Code of Ethics

The principles below are compiled from the Statute. The detailed “Code of Ethics Implementation Rules” are being prepared by the Board of Directors and will be published here once finalised.

General principles

• Members place the reputation of the landscape sector before their own commercial interests.
• Work complies with the PEYSED Technical Specification and professional standards; no poor-quality work that harms clients.
• Informal employment, tender fraud and breaches of sector legislation are not tolerated.
• Unfair competition is avoided; professional work and intellectual property are protected.

Preventing abuse of commercial influence

• Members may not use the PEYSED name, logo or their position in the association as a reference or advantage in offers, advertising or tenders.
• Companies of people serving on the association’s management may not act as contractor or subcontractor in projects for which the association has given advice or prepared specifications.
• Sector information and client portfolios obtained through association activities may not be used for personal commercial gain.
• Companies of board members may not receive privileged or free advertising in association publications.

Conflicts of interest

• People serving on the association’s bodies notify the Board of Directors in writing when an association activity conflicts with their own business.
• A member with a conflict of interest does not take part in the discussion or vote on that item; this is recorded in the minutes.

Oversight and sanctions

The Board of Directors may investigate on its own initiative even without a complaint and, depending on the seriousness of the breach, decide on a “warning”, “reprimand” or “expulsion”. Commercial gain obtained by using the association’s name and brand is direct grounds for expulsion.