IGAS Code of Conduct

Irish Group Analytic Society – Code of Conduct

1. Who We Are and What This Code Is For

The Irish Group Analytic Society (IGAS) is the professional body for group analytic psychotherapists in Ireland and a member organisation of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of ethical and professional behaviour expected of IGAS members and aims to:

• protect the welfare, dignity and rights of clients, group members, supervisees, trainees and the public
• guide IGAS members in ethical decision-making in clinical, teaching, supervisory and organisational work
• support public confidence in group analytic psychotherapy and in IGAS.

It applies to all categories of IGAS membership (accredited, pre-accredited/trainee, associate, honorary and affiliate) whenever they represent themselves as connected with IGAS or take part in IGAS activities.

IGAS members are also bound by the Ethical Guidelines of ICP and any other relevant professional codes, and must comply with Irish law, including Children First and data protection legislation.

2. Core Values

Group analysis understands people as fundamentally shaped by, and shaping, the groups and networks in which they live.

IGAS members commit themselves to:

• integrity and honesty
• avoiding harm and promoting well-being
• respect for autonomy and self-determination
• recognition of the dignity and worth of every person
• attention to context, power and group processes.

Members conduct themselves in ways that maintain public confidence in psychotherapy and in IGAS and avoid behaviour that could bring IGAS or the profession into disrepute.

Psychotherapy is a non-exploitative activity; its basic values are integrity, impartiality and respect.​

3. Respect, Diversity and Relationships

Members:

• treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of ethnicity, colour, culture, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability, social class, political belief or minority status
• recognise and value diversity in clients, groups, colleagues and within IGAS
• work to ensure that IGAS events and groups are safe spaces where difference and conflict can be thought about rather than acted out.

The client’s welfare – and, in group work, the welfare of the group-as-a-whole – is always the primary professional consideration.

Members:

• set and maintain clear boundaries in therapeutic, supervisory and teaching relationships
• do not exploit clients or group members financially, sexually, emotionally or in any other way
• exercise great caution about any later non-professional relationship with former clients, including seeking consultation and allowing a considerable period of time to elapse.​

IGAS members treat colleagues, trainees, supervisees and other professionals with respect, do not bully or harass, and recognise the value of constructive dissent and difference of viewpoint.

4. Contracting, Information and Advertising

Clear contracting is an expression of respect for client autonomy.​

At the outset, members:

• explain the nature of the service (including the particularities of group analysis where relevant)
• agree practical arrangements (fees, frequency, duration, breaks, cancellations, venue/online platforms)
• give basic information on records, confidentiality and how to raise concerns or complaints.

Public and online information about services must:

• be accurate and not misleading
• avoid exaggerated or unverifiable claims about effectiveness
• correctly represent qualifications, registration and IGAS membership, without implying endorsement beyond what is factually the case.

Members keep records securely and in line with data protection law and are open with clients about the nature of records held and their rights in relation to them.​

5. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Confidentiality is central to psychotherapy and to group analytic work.

Members:

• explain the limits of confidentiality at the outset and as required
• normally disclose information only with the valid, freely given consent of the client
• may need to break confidentiality where there is serious risk of harm to a child or adult, or where there is a legal obligation (e.g. child protection, court order).

In groups, therapists:

• emphasise shared responsibility for confidentiality among group members
• explore confidentiality as an ongoing theme in the life of the group
• address possible or actual breaches within the group to restore trust and safety.

When using case material in supervision, teaching or publications, members protect anonymity and obtain consent wherever possible.​

Members inform themselves of and comply with all current law and guidance on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including their duties as mandated persons under Children First where applicable.

6. Competence, Supervision and Self-Care

Members practise within the limits of their competence, training and experience, and seek consultation or make referrals where work lies beyond those limits.

IGAS members:

• have appropriate training for their client groups, including recognised group analytic training where they practise as group analysts
• maintain and update their skills through ongoing professional development
• engage in regular clinical supervision or consultative support; it is unethical to practise without it.

Members do not practise when their judgment is significantly impaired by illness, stress, alcohol, drugs or other factors, and seek appropriate help and supervision; where necessary they limit, suspend or end their work, arranging continuity of care where possible.​

Members hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance and take reasonable care for their own safety and well-being in the environments where they work.

7. Research, Teaching and Organisational Work

In research, publication and teaching, members:

• obtain informed consent for the use of personally identifiable material
• safeguard confidentiality and anonymity wherever possible
• use data accurately and restrict conclusions to those supported by their methods.

In training, supervision and organisational consultancy, members:

• maintain appropriate boundaries
• avoid exploiting their role or authority
• attend carefully to group and institutional dynamics, including issues of power, inclusion and exclusion.

8. Complaints and Discipline

IGAS maintains a published Complaints Procedure and Appeals Procedure, consistent with ICP requirements, so that clients, members and the public know how concerns or complaints can be raised and addressed.

All IGAS members:

• are required to co-operate with any complaint or disciplinary process
• accept that proportionate sanctions may be applied where complaints are upheld, including conditions on practice, suspension or termination of membership
• must inform IGAS if a complaint is upheld against them by another professional body or regulator.

Resignation from IGAS does not prevent the investigation of alleged misconduct that occurred while the person was a member.