Putting the code to work: using ITI's Code of Professional Conduct

Now that ITI's revised Code of Professional Conduct has been approved, the obvious question is: how can you actually use it?

A code of professional conduct isn't just something to turn to when things go wrong. It's a tool that can strengthen your professional positioning, support client conversations, and help you articulate your value. Here are some practical ways to incorporate the code into your marketing and client communications.

In your marketing materials

On your website

Add a clear statement about professional standards to your “About” page or “Services” page:

"As an ITI member, I adhere to the Institute's Code of Professional Conduct, which sets out expectations around professional competence, confidentiality, and ethical business practices."

You could link to the text on the ITI website, or create your own dedicated page explaining what the code means for your clients.

On LinkedIn and other professional profiles

Include adherence to professional standards in your summary or "About" section:

"I am committed to upholding ITI's Code of Professional Conduct, ensuring that my clients can trust in my professional competence, confidentiality, and ethical business practices."

In marketing and other business materials

If you produce capability statements, service guides, or information packs for clients, include a section on professional standards. Explain that you work within a defined professional framework and what that means in practice.

In your email signature

Consider adding a line such as: "Qualified Member  / Associate member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting | Bound by ITI's Code of Professional Conduct"

This is subtle but signals professional accountability every time you communicate.

In client conversations

Many clients won't know what a professional code involves. You can explain that ITI's Code of Professional Conduct means they are working with someone who:

• Only accepts work they're qualified to do
• Maintains strict confidentiality
• Uses technology appropriately and transparently
• Maintains professional competence through ongoing development
• Operates ethically and with integrity

When discussing confidentiality

Rather than just saying "I'll keep your information confidential", you can reference the code:

"Confidentiality is a core requirement of ITI's Code of Professional Conduct. I'm bound by clear obligations around protecting client information and materials."

This moves the conversation from personal assurance to professional accountability.

When explaining why you can't take on certain work

The code supports you when you need to decline projects that fall outside your competence:

"ITI's Code of Professional Conduct requires members to only accept work they're qualified to undertake. This project falls outside my specialist area, so I'd recommend..."

This frames declining work as professional integrity rather than just turning down business.

When discussing fees and working conditions

The code can support conversations about fair remuneration:

"The Code of Professional Conduct I work to emphasises professional competence and quality service. That requires adequate time and fair compensation to do the work properly."

When clients ask about technology use

With the new section on technology in the code, you have a framework for discussing AI and machine translation:

"ITI's Code of Professional Conduct addresses technology use. I use appropriate tools to support quality and efficiency, but always maintain professional responsibility for the final output."

In proposals and quotes

Professional standards section

Consider adding a brief section to your proposals:

"Professional standards: As an ITI member, I work within the framework set out in ITI's Code of Professional Conduct. This ensures you can rely on professional competence, confidentiality, and ethical business practices throughout our work together."

Terms and conditions

Reference the code in your terms:

"Services are provided in accordance with ITI's Code of Professional Conduct, which sets standards for professional competence, confidentiality, and business ethics."

When problems arise

Managing difficult situations

If a client makes unreasonable demands or requests something inappropriate, the code gives you a professional framework to reference:

"I need to decline this request as it conflicts with ITI's Code of Professional Conduct, which requires me to maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest."

This de-personalises the refusal and makes it about professional standards rather than personal preference.

Responding to complaints

If a client raises concerns, referencing the code shows you take professional standards seriously:

"I take professional standards very seriously. ITI's Code of Professional Conduct sets clear expectations and I'm committed to meeting them. Let me understand your concern and then we can work out how we can resolve this issue."

Supporting the profession

The more ITI members reference the code in their professional practice, the more clients will come to recognise it as a mark of professional accountability. This benefits everyone in the profession. When clients see multiple ITI members referencing the same professional framework, it reinforces the message that translation and interpreting are respected professions with defined standards, not just services that can be provided by anyone who is bilingual.

The Code of Professional Conduct is a tool that can support your professional practice. The more thoughtfully you incorporate it into your work, the more value it provides – for you, for your clients, and for the profession as a whole.