Code of Ethics and Practice
Code of Ethics and Practice
Professional Standards for FEDANT Registrants
Clients, parents, co-parents and families must be able to trust professionals registered with FEDANT. This Code sets out the ethical and professional standards expected of every FEDANT registrant and explains how those standards help protect the public.
This Code applies to all FEDANT registrants working in the antenatal and postnatal sector, including Antenatal Educators, Breastfeeding Counsellors, Infant Feeding Practitioners, Doulas, Postnatal Practitioners and other categories shown on the FEDANT National Register. Registrants must follow this Code whenever they provide professional services, whether paid or unpaid, in person or online.
Core Duties of Every Registrant
- Put the wellbeing, safety, dignity and interests of the client first.
- Respect each client’s individuality, beliefs, culture, choices and right to make informed decisions.
- Treat every client fairly, with care, compassion and consideration, without discrimination.
- Obtain informed consent and respect a client’s right to decline or withdraw consent.
- Protect confidential information and handle personal information in accordance with applicable data protection law.
- Ensure personal beliefs and opinions do not prejudice or override the needs and choices of the client.
- Recognise the limits of professional competence and make an appropriate referral when necessary.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid exploiting a client’s trust or vulnerability.
- Work constructively with colleagues and other health professionals in the client’s best interests.
- Avoid any act or situation that could compromise a client’s dignity, privacy or safety.
- Act honestly and with integrity in professional relationships, publicity and public statements.
- Keep knowledge and skills up to date through appropriate continuing professional development.
- Maintain appropriate professional insurance for every area of practice undertaken.
- Work only within the category or categories shown on their FEDANT National Register entry.
1. Entry to the FEDANT National Register
1.1. The FEDANT National Register lists professionals who have satisfied the entry requirements for the category or categories shown on their individual register entry.
1.2. Registrants must hold appropriate and valid professional insurance. Cover must include Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and, where appropriate, Product Liability, in accordance with FEDANT’s current insurance requirements.
1.3. Registration applies only to the approved category or categories displayed on the individual’s register entry. A registrant must not imply that FEDANT has approved an unlisted qualification or area of practice.
2. Professional Relationships
2.1. This Code provides the basis for professional working relationships between registrants, clients, colleagues and healthcare professionals, with regard to client safety and the law.
2.2. All FEDANT registrants are required to comply with this Code of Ethics and Practice.
2.3. FEDANT has procedures for considering alleged breaches of this Code.
2.4. Registrants must communicate respectfully, maintain professional boundaries and manage any conflict of interest openly and appropriately.
3. Competence, Safety and Continuing Development
3.1. Registrants must maintain a high level of professional responsibility in every service they provide.
3.2. The interests, choices, dignity and safety of the client must remain the registrant’s primary concern.
3.3. Registrants must monitor, develop and maintain their professional competence and must work within the limits of their training, qualifications and experience.
3.4. Registrants must undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to a minimum value of 20 mapped academic points in each calendar year. CPD may include in-service training, supervision, counselling, research and other relevant consultative support.
3.5. Services provided without payment carry the same professional obligations as services for which a fee is charged.
3.6. Registrants must take all reasonable steps to protect client safety and comply with relevant health, safety, safeguarding and infection-control requirements appropriate to the service provided.
3.7. Registrants must support appropriate collaborative working while maintaining confidentiality. Information may be shared with the client’s consent when making a referral, or without consent only where there is a lawful or safeguarding justification.
3.8. Advice and information must be accurate, within the registrant’s competence, and clearly distinguished from medical diagnosis or treatment where these are outside the registrant’s professional role.
4. Confidentiality, Records and Data Protection
4.1. Registrants must keep client information confidential and store records securely for an appropriate period in accordance with applicable law, insurance requirements and professional guidance.
4.2. Clients should be told how their information will be used, stored and shared. Registrants must take particular care when communicating by email, messaging services, video platforms or social media.
4.3. Confidential information may be disclosed only with consent or where disclosure is required or permitted by law, including when necessary to protect a person from serious harm.
5. Advertising and Professional Representation
5.1. Registrants may advertise their services, but all claims must be honest, accurate, lawful and not misleading.
5.2. Registrants must accurately state their qualifications, FEDANT registration status and approved register categories. They must not imply endorsement of services, qualifications or products beyond the scope of their FEDANT registration.
5.3. Testimonials, images and client stories may be used only with appropriate consent and with proper regard for confidentiality and privacy.
6. Public Statements, Teaching and Digital Practice
6.1. Registrants must exercise care when making public statements, teaching, publishing material or using social media. Information must be presented responsibly and within the registrant’s competence.
6.2. A registrant must not claim to represent the views of FEDANT without prior written consent. FEDANT may ask to examine relevant material before giving consent.
6.3. The same standards of conduct, confidentiality, consent and professional boundaries apply to online and remote services as to face-to-face practice.
7. Retirement, Incapacity or Death of a Registrant
7.1. Registrants should make suitable arrangements for the secure transfer, retention or disposal of confidential records if they retire, become unable to practise or die. These arrangements must comply with applicable data protection law, insurance requirements and professional obligations. Personal representatives may contact FEDANT for guidance.
8. Working in Hospitals and Other Healthcare Settings
8.1. A registrant who is also a nurse or midwife must work within the current standards and guidance of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and within the limits of their professional registration.
8.2. Registrants who are not nurses or midwives but work in hospitals or other healthcare settings must act discreetly and considerately, consult the person or team responsible for care, follow local policies and avoid any action that could obstruct or conflict with the work of healthcare professionals.
9. Safeguarding
9.1. Registrants must understand and follow the safeguarding responsibilities relevant to their role, place of work and jurisdiction.
9.2. Concerns about the safety or welfare of a baby, child or adult at risk must be responded to promptly and referred through appropriate safeguarding procedures. Registrants must keep an accurate record of the concern and action taken.
10. Discipline and Complaints
10.1. Acceptance of this Code demonstrates that registrants recognise their professional responsibilities to clients, colleagues, FEDANT and the public. The Code supports public confidence and the fair and transparent consideration of complaints.
10.2. Registrants must notify FEDANT promptly of complaints, disciplinary findings, relevant restrictions, cautions or criminal convictions that may affect their fitness to practise or registration.
10.3. FEDANT may convene a Disciplinary Committee to investigate a complaint or alleged breach of this Code. Registrants must cooperate honestly and fully with any investigation.
10.4. The Disciplinary Committee may consider a registrant’s fitness, conduct or competence and may impose an appropriate outcome, including removal from the National Register. Any future application for readmission will be considered under the requirements in force at that time.
11. Industrial Disputes
11.1. A FEDANT Disciplinary Committee will not determine the merits of an industrial dispute. However, it may consider an allegation of misconduct or a breach of this Code regardless of whether the alleged conduct occurred during industrial action or in another circumstance.