ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice

The ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice sets out the professional practice expectations of ESSA members and accredited individuals. A new Code came into effect 1 January 2021.

The Code should be reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.

ESSA members/and or accredited individuals should make themselves familiar with all applicable ethical and professional practice requirements including:
- Related ESSA policies and standards
- The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers .

Key changes to the 2021 Code include:

Emphasis on the importance of professional behaviours and conduct with clients, their families and carers
Highlighting the responsibility of ESSA members and professionals to look after their own health and wellbeing to ensure they provide safe and effective services
Highlighting that practicing within the guidelines of employers, organisations or professional groups does not absolve responsibility of ESSA members and professionals for the service that is delivered, their actions or behaviours
Strengthened concepts relating to:
- Informed consent
- Respecting the rights of clients, their values and beliefs
- Practicing in a safe, inclusive and sensitive manner
- Representing services, products and service outcomes truthfully and accurately in promotional materials
- Working collaboratively, professionally and respectfully with others
- Safety and quality in service delivery
- Privacy and confidentiality

The Code will next be reviewed in 2025.

To advise ESSA of a criminal or ethical history, review the Fit and Proper Person Policy and Mandatory Declarations Policy first. If you have a criminal or ethics history to declare, please download, complete and submit the Criminal and Ethical History Declaration Form .

For more information, visit our Mandatory Declarations page or contact the ESSA National Office on 07 3171 3335 or [email protected].

Updated February 2023