Credit Consultants Association Policy and
Procedure for Ethical Inquiries, and Responding to Allegations of Ethical
Violations
Background
Credit Consultants
Association has promulgated a Code of Ethics that is available to all members.
The
Code of Ethics sets forth the standard of professional conduct members to
which are expected to adhere. The
Ethics Committee is an important educational resource for Credit Consultants
Association members and is available to members inquiring about matters of
ethical and professional conduct. Neither Credit Consultants Association nor its
Ethics Committee has ever been charged with the task of investigating ethical
concerns raised by non-members that, if true, may constitute a violation of the
Code of Ethics. Rather, this investigative task has been left to the appropriate
state regulatory bodies. However, a policy and procedure is needed that
encourages member education about and compliance with the Credit Consultants
Association Code of Ethics and provides a vehicle for addressing third-party
concerns and/or charges of misconduct against a Credit Consultants Association
member.
Policy
It is the policy of the
Credit Consultants Association that its members maintain high professional and
ethical standards. To reinforce this policy, members receive education and
regular updates on the Association’s Code of Ethics, are encouraged to contact
the Credit Consultants Association Ethics Committee with any questions they have
regarding inappropriate conduct within the scope of the Code of Ethics, and are
regularly reminded to comport themselves professionally so as to be in
compliance with the Association’s Code of Ethics. It is the policy of Credit
Consultants Association that the Ethics Committee is an educational arm of the
Association and not an investigative body. However, it is important to provide a
timely response to concerns about alleged misconduct by Credit Consultants
Association members voiced by third parties. In furtherance of the above policy,
Credit Consultants Association adopts the following procedures.
Procedures
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When accepted for membership in Credit Consultants
Association, each new member is provided with a copy of the
Code of Ethics. The information will be provided online..
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At least annually, Members will be reminded of the
Association’s expectation that members conduct themselves professionally so
as to comply with the Credit Consultants Association Code of Ethics.
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Credit Consultants Association will use appropriate
email newsletter or its website, and other appropriate technology to
communicate the Association’s expectations regarding compliance with the
Credit Consultants Association Code of Ethics to members.
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In the event a non-member (or a member) brings to the
attention of the Association or any of its governing body a written
allegation of ethical misconduct against a Credit Consultants Association
member, the association will:
a. Promptly respond to the
individual and inform him or her that although Credit Consultants Association
does not investigate allegations against members who may have violated the Code
of Ethics, the individual is encouraged to contact the applicable state
regulatory body as appropriate. However, we will remove them from our database.
b.
Advise the individual that any written statement submitted to Credit Consultants
Association, of the alleged misconduct, will be maintained in a confidential
file at the Credit Consultants Association administrative office.
c.
Advise the complainant that a copy of her/his written statement will be sent to
the accused Credit Consultants Association member who will be given the
opportunity to provide a written online response in pdf format.