Member Code of Conduct

REPORTING

Potential violations of the Code of Conduct may be reported on-line at: www.aspe.org/CodeofConduct or by email at [email protected]

The Board of Directors may convene a Code of Conduct Council to assist in the review of the allegation.

Anonymous reporting may result in limited ability to take corrective action.

If you believe that activities at an ASPE event may cause undue harm, please notify a member of the ASPE staff immediately or contact building security or the local police.

To Our Membership

On September 18, 1964, the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) convened, voting in a slate of officers, creating the bylaws, and officially registering and incorporating our Society. For decades, the Society has operated with an understanding that the Society would do its best to be stewards of the plumbing industry.

Since its inauguration, ASPE has developed into an International Society with a diverse membership. The 2018-2020 Board of Directors established a Conduct Working Group to develop and implement the Society Member Code of Conduct. This booklet has been created as part of our Policies & Operations Manual to help the membership understand our commitment to the Society. The Code of Conduct follows ASPE’s guiding principles, and all members are expected to honor this code. Throughout the Code of Conduct, the word "Society" is used to represent all members of ASPE.

The implementation of this policy by the 2020-2022 ASPE Board of Directors created the ASPE Code of Conduct Council. The Code of Conduct Council is a group of appointed individuals, all confirmed by the Board of Directors. As you face challenges, refer to this Code of Conduct for direction. Even though your challenges may be complex and dynamic, ASPE’s guiding principles remain constant. Additional guidance and support is available from your Region Directors, Society Board of Directors, Society Executive Director/CEO, or anyone on the Society Code of Conduct Council.

Respect, Honesty, and Integrity were essential to our founders and are critical to our continued future success. ASPE is personally committed to our Conduct program and asks for your individual commitment.

Respect, Honesty, Integrity and Due Diligence

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers is committed to doing the right things the right way, with respect, honesty, integrity and due diligence as its guiding principles. By acting with honesty and integrity, ASPE builds the strong and enduring relationships that are critical to its long-term success.

How do we treat everyone with Respect?

What does it mean to act Honestly?

What does it mean to act with Integrity?

What does it mean to act with Due Diligence?

Acting with due diligence is part of our commitment to each other. ASPE consists of many volunteers in leadership roles creating opportunities for self-development, community improvement, and intellectual advancement.

Everyone involved with the organization is expected to take the reasonable steps necessary to satisfy any legal requirement as well as fulfill ASPE's strategic plans while striving for excellence.

A Shared Commitment

ASPE expects every person who is a member of the Society to share its commitment to respect, honesty and integrity. In all ASPE events and activities, all members representing ASPE are expected to act in a professional manner.

The Code of Conduct also applies to ASPE-related online or social media activities. All members shall respect ASPE members’ privacy when posting to social media sites and are encouraged to promote positive communications only, while refraining from harassment or bullying behavior.

Expectations of Society Members

In all ASPE events and activities, every society member is expected to:

Read and understand the Code of Conduct as well as related policies and procedures;
Comply with applicable laws;
Follow the Code of Conduct even if it requires more than the law requires;
Raise questions if guidance is needed; and
Raise concerns if problems are suspected

Members will conduct Society affairs in good faith and with honesty, integrity, due diligence, and reasonable competence.

Except as the Society Board of Directors may otherwise require or as otherwise required by law, employees or members shall not share, copy, reproduce, transmit, divulge, or otherwise disclose any confidential information related to the affairs of Society. Each employee or member will uphold the strict confidentiality of all meetings and other deliberations and communications of the Society.

Members of the Board of Directors will NOT use any information provided by the chapter or society or acquired as a consequence of the Board member’s service in any manner other than in furtherance of his or her Board duties. No member of the Board of Directors will misuse Chapter or Society property or resources and will at all times keep the property secure and not allow any person not authorized by the Board of Directors to have or use such property.

Additional Expectations of Leaders

Leaders within the Society have additional responsibilities. Leaders are individuals who lead or command any group within the Society.

In all ASPE events and activities, leaders are expected to:

Be examples of the highest standards of ethical and legal business conduct;
Create a work environment in which ethical and legal behavior is expected and rewarded;
Encourage discussion of ethical and legal business conduct questions and concerns;
Take appropriate action when it is determined that a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred;
Perform assigned duties in a professional and timely manner pursuant to the Board’s direction and oversight;
Exercise to the best of their ability their fiduciary responsibilities related to Board reimbursement expenses, programs, and activities of the Society;
Be professional in nature when producing or providing publication of any material or statements related to Society business, whether disclosed in public, printed, emailed, or posted on any social media site, regardless of the subject matter.
Upon conclusion of service, leaders will promptly return all equipment, documents, electronic and hard files, reference materials, and other property entrusted to them for the purpose of fulfilling their responsibilities. Such return will not release them from their continuing obligation of confidentiality with respect to information acquired as a consequence of their tenure as a leader.

Expectations of Society Partners

Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Society

How do we describe Diversity?

How do we describe Inclusion?

Diversity and Inclusion in our Society

ASPE believes and understands that this Society is a volunteer International Organization comprised of members from different race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, military service, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, social or economic status. Each individual in our Society brings a diverse set of perspectives, work and life experiences, as well as religious and cultural differences. The power of diversity can only be unleashed and its benefits reaped when we recognize these differences and learn to respect and value each individual regardless of their background. ASPE’s goal is to foster and implement a diverse environment that will help instill inclusion, respect and appreciation across our Society.

Dignity and Respect

Human Rights

Appropriate Use of Technology

The appropriate use of technology is part of ASPE's commitment to honesty and integrity. An ASPE-issued device must never be used to view, gather, store or distribute abusive, pornographic, sexually suggestive, discriminatory or harassing content.

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

What is a conflict of interest?

Society Matters

In Society matters, ASPE expects that every member will act solely in the best interest of ASPE. A conflict of interest arises when a personal interest or outside endeavor interferes with this obligation.

An actual or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to the President, affected bocy (Board, committee, etc.) Code of Conduct Council as soon as it arises. The members of the affected body will determine whether the situation requires the conflicted individuals to recuse themselves from discussion and vote on the matter.

Family and Friends

Appearance of a Conflict of Interest

Gifts and Entertainment

This section is intended to provide some guidance on the concept of moderation and discretion in ASPE activities.

Gifts

A gift is anything given as a result of a Society relationship for which the recipient does not pay fair market value. A gift may take many forms including:

Goods;
Services;
Discounts or sponsorships generally not available to others; and
Cash or prizes won at a meeting, conference or trade

A gift may be offered or accepted if it: (1) is consistent with customary Society practices; (2) is not excessive in value; (3) cannot be construed as a bribe or kickback; and (4) does not violate any laws. No benefit should ever be received from or offered to another party if it might compromise – or even appear to compromise – a Society decision.

The industry has many instances where educational activities targeted at in-depth understanding of a technology or process flow takes place. In the context of this policy, such an activity is not considered a gift and is not considered a violation of the Code of Conduct.

This guidance does not apply to anything given by ASPE to an employee – or to charitable donations made by ASPE.

Entertainment

This section refers to ASPE affiliated activities. Entertainment is an activity or event that is attended by both the offeror and the recipient in connection with a Society relationship. Examples include but are not limited to a meal, a concert, a ballgame, or a round of golf.

Entertainment may be offered or accepted if it has a legitimate business purpose and is reasonable and appropriate for the occasion. Good judgment must be exercised.

Bribery

Complying With the Anti-Bribery Laws

ASPE is committed to complying with anti-bribery laws that apply whenever or wherever Society business is conducted. These laws prohibit the offering, promising, authorizing, giving, soliciting or receiving of any form of bribe or kickback.

A bribe is anything of value (such as money, a gift or a favor) offered with an intent to improperly obtain or maintain a Society advantage. A kickback is a reward paid by one party to another in return for improperly making or fostering a particular Society arrangement.

Closing

Good Decision Making

The Code of Conduct addresses many specific situations that you may encounter in your work on behalf of ASPE. However, it is impossible to include every topic. If you are facing an issue, and you are not certain whether your actions are proper, consider the following questions:

What would my supervisor, co-worker or Society Board of Directors think of my actions?
Would I behave differently if I knew my actions would be reported?
Am I treating others as I would like to be treated?

If the threat of public scrutiny makes you uncomfortable, you are likely struggling with something that could tarnish a reputation – yours or ASPE's.

Speaking Up

The Code of Conduct affirms our shared commitment in conducting ASPE’s Society with honesty and integrity. If you have questions or concerns, or if you believe the Code of Conduct has been violated, it is your responsibility to speak up.

You will not be disciplined, lose your position in the Society or be retaliated against by ASPE for asking questions or voicing concerns, as long as you are acting in good faith. Good faith does not mean that you have to be right – but it does mean that you believe you are providing truthful information.

Consequences of Not Following the Code of Conduct

Cooperation