PM VANTAGE

serve clients with integrity and professionalism.

code of conduct

our ethical standards

The standards of conduct outlined in this Code provide basic principles in the ethical practice of management consulting. They align with ethical standards established by the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC USA) and the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN).

our commitment to clients

·         Serve clients with integrity, competence, independence, objectivity and professionalism

·         Mutually establish with our clients realistic expectations of the benefits and results of my services

·         Render services as advertised and make accurate and factual public statements, avoiding exaggerated claims in promotion or advertising

·         Ensure that, prior to accepting any engagement, there is mutual consultant/client understanding of the objectives, scope, work plan and payment arrangements

·         Agree in advance with a client on the basis for fees and expenses and charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services delivered and the responsibility accepted

·         Disclose all relationships that might constitute, or appear to constitute, conflicts of interest

·         Offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when objectivity or integrity may be impaired

·         Work through conflicts encountered within client relationships in a constructive manner

·         Be timely in responding to requests for consultation and in clarifying the role, responsibility and development of a work agreement with clients

·         Practice within the limits of our competence and experience in providing nonprofit consultation service and will only assign staff or engage colleagues with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve clients effectively

·         Serve the long-term interest of our clients, even when the work to be done has a short term focus

·         Protect the confidentiality of information given in the professional consultant/client relationship

·         Decline acceptance of commissions, remuneration, or other benefits from a third party in connection with the recommendations to a client without that client’s prior knowledge and consent and disclose in advance any financial interests in goods or services that form part of such recommendations

·         Refrain from inviting an employee of an active or inactive client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the client

·         Avoid personal, sexual, or other inappropriate relationships with client board, staff, or volunteers while they are actively serving with them

our commitment to the profession and public

·         Act with integrity in all matters, being honest with our clients and true to themselves

·         Strive for increased self-knowledge and personal growth on a continual basis

·         Endeavor to achieve and maintain a professional level of competence through continuing education, evaluation and active involvement with professional bodies

·         Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations in our respective fields of practice

·         Work in ways that bring credit to the consulting profession in the field of nonprofit organizations, with due respect and regard for colleagues in other professions and fields

·         Perform duties with sensitivity to the fact that our recommendations and actions may alter the lives and well-being of staff, volunteers and the population served by our clients and the larger systems within which they operate

·         Be aware, at all times, of the cultural filters that may affect our view of the world, respect cultures different from our own and be sensitive to cross-cultural and multi-cultural differences and their implications

·         Advocate for ethical practices by individuals and organizations engaged in consultation to nonprofit organizations

·         If within the scope of my engagement, I will report to appropriate authorities within or external to the client organization any occurrences of malfeasance, dangerous behavior, or illegal activities

·         We will respect the rights of consulting colleagues and consulting firms and will not use their proprietary information or methodologies without permission

·         We will represent the profession with integrity and professionalism in my relations with my clients, colleagues, and the general public

·        We will not advertise my services in a deceptive manner nor misrepresent or denigrate individual consulting practitioners, consulting firms, or the consulting profession