ICA Code of Conduct

What is the ICA Code of Conduct?

This code applies to all individuals engaging with our platforms and services, including but not limited to those studying a course or participating in continuing professional development (CPD).

Our commitment

We are committed to providing an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, safe and kept free from harm, so they can learn and thrive.

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any forms of bullying or harassment. We believe that everyone has an equal right to protection from abuse, regardless of their age, race, religion, ability, gender, language, background or sexual identity.

We expect everyone to engage with one another constructively and professionally, with dignity and respect.

Our values guide how we behave: Inclusivity, Ambition, Curiosity and Integrity. This document sets out our approach and expectations.

Professional Conduct Expectations

We expect you to act honestly, professionally, and with integrity. This means you should: 

  • Treat others with respect, regardless of background or identity
  • Use inclusive language and avoid discriminatory, abusive or offensive behaviour
  • Speak up if you witness harassment or exclusion (you can do so confidentially)
  • Contribute positively to discussions and training sessions
  • Support one another’s growth and expertise
  • Embrace feedback and learn from challenges
  • Aim for excellence in how you represent yourself and your organisation
  • Share knowledge respectfully – challenging ideas, not people
  • Provide accurate information, adhere to relevant academic policies where required, including our policy on the use of AI and academic integrity
  • Use the learning platforms for their intended business purpose, not allow unauthorised access, and comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Using messaging features safely

All messaging and communication features within our learning platforms are designed to support professional networking, collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning. You are expected to use these features respectfully and in line with their intended purpose.

Appropriate use includes:

  • Asking questions related to learning content or professional development
  • Sharing relevant resources or experiences
  • Engaging in constructive dialogue
  • Coordinating learning activities or events

Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sending unsolicited promotional content
  • Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory language
  • Off-topic or disruptive messaging
  • Sharing sensitive personal information without consent

We take misuse of messaging features seriously. If a complaint is raised, we reserve the right to investigate, which may include reviewing private messages relevant to the complaint. You will be notified if your messages are subject to review as part of this process.  

External messaging systems

Where you choose to communicate outside of the learning platforms, for example, through personal messaging apps, social media, or other external channels, you are responsible for protecting your own safety, privacy, and personal information in those environments. We cannot monitor or safeguard interactions that take place beyond our platforms.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We support the responsible use of AI tools, such as chatbots (for example ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot or Gemini), tools that generate images, code or other content. If you use AI while engaging with our platforms and services, we ask that you use it honestly and responsibly, and in line with the expectations below. 

You should: 

  • Take responsibility for the accuracy, originality and integrity of anything you produce or submit, whatever tools you used to help create it. 
  • Not present AI-generated material as your own where doing so would be misleading, or would breach the rules that apply to a course, service or assessment. Further information can be found in the Academic Malpractice Policy and relevant Assessment Handbook. 
  • Not upload, paste or share our materials, such as learning content, question banks, mark schemes or model answers, or any third-party or personal confidential information, into any AI or Large Language Model (LLM) tool unless we have expressly permitted it. 

AI meeting assistants, note-takers, transcription bots and automated recording tools are not permitted in our meetings, tutorials, webinars, oral assessments or professional discussions, whether joining as a participant or running in the background. If a recording or transcript is needed for a legitimate purpose, please arrange and agree this with us in advance. 

In learning and assessment, additional rules apply, because assessments are designed to demonstrate your own knowledge, understanding and competence. For what is and is not allowed, including how to declare any use of AI, refer to the Academic Malpractice Policy and your assessment handbook. 

Reporting concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this Code, whether on our learning platforms or in relation to off platform interactions that impact your learning experience, please report it to us as soon as possible.  

You can report a concern by contacting us  

We take all concerns seriously and handle them sensitively. Anyone who raises a concern will be supported and we will not tolerate any repercussions against someone for doing so. We will review your concerns and take appropriate action in line with our policies. 

Consequences of Breach

If we identify a breach of this code of conduct, we will investigate and may take one or more of the following actions:

  • Issue a formal warning
  • Restrict access to specific platform features
  • Suspend or terminate access, with immediate effect in cases of serious misconduct.

Supporting policies

This code of conduct is supported by the following policies, which set our approach in more detail: