Standards of Practice

The College of Applied Biology Act (2002), sets out the mandate of the College and requirements of members’ practice according to principles of conduct and stewardship. Members are accountable for meeting these standards set by the College. The following documents provide guidance and advice to members to meet their obligations.

Code of Ethics

The College of Applied Biology Act has among its purposes the following: (iii)  ensuring the integrity, objectivity and expertise of its members.

The College Code of Ethics (refer to Schedule 2 of the College Rules) sets out 9 principles of conduct that members must follow to meet these purposes.  For each principle the Code provides information on the ways each can be met.

• Ethics Requirements
• Code of Ethics PDF
• Q and A for Ethics document

Principles of Stewardship

In addition, the Act charges members with: (ii)  upholding the principles of stewardship of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and biological resources,

The College defines stewardship as: the management of impacts on ecological systems and their components with the goal of maintaining healthy resilient ecosystems that provide ecological services into the future. The College has identified 6 Principles of Stewardship that, when combined with the Code of Ethics, provide members with foundational standards to guide their practice.

• Q and A for Stewardship document

Professional Practice Competencies and Competence

Fundamental principles of professional reliance are that all applied biology professionals meet high professional standards such as competence, expertise and work within their own area(s) of practice and level(s) of competency. A competency is more comprehensive than skill set(s) alone, it is measurable, assessable and verifiable.

• Professional Practice Competencies and Competence

Other Guidance Documents

• General guidance for members with respect to competence, respectful regard, independence, integrity, business ethics, project management and due diligence (March 2014)
• Guidance for Members Employed in Formal Decision-Making Roles (March 2016)
• Legislated Riparian Assessments in BC: Professional Practice Guidelines (July 2017)
• Conflict of Interest Guidelines (April 2018)
• Schedule 5 of the College Rules: Scope of Independent Practice for Registered Biology Technologists