Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for DBCS (“the Code”) (Updated as of June 2021)

Object of the Code

The object of the Code is to state the principles of ethical standards related to the practice of design which are accepted by all members of DBCS.

Definitions

The word “designer” is defined as:

all individuals who apply intent to create the visual, material, spatial and digital environment, cognizant of the experiential, employing interdisciplinary and hybrid approaches to the theory and practice of design.
practicing design as a freelance or salaried designer, or group of designers, acting in partnership or within other forms of association.

DBCS Members agree that they and their individual members, when working in a country other than their native country, shall observe the relevant code of practice of the Design Business Chamber or the equivalent in that country.

A member’s responsibility

to the community

A member accepts a professional obligation to further the social and aesthetic standards of the community.
A member accepts professional responsibility to act in the best interests of the ecology and of the natural environment.
A member shall act in a manner that keeps the honour and dignity of the profession.
A member shall neither consciously assume nor accept a position in which their personal interests conflicts with their professional duty.

to the client

A member shall act in the client’s interests within the limits of professional duties.
A member shall not work simultaneously on assignments which are in direct competition without informing the clients or employers concerned, except in specific cases where it is customary for the designer to work at the same time for various competitors.
A member shall treat all knowledge of the client’s intentions, production methods and / or business organisation as confidential and shall not, at any time, divulge such information without the consent of the client.

to other designers

A designer must not attempt directly or indirectly, to supplant another designer by means of an unfair inducement.
A designer shall not knowingly accept any professional assignment upon which another designer has been acting without notifying the other designer.
A designer must be fair in criticism and shall not denigrate the work nor reputation of a fellow designer.
A designer shall not accept instructions from the client which knowingly involves plagiarism, nor shall he or she consciously act in a manner involving plagiarism.

Publicity

Any advertising or publicity material must contain only truthful factual statements. It must be fair to clients and other members and in accordance with the dignity of the profession.
A member may allow the client and DBCS to use his or her name for the promotion of articles he or she has designed or service which he or she has provided, but only in a manner which is appropriate to the status of the profession and does not contravene any governing rules and copyright infringement.
A member shall not allow his or her name to be associated with the realisation of a design which has been so changed by the client as to no longer substantially be the original work of the designer.