|
|
|
|
OBJECTIVES The Code of Practice objectives are to ensure that SMMT Automotive Consultants provide the highest standards of client service; operate with integrity and objectivity; and maintain and develop their dedicated knowledge of the automotive industry. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS The primary business of SMMT Automotive Consultants is the provision of specialist business advice within the automotive sector Clients will be entitled to the services of a Consultant principal with a minimum of 5 years employment with an SMMT member company or 5 years experience as a consultant to the automotive sector. Group Consultants will ensure that all assignments are supervised by a Principal and that other staff or associates are suitably qualified. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Members will provide a competent, effective and conscientious service, giving clients value for money and actionable solutions. Assignments will be clearly defined in writing and agreed with clients in advance. Members will not undertake projects unless they are satisfied that they have access to sufficient competent resources. Project control will be exercised through sound forward planning, clearly defined work stages and regular progress reviews with the client. INDEPENDENCE AND INTEGRITY Members will, at all times, maintain an independent perspective on their client’s business. Findings will be developed through an impartial and detailed analysis of all relevant facts and circumstances, combined with relevant automotive industry experience. Members will not undertake assignments which prejudice their independence, objectivity or integrity. They will inform the client immediately should such circumstances arise during the course of an assignment. For an assignment already in progress, members will ensure that clients are fully informed of any changed circumstances that significantly effect the objectives, conduct or likely outcomes. CONFIDENTIALITY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Members undertake that all information regarding a client’s affairs will be treated with strict confidentiality. No such information obtained during the course of an assignment will be disclosed to third parties without the express agreement of the client, obtained in advance. Findings developed and proprietary data collected during an assignment will remain the property of the client, and not disclosed to third parties without the client’s permission. The consultant’s existing research techniques or analysis methods do not become the client’s property, and he has no exclusive right to their use (unless agreed otherwise). MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLIENTS AND CONSULTANTS The achievement of high standards of service and professional conduct implies a reciprocal obligation of good faith on the part of the client. SMMT consultants draw the following responsibilities to the attention of prospective clients :
PUBLICITY Members of the SMMT Automotive Consultants Group will not release the findings of any project into the public domain without the agreement of the client. Members will not use their work on a specific assignment in their own publicity and advertising material without the client’s permission. Unless permission is specifically withheld, members will be free to publish a list of clients names without reference to specific projects STANDING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Consultants will at all times be mindful of their position as experts in the automotive industry, and will ensure that their professional conduct upholds the high standing and public regard of the industry. Consultants will ensure that they maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant aspects of the automotive industry. DISPUTES In the event of any dispute relating to the services provided by a Group member, where arbitration is mutually agreed, clients may refer their case to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, whose President will appoint an independent arbitrator. Important - see note below! Breaches of this Code of Practice will be considered by the Automotive Consultants Committee, which will, if it considers appropriate, recommend to the SMMT General Council that membership of the firms concerned should be withdrawn. Important - see note below! Any queries related to this Code of Practice should be directed to:
Mr Seftton Samuels - Head of Legal Services & Company Secretary Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Forbes House Halkin Street London SW1X 7DS
Tel: 0207-235 7000 Fax: 0207-235 7112 Note as of March 2006; The SMMT now deny outright this Code of Practice exists, nor was ever originated by their staff, nor agreed between their management and the ACG. Nevertheless Mike Wattam and Associates adheres to the essence of this Code of Practice and in the event of disputes (other than non-payment by a client which remains a normal commercial issue to be settled through established legal procedures) would submit to any judgement made by The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK, should a dispute ever arise with a client. This Code of Practice is embodied within all our written proposals and contracts. |
Send e- mail to noddy@mikewattam.com with all
questions or comments about this web site.
|
