Ensuring ethical practice.

The Code of Ethics 2026 – 2028, Version 5 includes the following considerations:

• Advisory Board Professionals stimulate diverse thinking using problem solving techniques within targeted conversations, asking informed questions, be constructively challenging whilst being respectful.
• Advisory Boards may influence thinking and options, but they do not make decisions for the organisation or act with executive authority. This is important to protect independence, clear boundaries, accountability and the building of trust.
• Ethical practice applies beyond the advisory board cycle – before, during and after an advisory board engagement. This includes preparation, meeting participation, engagement with Sponsors and management, and communication with other professionals.
• The Appendix includes a section summary (Appendix 2) and scenarios with practical examples of how the clauses are applied in practice.

• This Code supports the ABF101: Advisory Board Best Practice Framework™ which is also reviewed every two years.
• The Code is principle-led and not a set of “rules”. It is designed to help professionals to reflect and guide independent judgement within their work life.
• The Code of Ethics clause sequence moves from foundation to application as a compass to navigate how to think and act as Advisory Board Professionals, then how to apply those expectations in practical advisory board situations and respond when issues arise. It has been divided into 4 practical sections:
  • Section 1: How we think and act
    • Guiding Principles
    • Ethical Judgement
  • Section 2: Expectations Management
    • Role Clarity & Commitment
    • Professional Conduct & Capacity
    • Ethical Practice & Obligations
  • Section 3: Practical Solutions & Response
    • Conflicts of Interest
    • Technology, AI and Intelligent Tools
    • Confidentiality, Information & Data
    • Psychological Safety & Relationship Protocols
  • Section 4: Impact & Review
    • Impact & Stakeholder Responsibility
    • Monitor, Review & Ethical Concerns

The full Code of Ethics 2026 – 2028 Version 5 is available to Advisory Board Professionals who are members of the Advisory Board Centre and Advisory+ clients.  Members can access the full code by going to Member Resources in Advisory Board World.