountability procedures work together to support responsible practice and confidence in IGH3P® professional recognition.