Published: 13th July 2007 Last Updated: 13th May 2007 Version: 1.0
The ACMC code of practice provides a platform from which our members can consistently demonstrate high standards.
The principle behind its introduction is to allow our members to demonstrate best practice, eliminate poor practice and to increase trust and confidence in the UK cost management sector. In addition, it will allow our members to visibly demonstrate their commitment to best practice and build upon the trust and confidence that their clients currently enjoy.
Our code of conduct is detailed below.
ACMC Members are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.
Members will seek to build sustainable business relationships based on honesty, integrity, openness, and fairness in their dealings.
A Member/Client Agreement will comprise at least –
A scope
A period of validity
Duties of Client and Member
Basis of fees / charges
Cancellation and termination clauses
Mutual confidentiality clause
Members have an obligation to disclose the source of fees to the appropriate Client.
In most cases information supplied by a Client will have been disclosed under a Confidentiality Agreement. Regardless of the existence of such an Agreement Members are prohibited from making use of information except for the purpose it was provided. In particular, information provided by a Client must not be used in an inappropriate manner, or to the detriment of the Client.
Members recognise the importance of communications in maintaining a good business relationship. To this end Members will maintain appropriate communications with their Clients.
Clients should be able to make decisions based on good quality information presented clearly and concisely, in a timely manner, and with neither positive nor negative bias.
The ACMC will endeavour to resolve a complaint made against a Member in relation to the Code of Conduct.
Complaints should be directed in the first instance to the Member. The ACMC will consider a complaint only when the Member has had sufficient opportunity to answer it.
In the event that the Client remains dissatisfied then a complaint may be sent to the ACMC Disciplinary Council via the ‘Contact Us’ link on the ACMC website: http://www.theacmc.co.uk or by post to Blays House, Churchfield Road, Chalfont-St-Peter, Bucks, SL9 9EW.
No complaint against a Member will be considered if the Client has failed to comply with their duties under the relevant Member/Client Agreement.
Should the Client of a Member complain to the ACMC that a complaint has remained unresolved then the ACMC will contact the Member and agree a course of action. The Client will, in turn, be advised of this action by the ACMC.
If the ACMC becomes aware that a Member is not meeting it’s obligation to their Client then disciplinary action will be instituted. Depending on the seriousness of the shortcoming this may take the form of –
