Code of Conduct / Practice Standards

Code of Conduct

The Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct of the Institute comprises four core principles to which all members, graduates and registered students must adhere, that is (1) Integrity, (2) High standard of service/professional competence, (3) Transparency, and (4) Professional behaviour.

1. Integrity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. The term has been described judicially as connoting “moral soundness, rectitude, and steady adherence to an ethical code”. It requires that members are impartial, independent and informed.


2. High standard of service/professional competence

A high standard of service or professional competence should be delivered throughout members’ working life. This involves an understanding of relevant technical, professional and business developments. Professional competence also takes account of the wider implications and expectations of our members.


3. Transparency

Transparency requires that members are clear and open in their business and professional conduct. This includes:

  • being open and frank in any business dealings;
  • not being underhand in any business transaction; and
  • treating all work as if it was reported in the public domain.

4. Professional behaviour

Professional behaviour requires that members act in a way which conforms to the relevant laws of the jurisdiction in which they are residing and/or undertaking business transactions. It requires them also to pay regard to all regulations which may have a bearing on their actions and to adhere to the CGI Byelaws and HKCGI Articles of Association, and the failing of such may result in disciplinary proceedings.

Click here to download the full version of The Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct.


Practice Standards

The Essential Company Secretary (2013)

The Essential Company Secretary explains the standards of practice required of the governance professional, and has been cited in regulatory proceedings by regulatory authorities. It is an important document and compliance required under HKCGI Article 21. Failure can give rise to disciplinary concerns. Click here for more.


The Company Secretary Appointment Guidelines for HKICS Members – Good Practice as to be Number of Appointments as “Named” Companies Secretaries of Hong Kong Listed Issuers (2018)

This practice note deals with the issue of over appointments as named company secretary, and has been referred to under regulatory documents. It is an important document and compliance required under HKCGI Article 21. Failure can give rise to disciplinary concerns. Click here for more.


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