Status of the Code
The Code is not an aspirational statement. It applies before acceptance, during the mandate, in written work, in the use of technology, in professional communications and after the matter. It does not override higher authority, but it defines the professional standard expected of Neutral Practice™ (NP 7).
1. Independence
Independence protects the neutral function from relationships, interests, dependencies and pressures that could impair or reasonably call into question professional judgment (NP 8).
2. Integrity
Honesty, consistency, professional courage and fidelity to the mandate, even when disclosure, qualification or refusal is inconvenient (NP 9).
3. Confidentiality
Information entrusted to the process is protected, subject to the governing mandate, law, fairness requirements and authorised disclosure (NP 10).
4. Competence
A Neutral accepts and performs work only where the required professional, sector, jurisdictional, procedural and technological competence is present or responsibly supplemented (NP 11).
5. Clarity
Role, process, questions, communications, findings, uncertainty and professional limits are expressed with disciplined clarity (NP 12).
6. Respect
Participation, communication, dignity and accessibility are protected, without avoiding difficult questions or necessary process control (NP 13).
7. Accountability
A Neutral can account for material professional acts through records, reasons, disclosures, quality controls and an inspectable final record (NP 14).
8. Professional role & non-advocacy
The Neutral may test, evaluate, facilitate or determine within mandate without becoming strategist, advocate or substitute adviser for a participant (NP 15).
9. Learning
Competence is maintained through continuing learning, reflection, research and feedback, not assumed permanently from past seniority (NP 16).
10. Service
Neutral Practice serves the integrity of decision-making, fair process and informed resolution. Service is professional purpose, not subordination to a party, client or desired outcome (NP 17).
The Code in practice
The Code is tested when principles collide, information is incomplete or pressure rises. The Neutral identifies the principle engaged, separates it from the commercial preference of participants, records the decision where it could later matter, and acts proportionately (NP 18).
Fees and professional use
Fees are agreed in writing before work begins and are never contingent on an outcome. Designations are used only in the approved form for the current cycle, and no grade is presented as a promise of appointments (NP 111).
Complaints
Any participant may raise a concern about a Certified Neutral™. An independent panel assesses it; outcomes range from guidance to suspension or removal from the Register (NP 114).
Code of Neutral Practice™ · Version 1.0 · NP 7–18 · Reviewed annually under the governance of the Global Council