BCPO Code of Ethics

Preamble

The Code of Ethics is a set of principles that governs the professional conduct of Certified Professional Organizers with clients, colleagues, and the community.

BCPO Core Values

The Client: We believe the customer is deserving of practitioners who are educated, experienced, ethical, and have proven competency through examination.

CPO Services: We believe our work is valuable, has positive impact, and should be widely available.

BCPO Program: We believe in a credentialing program based on accreditation standards and a psychometrically sound exam.

Aspiring CPO: We believe a majority of practitioners dedicated to experience, education, and ethics should be able to meet eligibility. CPO: We believe in supporting the success of the aspiring, active, and retiring CPO.

Ethical Principles:

1. Professional Integrity – As a CPO®, I pledge to
   1. protect the interests of the public by striving for excellence in the provision of my services.  
   2. protect the integrity of the CPO credential by exercising judgment, self-restraint, and conscience in all practices and conduct.
      
2. Working Relationships – As a CPO®, I pledge to
   1. offer services only in areas where I am qualified and accurately represent my expertise, qualifications, and credentials in all forms of communication.
   2. seek and maintain equitable, honorable, and cooperative association with other organizing and productivity professionals.
   3. market my services in a lawful and honest manner.
   4. recommend services of other professionals if I am unable or unqualified to fulfill requests for services.                   
   5. respect and not infringe upon intellectual property rights of others and refrain from use of proprietary materials without the owner’s written permission.
   6. comply with all laws applicable to business operations and the provision of my services.
   7. refrain from any fraudulent or deceptive acts or practices.
   8. avoid conflicts between my interests and the interests of my clients.
   9. discuss with my client how to resolve any potential or actual conflict of interest in a way that best serves my client.
      
3. Confidentiality – As a CPO®, I pledge to
   1. respect client confidentiality, including all client information and materials unless otherwise authorized by the client or as required by law.
   2. use reasonable means to keep client information and materials in my possession secure and confidential unless authorized by the client to make public.
4. Fees and Services – As a CPO®, I pledge to
   1. establish fees independently and in a manner that does not involve collusion with competitors and/or colleagues.
   2. charge fees I deem reasonable, legitimate, and commensurate with my experience.
   3. communicate fees and expenses to client prior to beginning services.
   4. recommend products and/or services with the client’s best interests in mind.

Acknowledgment and Agreement
As a condition of being awarded and maintaining status as a Certified Professional Organizer, I voluntarily agree to be bound by and to abide by the Code of Ethics, the Ethics Complaint Procedure for Certified Professional Organizers and any policies or procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of the BCPO, as they are now written or may be amended in the future.

I will report to the Director of Professional Practices my knowledge of any act or omission of another Certified Professional Organizer in violation of this Code, of myself, or of any applicant for certification status in connection with such person’s application. I agree to cooperate in the investigation of alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.

I acknowledge and agree that, if found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics, I am subject to the prescribed disciplinary sanctions of the BCPO. I acknowledge that, in the event of suspension or revocation of my certified status, all rights and privileges of said certification would be terminated.

Revised 2021

BCPO Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statements

BCPO Non-Discrimination and Fairness Policy

The BCPO does not and shall not discriminate on the following, including but not limited to, race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, parental or family status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status in any of its activities or operations, including access to certification, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

BCPO Core Values on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

As the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers, we believe:

that our success relies on the collective efforts of Certified Professional Organizers of all races, religions, backgrounds, ages, abilities, beliefs, gender identities, and orientations. The BCPO welcomes, supports and celebrates the diversity and inclusion of people who are drawn to our profession and our certification. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all aspiring, current and retiring CPOs, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. 

As Certified Professional Organizers, we embrace:

diversity, equity, and inclusion that will enable us to deliver culturally competent work to the diverse communities we serve. 

Adopted 2021