SET Code of Ethics and Conduct

The Society for Education and Training (SET) Code of Ethics and Conduct sets out the professional behaviour and conduct expected of SET Members.

As the professional body for the Further Education (FE) and Training sector, SET is the voice of its members, dedicated to raising the standard and reputation of FE teaching and training.

Our mission is to champion the quality and professionalism of teaching and training across the sector, and we require all members of SET to adhere to the standards and behaviours set out in this Code of Ethics and Conduct.

These obligations are grouped into headings of Professional Responsibility (your commitment to the industry), Professional Behaviour (your commitment to yourself) and Professional Competency (your commitment to development). They apply to all members, at all stages of your career.

We take concerns regarding alleged breaches of the Code very seriously, and failure to adhere to the Code may result in removal from SET Membership as per our Investigation and Disciplinary policy and procedures. SET reserves the right to inform relevant parties of any misconduct from a SET Member. You can view cases of previous breaches of the code which will be published following the conclusion of the investigation. 

Professional Responsibility

As a member of SET, you agree to:

  1. Uphold the reputation of the profession – you must not act in a manner that is likely to undermine the public's faith and confidence in you and your profession.
  2. Uphold your responsibilities as a Further Education and Training professional towards stakeholders and the wider community.
  3. Ensure appropriate access to inclusive activities and services for the Further Education and Training sector.
  4. Support others in their development and be an advocate for the profession.
  5. Behave in a suitable way to safeguard young people, adults at risk and, where relevant, children within your care.
  6. Not engage in any online behaviour that you would not be acceptable in your workplace, that puts your profession into discredit, or that is illegal.


Professional Behaviour

As a member of SET, you agree to:

  1. Act ethically, honestly and with integrity in the educational setting, without compromising or abusing your position.
  2. Act in a way that exhibits and fosters respect for other people's customs, habits, culture and personal beliefs, recognising difference as a strength.
  3. Act in a way which demonstrates and promotes sustainable development and respects human rights standards.
  4. Comply with all reasonable requests for information from SET (including all reasonable requests that you consent to the disclosure of information held by third parties about you).
  5. Co-operate with any investigation in your capacity as a Further Education and Training professional and in accordance with the law.
  6. Not seek to stop any person from raising a concern or from whistleblowing, nor to act unfairly towards them if they were to do so.
  7. Act in accordance and adhere to the Terms and Conditions of Membership and inform SET within 15 working days of any information which may have a bearing on your suitability for membership.


Professional Competency

As a member of SET, you agree to:

  1. Uphold and demonstrate commitment to the ETF Professional Standards.
  2. Use reasonable professional judgement when it comes to your responsibilities and obligations to students, colleagues, institutions and the profession as a whole.
  3. Take care to ensure the safety and welfare of learners and comply with relevant statutory provisions to support their well-being and development.
  4. Respect the rights of learners and colleagues in line with relevant legislation and organisation requirements.
  5. Maintain professional knowledge and competence through continuing professional development in both teaching and subject specialism.


SET Values

In return, we, the Society for Education and Training, agree to act in accordance with our values.

We are: Responsive, Striving for Excellence, Inclusive, Expert and Trustworthy.

We will:

  1. Be responsive by listening to our members and providing effective solutions.
  2. Continue to strive for excellence, aiming for the highest standards in everything we do.
  3. Be inclusive and reflect your views in our thinking and actions.
  4. Base our decisions on evidence and expertise from you, our members, and the wider sector.
  5. Be open, honest and act with integrity.

© 2023 The Education and Training Foundation. The Society for Education and Training (SET) is part of the Education and Training Foundation.
Company number 08540597. Registered charity number: 1153859. 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road London SW1W 9SP.