The Code expresses these principles in a series of recommended behaviours which set out how the ART expects its Members to behave in their delivery of their professional services.
Members of the ART are expected to report any concerns they have about the behaviour of another Member to the Secretariat of the ART.
The Behaviours that are expected from all ART Members:
Act in a manner at all times that ensures the safety and health of the client
Respect the confidentiality of the client, and the client’s medical history and personal data, and conform to the data protection principles as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998
Ensure that anyone who may have access to client information understands and maintains the principles of client confidentiality
Members must ensure they take responsibility for all consultations and recommendations to clients, and that where activities are undertaken by someone working under the Member’s supervision or delegated by the Member, that person is competent and has undergone, or is undergoing appropriate training
Maintain professional relationship with clients at all times
Respect diversity in the values, beliefs and lifestyles of all clients at all times
Conduct consultations, treatments and other services in a professional and hygienic manner, ensuring the environment is private, safe and comfortable
During each consultation, ensure that appropriate equipment, treatment and diagnostic aids are available
Recommend only treatments and preparations that are efficacious and safe
Use and recommend treatments and preparations in an appropriate and proportionate manner
Act only within the frame of skill, competency and knowledge appropriate to a trichology consultation and refer the client on to a specialist or other professional when appropriate and timely
Where appropriate, provide trichology services in collaboration with other health care professionals
Ensure the client fully understands the outcome of each consultation and what is being recommended
Obtain client consent and agreement for all consultations and treatments
Where the client relies on a carer for understanding, interpretation and/or assistance, ensure that person understands full what is being recommended and communicates this to the client
Respond to criticism or complaint in an open, courteous and non-confrontational manner; where appropriate contact the ART secretariat for information and advice
Maintain and update records for each client, including dates of consultations, treatments recommended and/or carried out and client consents, and keep those clients safe and confidential
Always act in the best interests of the client and respect client choices
Maintain appropriate insurance cover
When the Secretariat of the ART receives an allegation of a breach of the Code, they will make initial enquiries as to the validity of the allegation. Where it is deemed that the allegation prima facie falls within the Code, they will report the matter to the ART Ethical Standards and Conduct Committee. The Committee can call for and examine any evidence to support the allegation. Depending on the evidence, the Committee can choose to deal with the matter itself by way of recommendation as to future behaviour and additional training as appropriate.
Where the evidence warrants, the Committee can elevate the matter to a special Conduct Board comprising ART Trustees and senior ART Members. The Conduct Board will further investigate the matter. If a serious allegation is upheld, then a range of sanctions will considered, from advising on future conduct to expulsion from ART Membership. At each stage of the investigation the ART will communicate with the Member(s) concerned as to the status of the ‘allegation’ and/or ‘complaint’.