Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)
Regulatory Framework Manual
Part X — Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
**Version:** 1.0
1. Purpose
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct establishes the ethical principles, professional values, and standards of behaviour expected of every member of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria).
The Code exists to safeguard the welfare, dignity, rights, and wellbeing of care recipients while promoting professionalism, integrity, accountability, and public confidence in the caregiving profession.
Compliance with this Code is mandatory for all members, Accredited Training Partners, Accredited Care Facilities, Accredited Care Agencies, Approved Instructors, and all individuals certified or accredited by NIC Nigeria.
2. Core Values
Every member of NIC Nigeria shall uphold the following core values:
Compassion
Respect
Integrity
Professionalism
Accountability
Excellence
Service
Confidentiality
Fairness
Continuous Learning
These values shall guide every professional decision and interaction.
3. Respect for Human Dignity
Members shall:
Treat every individual with dignity and respect.
Recognise the uniqueness and worth of every person.
Promote independence wherever possible.
Respect personal beliefs, culture, religion, and lifestyle.
Protect vulnerable persons from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation.
No member shall engage in degrading, humiliating, or abusive behaviour.
4. Duty of Care
Members shall:
Place the wellbeing and safety of care recipients above personal convenience.
Deliver care competently and responsibly.
Work within the limits of their training and competence.
Seek assistance when situations exceed their professional capability.
Report concerns affecting the safety of care recipients.
5. Professional Competence
Members shall:
Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills.
Deliver care according to accepted standards.
Follow approved procedures and protocols.
Participate in professional development activities required by NIC Nigeria.
Members shall not undertake duties for which they are not appropriately trained or authorised.
6. Integrity and Honesty
Members shall:
Act honestly in all professional dealings.
Provide truthful information to NIC Nigeria.
Maintain accurate records.
Avoid fraud, deception, and misrepresentation.
Declare conflicts of interest where they arise.
Professional integrity is fundamental to public trust.
7. Confidentiality
Members shall protect confidential information obtained during professional practice.
Confidential information shall only be disclosed:
With lawful authority.
With informed consent where appropriate.
Where required to protect life or public safety.
Where disclosure is required by law.
Confidential information shall never be used for personal benefit.
8. Professional Relationships
Members shall:
Treat colleagues with respect.
Promote teamwork.
Communicate professionally.
Support learners and junior colleagues.
Avoid harassment, intimidation, bullying, or discrimination.
Professional disagreements shall be handled respectfully.
9. Boundaries
Members shall maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
Members shall not:
Exploit professional relationships.
Accept inappropriate gifts or inducements.
Enter relationships that compromise professional judgement.
Use professional authority for personal gain.
10. Safeguarding
Members have a duty to protect children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
Reasonable concerns shall be reported through appropriate organisational and legal channels.
Failure to report serious safeguarding concerns may constitute professional misconduct.
11. Equality and Non-Discrimination
Members shall provide services fairly and without discrimination based on:
Age
Sex
Disability
Ethnic background
Language
Religion
Nationality
Socio-economic status
Health condition
Any other protected characteristic recognised under applicable law
Every person deserves equitable access to safe and respectful care.
12. Professional Appearance and Identification
Members shall:
Present themselves in a clean and professional manner.
Wear appropriate attire required by their organisation.
Display identification where required.
Represent NIC Nigeria professionally at all times.
Professional appearance contributes to public confidence.
13. Use of Digital Technology
Members shall use digital technologies responsibly.
Members shall:
Protect passwords and access credentials.
Maintain confidentiality when using digital systems.
Use the NIC Nigeria Portal responsibly.
Protect electronic records.
Report suspected cybersecurity incidents affecting professional information.
14. Social Media Conduct
Members shall exercise good judgement when using social media.
Members shall not:
Publish confidential information.
Harass or defame others.
Misrepresent professional qualifications.
Use the NIC Nigeria name or logo without authorisation.
Damage the reputation of the profession through irresponsible online conduct.
Members remain professionally accountable for online behaviour.
15. Responsibilities to NIC Nigeria
Members shall:
Comply with all Regulatory Frameworks.
Cooperate with investigations.
Provide accurate information.
Respect the authority of the Institute.
Pay prescribed fees where applicable.
Promote the objectives of NIC Nigeria.
16. Responsibilities of Accredited Organisations
Accredited Training Partners, Care Facilities, and Care Agencies shall:
Promote ethical practice.
Maintain safe learning and working environments.
Support staff development.
Investigate ethical concerns promptly.
Cooperate with NIC Nigeria investigations.
Foster a culture of accountability and respect.
17. Professional Misconduct
Professional misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
Abuse of a care recipient.
Neglect.
Theft or financial exploitation.
Fraud.
Falsification of records.
Academic dishonesty.
Breach of confidentiality.
Harassment.
Discrimination.
Physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse.
Practising beyond one's competence.
Impersonation or misuse of professional credentials.
Conduct that brings NIC Nigeria or the caregiving profession into disrepute.
Professional misconduct may result in disciplinary action.
18. Reporting Ethical Concerns
Every member has a professional responsibility to report serious ethical concerns.
Reports may relate to:
Unsafe care.
Abuse.
Fraud.
Professional misconduct.
Accreditation violations.
Academic malpractice.
Threats to public safety.
NIC Nigeria shall protect the confidentiality of reports to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Sanctions
Breaches of this Code may result in one or more of the following:
Advisory letter.
Mandatory retraining.
Formal warning.
Suspension of membership.
Suspension of instructor approval.
Suspension of accreditation.
Suspension of certification.
Revocation of accreditation.
Revocation of certification.
Referral to law enforcement or other competent authorities where appropriate.
Sanctions shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the breach.
20. Declaration of Commitment
Every member shall affirm the following declaration during registration:
> *"I solemnly affirm that I will uphold the values, ethical principles, professional standards, and responsibilities established by the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria). I will provide compassionate, competent, ethical, and respectful care, protect the dignity and rights of those entrusted to my care, and conduct myself in a manner that upholds the honour and reputation of the caregiving profession and the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)."*
This declaration shall be accepted electronically through the NIC Nigeria Portal and shall form part of every member's permanent record.
21. Review
This Code shall be reviewed periodically by the Governing Council of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria) to ensure that it continues to reflect evolving professional standards, societal expectations, legal requirements, and the mission of the Institute.
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.