Ethics and Integrity

An organization that certifies works, issues titles of ownership and arbitrates disputes directly influences the value of property. A mere suspicion of partiality is enough to undermine the confidence of the market and of States.

Ethics is therefore not an add-on but a condition of action. It applies to staff, accredited experts, members of the bodies and service providers.

Five values guide decisions: integrity, scientific independence, cooperation, transparency and respect for communities of origin. They are set out on the Values page.

Each rule of conduct is tied to one of these values, which makes it possible to interpret situations not provided for by the text.

The Arbitration and Ethics Committee, one of the five standing committees, supervises the system. An ethics officer, attached to the Secretary-General, advises staff, receives reports and investigates cases.

Member States are informed each year of the activity of the system, in anonymized form, in the ethics report presented to the General Assembly.

Every new staff member undergoes ethics training within the first three months. A refresher is held every two years. Accredited experts receive a module adapted to their responsibilities.

Practical cases, drawn from anonymized real situations, illustrate the most common dilemmas: gifts, invitations, relations with dealers and collectors.

An established breach may result in a warning, suspension, withdrawal of accreditation or dismissal, depending on its seriousness. Anyone accused is heard and may be assisted.

Disciplinary decisions may be appealed before an independent body, provided for by the staff regulations.