RGD and GDC are pleased to announce that a new joint Code of Ethics* has been created as the next step in aligning our two organizations' Certification processes.
The new RGD/GDC Code of Ethics is very similar to RGD's Rules of Professional Conduct, with valuable refinements and additions being incorporated from GDC's Code of Conduct. Members of both organizations have previously been required to abide by their respective Codes/Rules, and that will continue to be the case with this new document. The new Code is broken into categories for ease of use; each category has a set of Rules that are supported by a set of Best Practices. The Rules are intended to be clear, objective and easy to follow; the Best Practices are recommended guidelines for professional and ethical behaviour by Members.
Download and review the new joint RGD/GDC Code of Ethics here.
"RGD is proud to present a new Code of Ethics for our Members in unification with the GDC," says Jennifer Taback RGD, VP of RGD's Ethics Committee. "Through this new unified Code, we are providing RGD and GDC Members across the country with consistent rules and guidelines for professional and ethical conduct."
"We would like to extend special thanks to Matt Warbuton CGD FGDC, GDC's Ethics Chair, for working with RGD on this unified Code," adds Stüssy Tschudin RGD, RGD's Past-President. "Collaboration is integral to the strength of both organizations, and we're so pleased with the results of this undertaking."
The new GDC/RGD Code of Ethics was ratified at RGD's Annual General Meeting in Toronto on April 29, 2019. GDC's National Council will vote on the new Code at their AGM on May 31, 2019.
* At our AGM, the RGD Membership ratified the Code under the name "Code of Conduct," but in consultation with GDC, the RGD Board voted to change the name to "Code of Ethics." Representatives from RGD and GDC's respective Ethics Committees will meet quarterly to discuss further refinements and additions that are being considered. The new name and further changes will be ratified at RGD's AGM in 2020.
RGD's along with the GDC's Certification Committees will now be working to update the Ethics section of the Online Test component of RGD's Certification Process to ensure it aligns with the new Code before officially adopting the new Code as the suggested text for this section. We anticipate this process to be complete before the end of May.
Certified RGDs can direct questions about the new Code of Ethics to Hilary Ashworth, Executive Director, at .