Braxton Network Code of Conduct

Core Values
Member firms should demonstrate our core values of integrity,
independence, quality, excellence, teamwork and leadership.
This includes:
• Retaining capable and competent staff giving due
attention to the firm’s human resources policies and
procedures.
• Leading from the top giving consistent messages on the
importance of quality control
• Delivering a quality service with an emphasis on integrity
and competencies and complying with all relevant regulations
and guidance
• Monitoring their system of quality control and carrying
out a periodic inspection of engagements
• Committing to transparency by participating in
independent internal and third party reviews
• Acting ethically in accordance with all relevant standards
and guidance
• Only acting for appropriate clients; ensuring that the
firm has the relevant skills

As professional advisers, our member firms help their clients
address complex business issues and aim to enhance their ability to
build value, manage risk and improve performance. They take pride
in the fact that their services add value by helping to improve
transparency, trust and consistency of business processes. In order
to succeed in these endeavours, our members must continue to
grow and develop, both as individuals and as businesses. Adhering
to the core values will help to achieve this growth.
Whilst our members carry out their business within the framework of
their internal policies which comply with applicable professional
standards, laws and regulations, we acknowledge that these rules do
not govern all types of behaviour. As a result, we have a Code of
Conduct for all Braxton Network member firms and their staff.
Everyone within the independent member firms of Braxton Network
has an obligation to know and understand both the
guidelines contained in the Code and also the values upon which
they are based, and to help others do the same.
While the Code provides guidance on standards of integrity and
business conduct, no code can address every situation that
individuals may encounter. It is not therefore a substitute for the
ongoing responsibility of all members to exercise good judgment
and to seek additional guidance as necessary from those
responsible for business conduct matters within their firm.

Upholding the Braxton Name
Member firms’ clients and the partners and staff in those firms
trust the Braxton Network brand. This is based on the
professional competence and integrity that those partners and
staff demonstrate in their work.
Our members seek to serve only those clients whom they are
professionally competent to serve and who themselves meet
appropriate standards of legitimacy and integrity.

Behaving Professionally
Our members deliver professional services in accordance with the
Braxton Network Quality Standard.
The Braxton Network Quality Standard states that our
members are expected to conduct all aspects of their business to
the highest of professional standards, to maintain integrity and to
keep in good standing in their local business community.
They should comply with all national standards applicable to all
aspects of their work. These include auditing, independence and any
other standards issued in a member’s country which impact on their
work.

Members should also comply with Braxton Network Standard on
Quality Control. This requires that each member firm
establishes a system of internal quality control designed to provide
it with reasonable assurance that the firm and its personnel comply
with professional standards and regulatory and legal requirements,
and that reports issued by the firm or engagement partner are
appropriate in the circumstances.
Our members offer only those services that they are able to deliver
and endeavour to deliver no less than their commitments.
Although operating in a competitive environment, our member firms
only engage in practices that are legal and ethical.
Our members aim to avoid conflicts of interest. Where potential
conflicts are identified and our members believe that the respective
parties’ interests can be properly safeguarded by the implementation
of appropriate procedures, they will implement such procedures.
Our members value their independence of mind and are committed
to ensuring that their independence is not compromised or perceived
to be compromised. They protect their clients’ and other
stakeholders’ trust by adhering to regulatory and professional
standards which are designed to enable them to achieve the
objectivity necessary in their work. They address any circumstance
that impairs or could appear to impair their objectivity.
When faced with difficult issues or issues that could compromise
another member firm, our members consult appropriate individuals
before taking action.

Confidentiality
Our members respect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients,
their people and all others with whom they do business. Unless
authorised, they do not utilise confidential information for personal
use, or to benefit a third party. They disclose confidential information
or personal data only when necessary, when appropriate approval to
do so has been obtained and/or when they are compelled to do so
by legal, regulatory or other professional requirements.
The principle of confidentiality imposes an obligation to refrain from:
• Disclosing outside the firm confidential information acquired
as a result of professional and business relationships
without proper and specific authority, or unless there is a
legal or professional right or duty to disclose
•Using confidential information acquired as a result of
professional and business relationships to personal
advantage or the advantage of third parties.
Our members should maintain confidentiality even in a social
environment and be alert to the possibility of inadvertent
disclosure, particularly in circumstances involving long association
with a business associate or a close or immediate family member.
Our members should also maintain confidentiality of information
disclosed by a prospective client.
Staff under the member firm’s control and persons from whom
advice and assistance is obtained should also respect the duty of
confidentiality.
The need to comply with the principle of confidentiality continues
even after the end of a relationship between a member firm and a
client or employer. When a professional accountant changes
employment or a firm acquires a new client, they are entitled to
use prior experience. However, they should not use or disclose any
confidential information either acquired or received as a result of a
professional relationship.

Corporate Citizenship
Our members act in a socially responsible manner, within the laws,
customs and traditions of the countries in which they operate, and
contribute in a responsible manner to the development of
communities.
Our members are committed to supporting international and local
efforts to eliminate corruption and financial crime.

Respecting Others
Our members treat their partners, staff, clients, fellow independent
members of Braxton Network and others with whom they do
business with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
Our members take pride in the diversity of their workforce and
view it as a competitive advantage to be developed.

Our members are committed to maintaining a work environment
that is safe and free from discrimination or harassment.
Our members invest in the ongoing enhancement of the skills and
abilities of their partners and staff.