All these trust in their hands; and everyone is wise in his work. Without these cannot a city be inhabited; and they shall not dwell where they will. But they will maintain the state of the world and all their desire is in the work of their craft.
(Ecclesiasticus Chap 38 v.31/32 34)

Professional codes enable ethical reflection and development, and are a means of developing the integrity of the professional body. The public declaration of the principles and views on responsibility and practice of a professional organization provide a benchmark against which the practice of the profession can be evaluated.

Ethical behaviour is an essential component in effective human societies. The aim is to enable collaboration between individual members, thereby improving the overall quality of life and fulfilment in the society, by creating an atmosphere of trust. The increasing awareness of social, international and global issues has expanded our awareness and is moving towards a sense of responsibility that extends far more widely than was the case when professional standards were first formulated.

The rules of the Institution of Civil Engineers focus mainly on the interests of clients and fellow professionals. It was felt necessary to extend the range of interests to consider the responsibilities of engineers towards the environment and to all who are affected by their work. The levels of responsibilities of all human beings, not only of engineers, can be formulated as ranging from individual 'goods', through family care and the...