The president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Lord Broers, is calling engineers to take an oath to adopt ethical values in both their professional and private capacity.

Speaking at the Ethics in Engineering conference last month, Broers said: 鈥淢edics and vets already take an oath, so why not engineers?鈥� The move follows the publication of a Statement of Ethical Principles by the Royal Academy of Engineering in collaboration with the Engineering Council (UK), to which all professional engineers and related bodies should subscribe.

The statement lists four principles: accuracy, honesty, respect for others and responsible leadership (see fact file).

Policing the code will be the duty of the individual institutions said John Uff, professor of engineering and law at Kings College London and the man responsible for drafting the code.

He said: 鈥淓nforcement and sanctions will remain exclusively with the individual institutions and their appeals tribunal.鈥�

Some professional institutions including the IEE, IIE and IMechE have already endorsed the ethics statement.

The ethics engineers should adopt:

Accuracy and veracity


  • not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about engineering matters
    n每present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias

    Honesty and Integrity

    Engineers should:

  • avoid deceptive acts and take steps to prevent corrupt practices and professional misconduct; they should also declare conflicts of interest
    n每Reject bribery or improper influence

    Respect for life, law and public good

    Engineers should:

  • ensure all work is lawful and justified n每act honourably, responsibly and lawfully

    Responsible leadership

    Engineers should:

  • issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner n每have a duty to ensure that their position is not used to the benefit of personal or sectional interests or to the detriment of the wider community

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