Professional Ethics (part 7)

Competence and due care


Competence requirement means that a member should have formal education in certain profession,adequate practical experience for the work being performed,and continuing professional education.

Due care means that the member is a professional responsible in fulfilling duties diligently and carefully.It  also implies that the professional should observe the professional's technical and ethical standards,strive continually to improve competence and the quality of services through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and discharge professional responsibility to the best of his ability.

CPD is necessary because of the rapid changes and expansion in the knowledge that is required of professional in order them to discharge their professional obligation effectively and responsibly.These changes and increased public expectation of the work of profession have increasing demands on the profession and it is every member responsibility to ensure that their knowledge is kept up to date.

Participation of every member in a programme of CPD is therefore vital in maintaining high standards and public confidence in the profession.

A CPD programme normally comprises:
1.Structured CPD learning may be obtain through courses,conference,seminarsor from post-graduate studies.
2.Unstructured CPD learning includes private study,technical research  for practical work.