Proposed changes to Code of Ethics: have your say

24 April 2023

The College of Policing is consulting on a new Code of Ethics for everyone working in policing in England and Wales – and Police Federation members are being encouraged to have their say.

The Code of Ethics, first launched in 2014, sets out how the police works together and with the public, and provides a framework to guide the actions and decisions of police officers, Specials, staff and volunteers.

The College of Policing said it had revised the code of ethics to reflect the challenges of modern-day policing and to better support informed and ethical decisions.

The proposed Code of Ethics:

• Clarifies the expectations of candour for people working in policing
• Includes a focus on individual and organisational reflection and learning
• Clarifies what should happen when behaviour does not meet expectations
• Provides direction to chief officers (through the Code of Practice) on how they can promote and support a professional culture in their forces
• Applies to everyone working in policing including staff and volunteers.

The changes follow a public consultation held between July and September 2021 to get feedback on what should be included.

Take a look at the proposed Code of Ethics on the College of Policing website and contribute to the consultation by completing the online questionnaire by 28 April.