Code of Conduct

1. General Principles

This Code of Conduct is designed to encourage and uphold integrity and responsibility in the practice of Reflexology and to further the standing of our profession and of Professional Reflexologists

Members shall skilfully and caringly practice Reflexology for the benefit of the client / patient. Being aware of the client relationship members shall develop listening skills and practice Reflexology with a caring attitude. The comfort and welfare of the client shall have priority at all times.
Members shall recognize the unique nature of the individual and shall have respect for all religions, spiritual, political and social views irrespective of race, colour, creed or sex
A member may refuse to give treatment should they believe for whatever reason that to do so would not be in the best interest of the client/patient or practitioner, provided that the refusal is carried out in a professional manner.
Members should not speak or write disrespectfully of fellow Reflexologists either publicly or to clients.
Members shall at all times conduct themselves in an honourable and courteous manner and with due diligence in their relations with their clients and the public. They shall work in a co-operative manner with other health care professionals and recognize and respect their particular contribution within the health care team, irrespective of whether they perform from an allopathic or complementary base.
Members are responsible for continuing their personal and professional development by updating their training and conferring with colleagues with a view to increasing their knowledge and awareness.

2. The Practitioner

The member must ensure that his/her professional practice is fully covered by insurance against possible claims made against him/her in respect of public liability and malpractice.
A private treatment room with easy access to both toilet and hand washing facilities should be provided
Premises and equipment must be clean, hygienic and suitable for the practice of Reflexology
Members should ensure that they themselves are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practice.
Members shall adhere to, and conduct their practice within, the law both national and local pertaining to the country in which their practice is based.

3. Members shall not

Diagnose a medical condition
Claim to cure
Prescribe or administer remedies, herbs, supplements, essential oils or other products unless their training and qualifications entitle them to do so.
A member shall practice only within the limits of his / her professional training and competency. No unqualified advice should be given.
Members shall not give the impression of medical training or other qualifications unless they possess them
A member who suspects that a client is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, should advise the client to consult their medical practitioner.

4. Responsibility towards Clients

A member shall recognize the responsibility he/she has towards a client at all times.
During an initial consultation with a client an accurate description of Reflexology should be given.
Establish goals with each client and evaluate the outcome at the end of each session.
A statement of fees should be made before commencement of treatment.
Full and accurate records of treatments given should be kept. The following details shall be included:-

– Dates and findings of treatments

– Name, address, telephone number,

– Name and Address of local medical doctor.

– Relevant details of medical history

In practicing other therapies a member shall make clear to the client/patient that such therapies form no part of a Reflexology treatment.
Members shall respect confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice except where disclosure is required by law. Members have an implicit duty to keep attendances, all information, records and views formed about clients entirely confidential. No disclosure may be made to any third party, without the client’s express consent unless it is required by due process of the law, whether by Statute, Statutory instrument, or court order.
The treatment of a client shall be holistic.

5. Publicity

Members shall seek to attract business fairly and professionally at all times.
Advertising shall be moral, ethical, truthful, and remain within the boundaries of this Code of Practice and Ethics.
Publicity shall be confined to drawing attention to the therapy available, the qualifications of the member and the offer of the member’s service(s) together with such details as are necessary for that purpose.
Within member publicity no claim shall be made to cure or diagnose medical conditions.
Members shall not seek to mislead, or to abuse the trust of, existing or potential clients or to exploit any lack of knowledge.

6. Scope of Practice

Specific techniques and areas of application define the unique quality of Reflexology as opposed to any other practice. The traditional practice of Reflexology primarily focuses on the theory of reflex maps and their representation on the various parts of the body primarily feet, also including lesser known areas such as the hands and outer ears. Reflexology as a manual practice consists of working with specific finger, thumb and hand techniques in order to stimulate reflex points on the feet, hands and outer ears.

Educators of Reflexology should have been in professional practice for at least five years before becoming eligible to establish a Practitioners Training Course. Assistant tutors require three years professional experience. All require a recognized teaching qualification.

This Code is not a substitute for those of other professional bodies to which a member may belong. Members are encouraged to join professional bodies especially with regard to other disciplines that they may practice.

In the event of a complaint against a Member this Code shall form the basis for and discussion or action.