For all linguists
As the Royal Charter body for all linguists, CIOL represents language professionals and linguists in all fields, sectors and walks of life.
Setting the standard
CIOL sets and maintains high standards of entry for membership, and requires all Members and Affiliates to adhere to the general principles as set out in the CIOL Code of Professional Conduct.
Protecting members and the public
Both the Professional Code and the Affiliate Code are designed to afford protection to members and the public and they are approved by CIOL Council. The current version of the Affiliate Code was approved by Council in April 2023.
The CIOL Affiliate Code of Conduct
All CIOL Affiliates are expected to act in accordance with the three principles outlined below:
Integrity and Honesty
Affiliates should:
- Be honest and accurate in representing their language skills, qualifications and professional affiliations, including such matters as knowledge, skill, training, education and experience.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure that their language qualifications and competencies are not misrepresented by others, and to correct any misrepresentation identified. Affiliates should recognise and clarify the limits of their knowledge, skills, training, qualifications, education and experience.
- Not use their Affiliate status as a means of conveying a level of linguistic competency or professional standard, especially if offered or applying for interpreting, translating or language teaching work.
Respect and Fairness
CIOL is committed to maintaining and promoting languages and intercultural understanding as a UK Royal Charter organisation.
This means:
- Affiliates will not discriminate against, bully or harass or intimidate others on: any cultural or role difference, including (but not exclusively) those involving: age, disability, education, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, language, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital or family status, and socio-economic status.
- As a UK Royal Charter organisation, where there is ambiguity or conflict in interpretation of what constitutes respect and fairness, CIOL will follow UK laws and norms as the guide to any action or determination.
Affiliates are invited to view CIOL’s statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.
Responsibility and Accountability
All Affiliates should be aware of their ethical, legal and professional responsibilities incumbent to the specific community in which they live, and also to this Institute.
In particular, Affiliates:
- should avoid personal and professional misconduct that might bring CIOL or the wider reputation of linguists into disrepute.
- shall not speak in the name of CIOL, its Council or committees, without prior agreement.
With the provisos above, Affiliates are encouraged to support public knowledge and understanding of languages in line with the Royal Charter.
This code should be read in conjunction with the CIOL Professional Code and Professional Conduct Procedures
