Code of practice

I am an Intermediate Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), formerly the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP). The CIEP is a UK-based professional organisation which aims to promote high editorial standards and to uphold the professional status of editors and proofreaders.

As a member of the CIEP, I am committed to continuous professional development and bound by the CIEP’s Professional Practice Code, which lays out the standards of best practice for its members and explains how to make a complaint about the professional conduct of a member of the CIEP.

The Professional Practice Code emphasises, among other things, the vital importance of clear briefing, agreement of terms, and good communication between client and freelancer in order to maintain high standards.

In addition, as stated by the CIEP, it ‘includes guidance on: the professional behaviour of both freelance/employee and client/employer; standards for proofreading, editing and project management; and information on web editing, electronic file handling, email etiquette, confidentiality and computer security.

The Professional Practice Code is endorsed by the CIEP Council. Although it isn’t a legal document, it is considered binding on members and Corporate Members.’