1. Introduction 

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the standards of behaviour expected from those who work with or on behalf of The International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE) including, but not limited to, volunteers, employees, members (together AMEE Affiliates) and trustees (Trustees)(AMEE Affiliates and Trustees together the AMEE Community). 

AMEE Affiliates and Trustees are an integral part of AMEE’s diverse and collaborative community. We value and respect the contributions of everyone and are committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment. To ensure that our interactions and engagements align with our mission and values, those in the AMEE Community should ensure that they have read and comply with this Code of Conduct. 

You must adhere to the following Code of Conduct:  

• whenever you represent, conduct the business of, or are present at an AMEE meeting or event; 

• whenever you act, claim to act or give the impression you are acting as part of the AMEE Community; 

• in all your dealings with AMEE  

2. Respect for All 

You must: 

• Treat all members and participants fairly and with respect, courtesy, and consideration, regardless of their background, identity, experience, or perspectives.  

• Foster a welcoming atmosphere that encourages open dialogue, the free exchange of ideas and is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination.  

3. Inclusivity 

You must: 

• Embrace diversity and inclusivity by valuing and respecting differences in gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other aspects of identity.  

• Promote an environment where everyone feels valued and included, ensuring equitable opportunities for participation regardless of a person’s gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability or other aspects of identity.  

4. Professionalism 

You must: 

• Conduct yourself in a professional and ethical manner, both within AMEE events and in any interactions related to AMEE activities.  

• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and accountability.  

• Always act in a way that supports and upholds the reputation and values of AMEE. 

You must not: 

• Conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing AMEE into disrepute. 

• Make vexatious, malicious or frivolous complaints against anyone in the AMEE Community. 

5. Collaboration 

You must: 

• Foster collaboration and cooperation among affiliates, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and expertise for the betterment of medical education.  

• Support fellow affiliates when appropriate and possible.  

6. Privacy and Confidentiality 

You must: 

• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow affiliates. 

• Keep confidential and do not disclose personal or confidential information or information which should reasonably be regarded as being of a confidential nature, without the express, prior consent of AMEE.  

• Exercise caution when discussing sensitive matters and be mindful of data protection regulations.  

• Seek advice or appropriate support if required. 

7. Intellectual Property 

You must: 

• Honour intellectual property rights by acknowledging and respecting copyright and licensing agreements when using and sharing materials and content.  

You must not: 

• Use, or authorise others to use, the AMEE resources imprudently, unlawfully, other than in a manner which is calculated to facilitate (or to be conducive to) the discharge of the functions of AMEE, improperly for political purposes or improperly for private purposes. 

8. Non-Discrimination and Harassment 

You must: 

• Refrain from engaging in any form of bullying or harassment, nor should you discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic.  

You are encouraged to: 

• Report any incidents of discrimination or harassment to AMEE for appropriate action.  

9. Compliance with AMEE Policies 

You must: 

• Abide by all AMEE policies, including but not limited to membership policies, event policies, and codes of conduct specific to AMEE activities. 

• Uphold and conduct yourself in line with AMEE’s values.   

In addition, AMEE Trustees must: 

• Uphold and conduct yourself in line with the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. More information about the Nolan Principles can be found here: The Seven Principles of Public Life – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 

•  Seek advice or appropriate support if required. 

10. Responsible Use of Technology 

You must: 

• Use AMEE’s online platforms and communication channels responsibly and respectfully, refraining from engaging in harmful, offensive, or disruptive behaviours.  

• Use only official AMEE channels when conducting any AMEE business. 

You must not: 

• Create or use any channels (eg Slack, WhatsApp, etc) for the purpose of conducting any AMEE business which have not been expressly authorised by AMEE. 

• Post social media communications which could damage AMEE’s business or reputation, whether directly or indirectly. 

• Use social media to defame, disparage, harass, bully or unlawfully discriminate against AMEE, the AMEE Community, or any third party. 

• Upload or publish recordings, photographs or videos of AMEE events or the AMEE Community (including the creation of the same using AI or other technology) without prior consent.  

• Share AMEE data with any program or software (including any AI resources) without prior consent. 

• Post comments about sensitive business-related topics, such as draft proposals or information belonging to any organisation in partnership with AMEE. 

• Include AMEE’s logos or other trademarks in any posting or in your profile on any social media platform (including, for example, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram) unless authorised by AMEE to do so. 

• Express opinions on AMEE’s behalf, unless expressly authorised to do so. 

11. Disclosure of Interests 

• Where your role requires you to record any disclosures of interest in the Register of Interests, you must complete the forms promptly and notify AMEE’s Head of Finance and Business  of any changes in a timely manner. 

• When participating in meetings or reaching decisions regarding the business of AMEE you must do so on the basis of the merits of the discussion and the information presented. 

• You must promptly declare at the start of any meeting any personal interest in the matters to be discussed at the meeting any matter which is or may be perceived as a conflict by yourself or others. 

• If you are unsure as to whether or not a matter would be regarded as a conflict of interest, you should contact AMEE’s Head of Finance and Business for advice. 

• In addition in your capacity as a Trustee, you must not use or attempt to use your position improperly to confer on or secure for yourself, or any other person, an advantage or create or avoid for yourself, or any other person, a disadvantage 

12. Expenses 

• You must observe the law and AMEE’s rules governing the claiming of expenses and allowances in connection with your duties as an affiliate or Trustee (please refer to AMEE’s Head of Finance and Business for AMEE’s rules on claiming expenses). 

• When carrying out your role as a Trustee you must comply with AMEE’s Expense Policy in respect of gifts and hospitality. 

• Employees should ensure that they comply with AMEE’s Staff Expenses Policy from time to time in place. 

13. Commitment 

• If you commit to doing anything as an affiliate or Trustee for AMEE you need to make sure you have sufficient capacity to discharge your duties including attendance at meetings. 

• In addition in your role as a Trustee, you  must ensure that you have sufficient time to discharge your  duties, including attending meetings. 

• You should prepare fully for all meetings you attend, reading papers distributed in advance and attending prepared to contribute to discussion. 

• You should let the chair of the meeting know when you cannot attend meetings for personal or professional reasons. 

• You should participate constructively in discussions at meetings, but should not seek to challenge or undermine decisions when they are properly taken. 

14. Reporting Violations 

• If you witness or experience any violations of this Code of Conduct, please report them to AMEE through the appropriate channels as outlined in our complaints policy. 

• Any breach or breaches of this Code of Conduct by affiliates or Trustees will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1 and, in the case of Trustees, ultimately in accordance with AMEE’s articles of association. 

• Where it is alleged that any affiliate has breached this Code of Conduct, the allegation will be dealt with in accordance with AMEE’s disciplinary procedure.  

15. Review and variation 

• This Code of Conduct is subject to periodic review and updates to reflect the evolving needs and values of the AMEE community. 

• This Code of Conduct may be varied by a majority decision of the members of the Governing Committee. 

By being part of the AMEE Community, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to creating a positive and respectful community dedicated to advancing health professional education. Your commitment to these principles is vital to the success of our organization and our collective mission.  

Thank you for your dedication to AMEE and for helping us maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for all members.  

Date adopted/last reviewed: [5^th March 2024]