Volunteers may not serve on more than one committee at a time. This is to ensure there are volunteer opportunities available for other CPCU Society members who wish to contribute.
PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Ethics Committee increases awareness of ethical issues and the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct throughout the Society. The Committee provides education and resources to help members discuss ethical issues that have an impact on daily professional lives.
Select CPCU Society Ethics Committee members may be asked to serve on the Institutes Board of Ethical Inquiry (BEI). The BEI is responsible for administering the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct. BEI members deliberate on interpretations and applications of the Code to specific situations, publish advisory opinions to implement the Code, and serve as a tribunal to hear and decide cases involving alleged violations of the Rules of the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct.
DELIVERABLES:
- Develops and provides training and resources to educate and improve awareness of ethical issues for all Society members;
- Serves as a liaison to CPCU chapters, interest groups and other components within the association to promote active ethics awareness participation;
- Raises awareness and supports ethics and the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct through an annual Ethics Awareness Month campaign;
- Raises awareness of ethical challenges within the Society and recommends changes to the Leadership Council; and
- Drafts and submits meeting minutes to staff within 10 business days of any meetings.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- The Ethics Committee is accountable to the Leadership Council;
- Committee members meet either virtually or in-person at least (2) times per year. The committee may also conduct some of its business by e-mail;
- For succession planning, committee members are responsible for identifying qualified successors who are diverse and a good fit for the committee’s purpose and goals.
ETHICS COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP:
The Chair of the Ethics Committee is appointed by the Society President, subject to approval by the Leadership Council. The committee Chair, in collaboration with the Leadership Council liaison, is responsible for the overall direction and management of the committee.
Preference will be given to an individual who has served as a member of the Ethics Committee, who has the support of their employer and has knowledge of Society structure and its volunteers.
The Staff Liaison serves as an advocate and resource to enable the Ethics Committee to fulfill its charge and accomplish its goals. The liaison serves as a bridge between staff and governance, advises the chair and members, and assists by providing strategic advice and facilitating communications, action, and collaboration.
The Chair, in collaboration with the staff liaison, will select a vice-chair. The vice chair will serve as the chair in the event the committee chair cannot attend or participate in a meeting. Selection of a vice-chair does not guarantee the individual will be appointed to the chair position when vacant.
COMPOSITION:
The Ethics Committee shall consist of a maximum of twelve members, including the chair and vice chair.
Members of the Ethics Committee are appointed by the Ethics Committee Chair. Vacancies in the membership of the committee will be filled by the chairperson in collaboration with the staff liaison.
TERM:
Ethics Committee members are appointed to a three‐year term. This maximum term length may be extended for a Committee member selected to serve as Chair. Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion of the Leadership Council.
The Ethics Committee Chair shall serve as Chair for a term of two years. The Vice Chair shall serve as a one-year term. Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion Leadership Council.
A committee member may re-serve after being off the committee for two years.
So that all terms do not expire at the same time committee member term expiration dates should be staggered.
SELECTION PROCESS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Ethics Committee members are identified through an open call for qualified volunteers. Selection is based on the following qualifications.
- A current, active member of the CPCU Society.
- Two years of professional experience in the insurance industry preferred.
- Ability to work independently and virtually to complete deliverables as required.
- Demonstrates honesty, sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views, a friendly, responsive and patient approach, community building skills, and a concern for the growth of the CPCU Society.
- Maintain respectful relationships with members, volunteers and staff.
- Maintains confidentiality of work as needed.
- Able to prioritize membership and organization over individual needs.
- Interest to serve on the Ethics Committee;
- Desire to raise ethics awareness to Society members and those working in the risk and insurance industry;