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Code of Ethics

Your commitment to professionalism

All our members are required to adhere to the our Code of Ethics, a set of principles ensuring we maintain high standards of integrity, probity and ethical fair dealing.

Ethics are a cornerstone of professionalism, and ethical behaviour is crucial to secure public trust and confidence in the insurance and financial planning profession and to build a reputation which people value.

The CII Code of Ethics has been designed to provide members with practical, realistic guidance to follow.

Our members are required to:

  • Comply with the Code and all relevant laws and regulations
  • Act with the highest ethical standards and integrity
  • Act in the best interests of each client
  • Provide a high standard of service
  • Treat people fairly regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation

Failure to comply with the Code may result in disciplinary action against the member and risk adverse publicity for the member and their organisation.

Code of Ethics (PDF)

Green Finance: a Companion to the Code of Ethics

Protection of our natural environment is a global concern. Our Green Finance Companion Guide (PDF) gives members guidance about how to incorporate Green Finance related thinking into their decision-making, and sets out their need to act as role models when it comes to sustainability.

Transparency and Insurance: a Companion to the Code of Ethics

The third in our series of Companions to the Code of Ethics provides a framework for professionals to use the Code of Ethics to reduce the expectation gap between what customers expect, and what insurance providers deliver. The Transparency and Insurance Companion (PDF) summarises the key principles relating to transparency which insurance professionals should observe at each of the following four stages of their customer engagement process: 

  • Designing products and services;
  • Marketing products and services;
  • Engaging with customers for the first time; and
  • Servicing customers throughout the policy life cycle.

Financially Inclusive Customer Outcomes: a Companion to the Code of Ethics

The second in our series of Companions to the Code of Ethics focuses on how to apply the core duties of the CII Code of Ethics to the needs of diverse customer groups. The Financially Inclusive Customer Outcomes Companion (PDF) seeks to help members of the insurance and personal finance professions respond to the varied needs of diverse customer groups, with a particular focus on improving their financial outcomes.

Digital Ethics: a Companion to the Code of Ethics

Working with the Digital Ethics Forum we have developed the Digital Ethics Companion (PDF) to support the five core duties set out in the Code of Ethics, and outlines the key issues that members should take into account when undertaking their work in a digital context.

We have also produced an Accompanying Guide to Digital Ethics (PDF), which highlights how the Digital Ethics Companion applies in practical scenarios.

Your practical guide

We have also developed a practical guide to the Code which can also be used as part of a member's CPD activity, to demystify ethical issues with case studies and a simple guide to understanding the five principles which underpin the Code.

Code of Ethics practical guide (PDF)

Online ethics course

Designed to help members update their knowledge on the CII's Code of Ethics. The course includes:

  • What do we mean by ethics?
  • Ethics and the business environment
  • Ethics in insurance and financial services
  • Ethics and your working environment
  • How to handle ethical issues

Free to members, and once completed members can claim CPD. The course has been added to all the essentials suites of Assess.

Take the online ethics course