Governance Policies and Conditions
The governance documents, membership conditions, ethics rules, complaints process and member obligations that support IIESMS professional standards.
Use the policy framework
These policies support professional standards, fair administration and member accountability. Members should refer to the current documents where duties or decisions are involved.
The page should be read alongside the related membership, CPD, governance or sector pages where a decision or application depends on current evidence.
Professional Governance and Member Obligations
The 2026 Articles of Association and Byelaws provide the current foundation for the Institute's governance. The Compliance Manual consolidates policies and procedures covering ethics, complaints, data protection, conflicts of interest, financial controls, records, safeguarding, communications, volunteer activity, sector groups and regional committees.
The Code of Ethics and Conduct sets expectations for integrity, competence, safety, respect, professionalism, accountability and confidentiality. The complaints and disciplinary policy provides a route for intake, triage, investigation, decision, sanction and appeal where conduct concerns arise.
Membership and CPD obligations are part of this governance framework. Members should maintain accurate records, use post-nominals correctly, follow Institute policies and cooperate with fair review or audit processes where required.
Governing Documents
The Institute's governance framework should be read in the following order where documents interact:
- Articles of Association 2026: the company constitution and highest internal governance document.
- IIESMS Byelaws Operational Rulebook v1.3 dated 03 February 2026: operational rules for meetings, membership, elections, sector groups, discipline and controls.
- Board Charter and Schedule of Delegation: reserved matters and delegated authority.
- Compliance Manual and policies: practical procedures, templates, terms of reference and controls.
- Code of Ethics and Conduct: professional conduct standards binding members and role-holders.
Key Policies
Code of Ethics and Conduct
Standards for integrity, competence, safety, respect, professionalism, accountability and confidentiality.
Data Protection and GDPR
Rules for collecting, storing and processing member, applicant and volunteer data under data protection law.
Complaints and Disciplinary
A structured process for complaints, triage, investigation, decision, sanctions and appeal.
Conflicts and Governance Controls
Controls for declarations of interest, recusals, records, delegated authority and accountable decision-making.
Contact
For queries about IIESMS policies, contact [email protected] or call +353 (0)51 311134.
Use the policy framework
These policies support professional standards, fair administration and member accountability. Members should refer to the current documents where duties or decisions are involved.
Related Governance and Participation Pages
Useful next steps for governance, recognition and member contribution.
Committee Involvement
Read how members can get involved in committees and sector activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Policies and Conditions
The main documents are the Articles of Association, Byelaws Operational Rulebook, Board Charter, Compliance Manual, Membership Policy, Code of Ethics and Conduct, and complaints and disciplinary policy.
Yes. The Code of Ethics and Conduct sets professional standards for members and role-holders.
Complaints should be submitted in writing through the route stated by the Institute. Conduct matters are handled under the complaints and disciplinary policy.
Appeals should follow the relevant membership, complaints or disciplinary procedure. Decision-makers involved in the original decision should not sit as the appeal decision-maker.
IIESMS processes data under its data protection and privacy policies and should use member information only for legitimate Institute purposes.
Sector groups provide expert advice, CPD input and member engagement. They are advisory unless authority is expressly delegated.
The National Council oversees the governance framework and may make or amend byelaws and policies consistent with the Articles and applicable law.