Engineering council publishes updated Statement of Ethical Principles
The Engineering Council has published an updated Statement of Ethical Principles, reinforcing the importance of ethical behaviour and professional integrity across the engineering profession.
Originally developed in 2005 by the Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering, and revised in 2017, the 2026 update reflects changes in technology, professional practice and wider societal expectations. The statement is the result of wide consultation within the engineering profession and with specialists in applied ethics.
It sets out five fundamental principles for ethical behaviour and decision-making. These principles apply to all engineering professionals and underpin the codes of conduct of licensed professional engineering institutions. They are intended to guide engineers at every stage of their career, from apprentices and students through to senior leaders.
Paul Bailey, CEO of the Engineering Council, said: "Being professionally registered is a public statement of trust. It shows a commitment to act ethically, to make sound and responsible decisions, and to place the public interest at the heart of engineering work. Like all our professional registration titles, being Chartered provides formal, peer-reviewed recognition of expertise and high-level competence and commitment to the profession. This includes behaving in an ethical manner, and we are pleased to announce our newly updated Statement of Ethical Principles which emphasises engineers’ responsibility for the future of technology, society and the environment - a long-term duty that is essential to maintaining confidence in our profession.”
The Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering are encouraging employers, education providers and training organisations to adopt and embed the principles within their own frameworks. The aim is to ensure engineering continues to be recognised as a trusted profession, committed to safety, sustainability and acting in the public interest.
Further information on the updated Statement of Ethical Principles is available on the Engineering Council website.