The Bowlby Centre Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is intended to provide a framework of appropriate behaviour for students and members of the Bowlby Centre community.  It underpins Section 6 of The Bowlby Centre’s Complaints Policy so that, if an individual wants to make a complaint against a fellow member of The Bowlby Centre community, they should make reference to how their complaint relates to where this Code of Conduct has been breached.  However, a formal complaint does not need to be submitted for misconduct penalties to apply under this Code of Conduct. Any misconduct should be drawn to the attention of the relevant Committee Chair (for students, this will be the Clinical Training Committee; for members, this will be the Membership Committee).

This list below is intended as a guide and is not exhaustive.  

The following will constitute misconduct:

– Disruption or obstruction of, or improper interference with, the activities of The Bowlby Centre.

– Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, obstructive, defamatory or offensive behaviour or language, taking account of attitude and context.

– Fraud (attempted or otherwise), deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to The Bowlby Centre’s work.

– Action which causes or is likely to cause injury or impair safety on The Bowlby Centre premises.

– Breaches of The Bowlby Centre policies.

– Damage to, or defacement of, The Bowlby Centre property, caused intentionally or recklessly or by negligence, and/or misappropriation of such property.

– Misuse or unauthorised use of The Bowlby Centre premises or items of property, including computer/IT misuse.

– Behaviour which brings The Bowlby Centre into disrepute.

– Behaviour which brings the profession of psychotherapy into disrepute.

– Failure to comply with a previously-imposed warning under this Code or any other Policies, Codes, Rules and Regulations of The Bowlby Centre.

The conduct covered in this Code will constitute misconduct in any location if the student/Bowlby Centre community member concerned was involved in a The Bowlby Centre activity, was representing The Bowlby Centre or was present at that place by virtue of his or her status relating to The Bowlby Centre, including any clinical placement or supervision. It will also constitute misconduct in any location whatsoever if the actions bring the good name of The Bowlby Centre or the profession of psychological therapy into disrepute.

Misconduct penalties under this Code of Conduct

Where issues concerning conduct and behaviour arise in The Bowlby Centre, it is hoped that these issues will be brought to, and resolved by, the relevant individual(s) and the relevant Committees.   

A formal complaint under The Bowlby Centre’s complaints procedure does not have to be made for misconduct penalties to apply under this Code of Conduct.  Where potential misconduct is drawn to the attention of the relevant Committee (for students, this will be the Clinical Training Committee; for members, this will be the Membership Committee), the Committee has the ability to issue a written warning.  Where issues concerning conduct and behaviour arise after a written warning has been issued, the relevant Committee will, after collecting the appropriate evidence and statements, consider the gravity of the misconduct and will determine whether:

  • no further action is necessary;  
  • to issue a final written warning;
  • to impose a charge in cases of damage or loss;
  • to expel, defer or suspend the student; or,
  • to suspend the membership of the Bowlby Centre member.

The standard of proof will be balance of probability.  If the alleged behaviour is considered a serious enough breach of the code of conduct, a written warning does not need to be applied, and the relevant Committee can move directly to evidence gathering and consideration.

Students and members of the Bowlby Centre community who are the subject of a complaint of misconduct under The Bowlby Centre’s Complaints policy or against whom a criminal charge is pending or who is the subject of a police investigation may be suspended or excluded pending the resolution of the complaint or a trial.

No student or member of The Bowlby Centre community will be suspended, deferred or expelled unless he or she has been given an opportunity to make representations in person to the relevant Committee, and to be accompanied by a friend. Where it is not possible for the student to attend in person, he or she will be allowed to make written representations.  

Appeals process

Students and members of The Bowlby Centre community aggrieved by a decision to fine, suspend, defer or expel have the right of appeal to the Chair of the Ethics Committee within 10 working days, giving the grounds for the appeal, but will remain suspended during the appeal process. The Chair of the Ethics Committee will consider the appeal and will decide within 15 working days whether to uphold or amend the decision made.  The Chair of the Ethics Committee can extend this timescale if they require additional evidence, information or to interview the student/Bowlby Centre community member. The decision of the Chair of the Ethics Committee will be final.