Membership of the NZCS isn't just about benefits, networking and educational opportunities. Being a member of a professional body also comes with certain responsibilities, and it's important our members understand these.

NZCS members must agree to the NZCS Code of Ethics and uphold the code in all their professional dealings.

This isn't a small undertaking, and lip service is not enough. The NZCS is here to create a community of ICT professionals who believe in professionalism and ethical ICT practices, and the Code of Ethics is absolutely central to this.

The code is based upon the principles of:

• interests of the community
• respect for the individual
• interests of the client

and supported by the values of:

• competence
• truth
• social justice and
• ethical behaviour

Breaches of the Code of Ethics are treated very seriously. They effect the reputation of all ICT professionals, and the confidence in and acceptance of ICT as a profession within the wider community. When members let themselves down in this way they also let the entire profession down.

Conflicts of Interest are an example of an ethical issue that can occur regularly. Conflicts do occur on occasion, but it's how they are managed, declared and minimised that's important. Conflicts can be ethically managed if a Conflict of Interest is declared to all parties and steps taken to minimise the potential risk, and the conflict is not used to gain advantage at the expense of one party.

The NZCS has a very robust process to ensure all hearings are fair and impartial and in keeping with the principles of natural justice, outlined in Schedule 4 of the NZCS Bylaws.

Central to professionalism and ethical behaviour is Personal Responsibility.

Professionals, by definition, take responsibility for their actions - that is the difference between a practitioner, or someone who just "works in IT", and a true professional.

For instance, Professionals ensure their employer or client is aware if restraints will effect the quality of their work. Professionals stand behind their work and their products. Professionals take responsibility when failure within their area of responsibility occurs, and professionals consider the interests of the wider community first and foremost.

In short, professionals don't just talk the talk - they take their obligations and responsibilities seriously, and demonstrate this through their actions.

NZCS professional members also make a commitment to continued professional development, that is, continually developing themselves and growing as a professional.

Just as being an ICT professional isn't just about technical knowledge, professional development isn't just about ICT courses, although keeping up is important. It's also about building the associated "professional skills" as well: communication, leadership, business skills, entrepreneurialism, and many others.

A professional never stops learning or attempting to learn, and professional development is important from school to retirement and every step in between.

Another responsibility of NZCS members is spreading the word that professionalism really matters.

We all occasionally find ourselves in situations where a colleague, friend or acquaintance is caught in an ethical dilemma. NZCS membership gives our members the strength to demand professionalism from those around them and provide guidance in these sorts of circumstances, thereby influencing the professionalism of the sector as a whole.

Professionals stand up for what they believe in, and this includes not just acting ethically, but also espousing the importance of professional practice to those around them.

There's nothing more rewarding than giving back to the community and the profession that has brought a professional their success, and this is one of the fundamental values of membership of the NZCS.

As an NZCS member it's simple: you'll get out of your Society what you put in.

If you just pay your dues each year and don't participate, the benefit of your membership will be reduced. If you get involved in the ICT community, volunteer on your branch committee, assist with Working Groups, mentor those walking your footsteps, and give a small amount of time and effort back to your profession you'll receive immense satisfaction and value.

The NZCS works hard to improve the professional delivery of ICT in New Zealand, however our strength is in our membership: we can't do it without our members. Frankly, the NZCS is our members, and we can achieve great things together if we are all prepared to help in our own way.

That's what being a part of a professional society is all about - the responsibilities of professionalism.

Joining NZCS is quick and easy, only costs around $4 a week (or less than $1 a week for students and recent graduates), and you can complete the first steps online right now.

Click Here to join the NZCS, and become part of the community of ICT professionals in New Zealand.