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HRPA unveils new professional guidance, modernizes Code of Ethics and Rule of Professional Conduct

The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) has released new professional guidance and modernized its Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.

“The new professional guidance will help you limit risks and potential harm to employees and businesses on HR-related practice areas such as conducting workplace investigations and addressing racism and racial discrimination in the workplace,” the Toronto-based association said in an email to members.

It is planning on releasing future guidance soon on topics including terminations, fostering mental health in the workplace and social media use.

The new code and rules replace previous policies that were originally developed in 2009, it said.

The Code and Rules apply to all HRPA registrants (members and students) in the practice of the HR profession. It has 24,000 members and students.

“We regulate HR professionals in the public interest,” it says on its website. “Our members are held to the province’s highest standards, so Ontario workplaces can trust us to help unlock business growth and optimize employee potential.”

“They define what is acceptable professional conduct and what constitutes professional misconduct that could result in complaints and/or discipline,” it said in the email. “Should any members, registered firms or students be the subject of a complaint to the HRPA, they will be expected to be able to demonstrate their compliance with the Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.”

Webinars for HR professionals

The association has put together a series of free webinars for members, eligible continuing professional development (CPD) hours, it said.

Archived webinars, including one from Sept. 21 featuring interim CEO John Hannah and Claude Balthazard, HRPA’s registrar and vice-president of regulation, can be found at https://www.hrpa.ca/professional-development/e-learning-on-demand/office-of-the-registrar/

There are also a number of upcoming webinars:

• Oct. 5, from noon to 1 p.m.: Introducing HRPA’s Modernized Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct featuring Professional Standards Committee Chair, Dr. Claudine Cousins, CHRP, CHRL and Mara Berger of HRPA.
• Oct. 12, from noon to 1 p.m.: HRPA’s Practice Standard on Conducting Workplace Investigations, featuring Dean Benard, President & CEO of Benard & Associates and Emily Sully of HRPA.
• Oct. 17, from noon to 1 p.m.: HRPA’s Practice Guideline on Addressing Racism and Racial Discrimination in the Workplace, featuring Laura Williams, Founder and Managing Partner of Williams HR Law and Emily Sully of HRPA.

All webinars will be recorded, it said. The association has also launched public-facing resources about the code and rules, and its new practice standard on workplace investigations for non-HR professionals to use.

Visit www.hrpa.ca/resources for more information.

Questions about professional guidance? Reach out to guidance@hrpa.ca for assistance.