INTRODUCTION

1. The Engineering Industries Association (EIA) is primarily an organisation devoted to enhancing Members' and the Industry's business. The Board of the EIA believe that this aim can be assisted by its Members agreeing to a binding Voluntary Code that seeks to ensure fair play among all parties in a transaction.

2. Even in well regulated business dealings differing interpretation of contractual arrangements will arise. The EIA believes that these differences can best be resolved by the parties negotiating in good faith.

3. Members contravening the Code may be expelled from the Association.

GENERAL

4. The status of the EIA is dependent upon Members upholding the reputation of the Association at all times.

   The following are fundamental:

   1. Compliance with the law in spirit and in deed.
   2. Acceptance of the will of the majority in Association matters where specific regulations are not laid down.
   3. Fair trading and inter-trading contained between Members.
   4. Acceptance of the rules contained in this Code.

THE ASSOCIATION

5. Members should support the activities of the Board and the Regional Committees.

   The EIA depends upon the co-operation of its Members to:

   1. Promote a profitable industry able to fund continued development and modernisation and thus attract the necessary financial support.
   2. Develop the case for Engineering and its position in Society. This requires Members to make their views known.
   3. Utilise other Members' services wherever possible.
   4. Encourage suitable firms to become Members and so provide the essential collective negotiating strength to improve prospects for the Industry.
6. A successful Association needs to develop both business and social activities. Social events, although optional, should be supported if they are to benefit Members.
7. The EIA seeks to express the views of all sizes of manufacturing and sub-contracting firms and to enhance the influence of its Members, so that the Government at national and local level produces the best possible environment in which Members can operate. The larger the section represented, provided the quality of firm is maintained at a high level, the greater the influence that can be exerted. Members should, therefore, actively seek to enhance the EIA's standing in the community.
8. The EIA offers management support services and encourages Members to share in the provision of information and support to fellow Members. It is the aim of the EIA to promote Best Practice.

PERSONAL CONDUCT

9. Members should:

   1. Seek to make best use of all those resources placed at their disposal be they human, material, financial or other to produce a satisfactory product to meet those demands placed on them at minimum cost.
   2. Adopt the best possible known practice within acceptable cost parameters. Fundamental to professionalism is the quality of the product be it service, sub-contract or manufacture. In this respect EIA Members must be aware of developments in quality control, in particular the standards required by BS EN ISO 9000,9001,9002
   3. Take steps to keep abreast of technological change.
   4. Offer information and guidance in an impartial manner and not seek to influence other parties other than by constructive and accurate statements.
   5. If unable to undertake the task or to offer guidance, then alternative satisfactory sources of information should be indicated or the matter referred to the Association.
   6. While following a course of action that will lead to a profitable outcome, refrain from any action that would bring their own position or that of the EIA into disrepute.
   7. Accept responsibility for those actions they initiate.

CUSTOMERS

10. Members should:

    1. Ensure that the requirements of customers and suppliers are properly considered and not become involved in any practice that might be considered as unfair trading or may not conform to the provision of the Competition Act.
    2. Ensure that all the terms of each transaction are stated clearly.
    3. Ensure that customers and suppliers are informed of any action which may materially affect the terms of a transaction and take all reasonable action to minimise risk to the parties involved.
    4. Avoid entering into arrangements which unlawfully inhibit the process of open competition.
    5. Respect confidentiality of any information if so requested by customers and suppliers.
    6. Establish and develop with customers and suppliers a continuing and satisfactory relationship leading to mutual confidence.
    7. Neither offer nor accept any gift, favour or hospitality intended as, or having the effect of, bribery or corruption.
    8. Accept or deliver the product or service within the quality, quantity, time, price and payment parameters agreed.

SOCIETY

11. Members should:

    1. Recognise the Association's obligations to its employees, suppliers, customers, users, society and the environment.
    2. Make the most effective use of all natural resources and energy sources for the benefit of the Association and with minimum detriment to the public interest.
    3. Avoid harmful pollution and, wherever economically possible, reprocess or recycle waste material.
    4. Ensure that all public communications are true and not misleading.
    5. Be willing to exercise influence and skill for the benefit of the community within which the Association operates.