NSM Code of Conduct

1.1 Purpose of the Code

The purpose of the NSM Code of Conduct is to articulate clear expectations of professional and ethical behaviour for all individuals associated with NSM. It aims to:

• Protect patients, research participants, learners and the public.
• Promote scientific integrity, academic freedom and responsible innovation.
• Support safe, respectful and inclusive professional environments.
• Safeguard the independence and reputation of NSM as an academic non-profit organisation.

1.2 Scope of application

This Code applies whenever individuals act in an NSM-related capacity, including but not limited to:

• Participation in NSM congresses, courses, webinars, advisory boards and committees.
• Contribution to NSM publications, registries, research projects or educational content.
• Use of NSM titles, credentials, logos or affiliation in professional settings.
• Digital, social media or public communications made explicitly in connection with NSM.

NSM expects Members and Fellows to uphold the spirit of this Code also in their wider professional practice, recognising that primary oversight remains with local employers, regulators and authorities.

1.3 Relationship to laws, regulations and institutional policies

Nothing in this Code overrides applicable laws, regulatory standards or institutional policies. Where there is any inconsistency:

• Relevant national and regional laws take precedence.
• Professional regulatory standards (e.g. medical councils, licensing boards) remain binding.
• Institutional policies (e.g. hospitals, universities, research sponsors) continue to apply.

NSM may refer matters to appropriate external bodies where required or where serious concerns arise.

1.4 Definitions (for the purpose of this Code)

• Member includes all individual members of NSM, regardless of membership category.
• Fellow refers to individuals formally recognised by NSM as Fellows (FNSM).
• NSM activities include all events, programmes, committees, publications and initiatives organised or endorsed by NSM.
• Industry refers to commercial entities such as pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology and technology companies that may interact with NSM or its members.
• Vulnerable persons include individuals with reduced capacity, power imbalance or heightened risk of harm in clinical, educational or research settings.

2.1 Patient welfare and public health

NSM Members and Fellows place the welfare, rights and dignity of patients and communities at the centre of their professional practice. They:

• Prioritise patient safety, informed consent and continuity of care.
• Respect cultural, linguistic and social diversity in clinical encounters.
• Contribute to public health and population-level benefit where possible.

2.2 Scientific integrity and intellectual honesty

NSM expects rigorous, honest and transparent generation, interpretation and communication of medical evidence. Members and Fellows:

• Avoid fabrication, falsification or inappropriate manipulation of data.
• Acknowledge limitations, uncertainties and conflicts of interest.
• Respect intellectual contributions of others, including proper citation and authorship practices.

2.3 Respect, dignity and inclusion

NSM is committed to safe, respectful and inclusive environments. Members and Fellows:

• Treat all colleagues, patients, learners and staff with courtesy and dignity.
• Do not engage in harassment, bullying, discrimination or retaliation.
• Actively support diversity of perspectives and backgrounds in NSM activities.

2.4 Independence and absence of undue influence

NSM values independence from undue commercial, political or personal influence. Members and Fellows:

• Make clinical, research and educational decisions based on evidence and professional judgement.
• Declare relevant financial and non-financial relationships transparently.
• Support NSM’s governance processes designed to prevent conflicts of interest.

2.5 Accountability and transparency

Members and Fellows accept accountability for their actions within NSM activities. They:

• Engage constructively with feedback, review and audit processes.
• Cooperate with NSM when concerns are raised in good faith.
• Participate in remedial or educational measures where appropriate.

3.1 Clinical competence and continuing development

• Maintain appropriate licensure or registration where required by law.
• Engage in ongoing continuing professional development, including NSM educational offerings where relevant.
• Practise within the limits of current competence and seek supervision or referral when necessary.

3.2 Patient rights, consent and confidentiality

• Respect patient autonomy, including informed consent, refusal and shared decision-making.
• Protect confidentiality and privacy, consistent with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Exercise particular care when discussing patient cases in teaching, conferences or online, ensuring de-identification and permissions.

3.3 Avoidance of exploitation and abuse of power

• Do not exploit clinical relationships for personal, financial or other gain.
• Avoid relationships with patients or carers that could reasonably be perceived as coercive or abusive.
• Recognise and mitigate power imbalances, particularly with vulnerable individuals.

4.1 Ethical review and regulatory compliance

• Obtain appropriate ethics committee or institutional review board approval for research involving humans or identifiable data.
• Comply with laws and guidelines governing research, data protection and the use of biological materials.
• Respect the rights and safety of research participants at all times.

4.2 Data integrity, analysis and reporting

• Avoid fabrication, falsification, selective reporting or suppression of data.
• Disclose methods, limitations and sources of funding transparently in NSM-related outputs.
• Correct errors or inaccuracies promptly when they are identified.

4.3 Authorship, acknowledgement and plagiarism

• Assign authorship based on substantial contributions, consistent with established academic criteria.
• Acknowledge collaborators, funders and supporting teams appropriately.
• Do not plagiarise text, data, images or ideas; always provide proper citation.

5.1 Responsibilities toward learners

• Treat learners with respect, supporting their development, wellbeing and academic integrity.
• Provide fair, constructive and timely feedback.
• Avoid harassment, humiliation or exploitation of learners.

5.2 Fair and transparent assessment

• Apply assessment criteria consistently and transparently.
• Declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest in examinations or evaluations.
• Protect the confidentiality of assessment materials where required.

5.3 Supervision and delegation

• Ensure appropriate supervision of trainees and junior colleagues in clinical, research and educational settings.
• Delegate tasks only when individuals have appropriate competence and support.
• Intervene promptly if patient safety, academic integrity or learner wellbeing is at risk.

6.1 Respectful conduct and anti-harassment

• Do not engage in bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination.
• Avoid demeaning comments, microaggressions or behaviour that undermines dignity.
• Respond promptly and constructively when concerns are raised by colleagues or staff.

6.2 Collaboration and collegiality

• Collaborate across disciplines and professions with openness and respect.
• Acknowledge and value contributions from all team members, including nursing, allied health and administrative colleagues.
• Address disagreements through professional dialogue, not personal attack.

7.1 Identification and disclosure of conflicts of interest

• Identify financial and non-financial relationships that could reasonably be perceived as influencing judgement.
• Disclose relevant relationships in NSM programmes, publications and governance processes, in line with NSM policies.
• Update disclosures when circumstances change.

7.2 Acceptable and unacceptable interactions

• Accept only modest, appropriate benefits from industry that comply with local regulations and institutional policies.
• Do not accept personal gifts, hospitality or payments that could compromise, or appear to compromise, independence.
• Separate promotional content clearly from scientific and educational content at NSM events.

8.1 Representation and endorsement

• Do not imply NSM endorsement of products, services or policies without explicit authorisation.
• Use NSM titles (e.g. Member, Fellow of the National Society of Medicine) accurately and not in a misleading way.
• Make clear when views expressed are personal and not official NSM positions, unless specifically mandated.

8.2 Use of NSM resources

• Use NSM platforms, databases and materials in accordance with NSM’s terms and data protection policies.
• Do not misuse access to NSM resources for unauthorised commercial or personal purposes.

9.1 Scientific and public communication

• Communicate evidence in a balanced, honest and non-sensational manner.
• Distinguish clearly between evidence-based information, expert opinion and personal views.
• Avoid spreading misinformation or unverified claims, particularly on emerging health issues.

9.2 Social media and online behaviour

• Apply the same standards of professionalism online as in face-to-face settings.
• Do not share identifiable patient information or confidential material on social platforms.
• Avoid hostile, abusive or discriminatory language when engaging in debate, including when challenged.

10.1 Duties of office holders and committee members

• Act in the best interests of NSM’s mission and charitable purpose, not personal or organisational interests.
• Maintain confidentiality of NSM governance deliberations where appropriate.
• Participate actively, prepare adequately and declare conflicts of interest in NSM decision-making.

10.2 Fair processes and inclusivity

• Support fair, transparent and inclusive appointment processes for NSM roles.
• Encourage diverse participation in committees, programme faculties and leadership pipelines.
• Ensure that concerns raised by members or staff are considered respectfully and without retaliation.

11.1 Examples of concerns under this Code

Without limitation, concerns may include alleged:

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse in NSM-related contexts.
• Research misconduct in NSM-sponsored projects or outputs.
• Serious undeclared conflicts of interest affecting NSM content or decisions.
• Misuse of NSM name, logo or resources for unauthorised purposes.

11.2 Reporting concerns to NSM

• Concerns should, where possible, be raised promptly and in good faith.
• NSM may provide designated email addresses or forms for confidential reporting.
• Where urgent risk to safety is suspected, local emergency or institutional channels should be used first.

11.3 Possible NSM actions

Subject to its statutes and procedures, NSM may:

• Seek further information or clarification from the parties involved.
• Issue guidance or informal advice where concerns are minor or educational in nature.
• Recommend or require remedial actions, additional training or changes in roles.
• Modify or withdraw NSM roles, invitations or content where justified.
• Refer matters to external institutions, employers or regulators where necessary.

NSM aims to respect due process, proportionality and confidentiality, while recognising that formal disciplinary authority rests primarily with employers and regulators.

12.1 Communication and orientation

• NSM will make this Code accessible via its official website and key membership materials.
• New Members and Fellows should be introduced to the Code during joining or induction processes.
• Officers, committee members and faculty should receive tailored orientation on relevant sections.

12.2 Acknowledgement by Members and Fellows

• NSM may require periodic acknowledgement of the Code, including when renewing membership or assuming roles.
• Members are encouraged to discuss the Code within their teams and institutions where appropriate.

12.3 Periodic review and updates

• The Code should be reviewed at regular intervals (for example, every 3–5 years) or when major changes in law, regulation or NSM activities occur.
• Revisions should involve consultation with diverse NSM stakeholders, including Members, Fellows and early-career colleagues.