In October 2021, the Government announced a new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), with a 12-month transition period before it became enforceable.
That code of ethics, which comes into force today (October 25, 2022), sets behavioural standards for LBPs to give the industry and consumers clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and to hold them to account.
The code of ethics will ensure high standards are maintained in the industry, while giving the public more confidence that LBPs are undertaking building work in a safe, legal and professional way, and that they will take responsibility for their work.
Most LBPs already work to the highest professional and ethical standards, so formalising this into a code of ethics aligns the LBP scheme with international best practice.
It also provides clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally.
The code of ethics is made up of 19 standards, which sit under four key principles:
• Work safely.
• Act within the law.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Behave professionally.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has information and education resources available to help LBPs, and consumers who have commissioned an LBP, to understand the requirements of the code of ethics and LBPs’ obligations under it.
This includes an interactive online learning module which will help LBPs and consumers learn more about the code of ethics, and support LBPs understanding about what their obligations are under the code of ethics.
How the code of ethics was developed
In April 2019, the MBIE began work on the code of ethics as part of the Building System Reform Programme. In December 2019, the Minister for Building and Construction agreed to introduce a code of ethics, alongside other work to strengthen the LBP scheme.
In September 2020, the MBIE consulted with key stakeholders and all LBPs on the proposals for the code of ethics. The consultation ran for eight weeks and reached out to approximately 26,000 stakeholders.
Over the course of the consultation period, the MBIE received 79 written submissions and engaged with 277 webinar attendees.
The MBIE considered this feedback and made changes to ensure the code of ethics met the Building System Reforms’ aims and the needs of the sector.
In mid-2021, the MBIE made final adjustments to the code of ethics before it was made by Order in Council on October 26, 2021.
• You can read more about the LBP code of ethics on the Building Performance web site at www.lbp.govt.nz/for-lbps/code-of-ethics.
