The Institution’s Rules of Conduct and associated Guidance Notes are under review by the Professional Practice Committee. When this has been completed, they will be published for the benefit of all members. It is not expected that major changes will be made. In the meantime, on the recommendation of the committee, the Council of the Institution has approved a new Guidance Note on terms of reference, the text of which is given below:
The Professional Practice Committee is concerned that a disproportionate number of complaints made against members of the Institution result from the engagement of a structural engineer by private individuals or small businesses who have employed the engineer to give advice on problems affecting property or minor works. All too often the complaint has its origins in failure by the engineer to ensure that the omplainant has appreciated the nature of and limitations on the service which has been given. The purpose of this Guidance Note is to offer advice to consulting engineers on their employment in this field.