The British Reflexology Association
BRA MEMBERS
Code of Conduct
Members are required to follow the Code of Conduct, Practice and Ethics of the British Reflexology Association (BRA). This Code applies to all full members of the Association and is enforceable through the Association’s complaints and disciplinary procedures.
Code of Conduct
BRA members should at all times:
1. Respect the needs of the patient and work towards the benefit of the patient within the scope of reflexology without causing any detriment to the patient
You should promote and protect the best interests of the people being cared for and must not exploit or abuse the relationship with a patient, client, user or carer. Personal views on sex, age, colour, race, disability, sexuality, social or economic status, lifestyle, culture or religious beliefs should not affect the way treatment is given or professional advice provided.
At all times the best possible care must be provided to patients, clients and users, either alone or with other complementary health practitioners, health and social care professionals. You must not do anything or allow anything to be done that you have reason to believe will put the health or safety of a patient, client or user in danger.
If working in a team, you remain accountable for your professional conduct and any care or professional advice you provide. You must protect patients if you believe they are actually or potentially at risk from a colleague’s conduct, performance or health. The safety of patients, clients and users must come before any personal and professional loyalties at all times. If a situation arises that puts a patient, client or user at risk, you should discuss the matter with a senior professional colleague, relevant authority, or the Association.
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2. Respect the confidentiality of patients
You should respect the confidentiality of patients at all times. All information about patients, clients or users should be treated confidentially and used only for the purpose for which it was given. Personal or confidential information should not be released to anyone who is not entitled to it.
Information about a patient, client or user should only be used to continue to care for that person or for purposes where that person has given specific permission for the information to be used.
Conditions regarding relevant data protection legislation must be followed when handling confidential information relating to an individual. Members must comply with UK GDPR and all applicable data protection legislation, and adhere to the British Reflexology Association’s GDPR policy, which is aligned with CNHC requirements and UK GDPR standards.
It is particularly important to be careful not to reveal, deliberately or accidentally, confidential information that is stored electronically.
Confidentiality when treating minors may be a particular challenge and, in most circumstances, it would be appropriate to have an adult present at the consultation. Confidentiality may be breached where required by law or where safeguarding concerns arise.
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3. Maintain high standards of personal conduct
You should maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times.
Conviction of a criminal offence or receipt of a police caution must be reported to the Association and may affect membership.
Criminal offences that may affect membership include, but are not limited to: violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, supplying drugs, drink-driving offences where someone was hurt or killed, serious offences involving dishonesty, or any serious criminal offence for which a custodial sentence is received.
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Code of Practice
4. Observe high standards of performance
All members are required to observe high standards of performance in their reflexology practice.
You should keep aware of developments within the field of reflexology and have a knowledge of other complementary therapies and practitioners available.
You should meet the requirements of continuing professional development (CPD) as may from time to time be required.
You should ensure that the place of practice is maintained in a clean, hygienic manner and in a safe environment for all users.
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5. Act within the limits of your knowledge, skill and experience and, if necessary, refer on to another complementary health practitioner or healthcare professional
You should be aware of conditions which are not within the scope of reflexology treatment and should not treat such conditions.
Only practise in those fields in which you have had appropriate education, training, qualification and experience, and do not include other therapies within reflexology treatment without the consent of the patient.
You must not diagnose medical disorders, although assessment of reflex areas which are out of balance is acceptable.
Duty of care to patients includes the obligation to refer them for further professional advice or treatment if it becomes clear that what they need is beyond your scope of practice. Referral may be to a general practitioner or other appropriate healthcare or complementary health practitioner.
Be prepared to work in collaboration with a patient’s general practitioner or other healthcare or complementary health professionals where appropriate.
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6. Maintain appropriate and effective communication with patients, clients, users, carers and other professionals
Take all reasonable steps to make sure you can communicate properly and effectively with your patients, clients and users, their carers and families.
If involved as part of a healthcare team, communicate effectively, co-operate and share knowledge and expertise with professional colleagues for the benefit of patients, clients and users.
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7. Obtain informed consent to give treatment
Explain to the patient, client or user the treatment you intend to carry out, the potential risks involved, and any alternative options, and obtain informed consent before treatment.
It is recognised that in emergencies you may not be able to fully explain treatment or obtain informed consent.
8. Keep accurate patient, client and user records
Keep records for everyone treated or who asks for professional advice or services. All records should be complete, legible and dated.
All records should be kept securely and protected against loss, damage or use by anyone who is not authorised. Computer-based systems must be protected against unauthorised access or tampering.
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9. Keep in good physical, emotional and mental health
Take action if your physical, emotional or mental health is affected in a way that could impair your fitness to practise. Consider stopping practice or modifying your practice in the best interests of protecting patients.
Be aware of the need to protect patients, clients and users, their carers and families, staff and oneself from infection, and follow appropriate infection prevention and control measures.
Code of Ethics
10. Advertising and public claims
Be aware of the rules of advertising and make no claims to cure disorders or guarantee results, in accordance with the UK advertising codes and relevant legislation.
Any advertising undertaken in relation to professional activities must be accurate and not misleading, false, unfair or exaggerated. It is not acceptable to claim that personal skills, equipment or facilities are superior to those of others.
You should not make or support unjustifiable statements relating to services or products. The financial implications of treatments and products must be made clear.
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11. Carry out duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical way
At all times carry out duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner. Patients, clients and users are entitled to good and safe standards of practice and care.
Be loyal and supportive to other members of your profession and to other complementary health practitioners, and do not improperly solicit patients from another practitioner.
Members must be covered by appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
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12. Behave with integrity and honesty
At all times behave in a manner that does not bring the profession or the Association into disrepute.
You must not be involved in any behaviour or activity likely to damage the profession’s reputation or undermine public confidence. Appropriate professional boundaries must be maintained between practitioner and patient; the development of a personal relationship must result in the cessation of the therapeutic relationship.
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Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures
1. No member shall conduct themselves in a professional capacity in a manner which, in the opinion of the Board, dishonours the profession or the Association.
2. Members are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct, Practice and Ethics.
3. Complaints must be submitted in writing, detailing the name and address of the member and the nature of the complaint, normally within three months of the alleged incident.
4. The Association will acknowledge and respond to complaints within a reasonable time frame.
5. The Board shall investigate any allegation of dishonourable conduct.
6. A committee may be appointed to consider complaints and disciplinary matters.
7. The member concerned shall have the opportunity to respond to allegations.
8. Sanctions may include censure, suspension or termination of membership.
9. Members have the right of appeal to the Chair of the Association, whose decision shall be final.
10. Once concluded, all parties are expected to comply with the final decision.
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Transparency and Public Access
This Code of Conduct, Practice and Ethics is publicly available to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in reflexology practice.