Copywriter Code V5 – a new draft to review

Quick backstory: ProCopywriters has been working on a set of professional standards for copywriters: The Copywriter Code.

You can now review the latest version of our:

Code of Conduct (this defines our character)

Code of Practice (this defines our craft)

Competency Framework (a tool for professional development)

What’s new?

Since the last published version in May 2025, we’ve worked with our Committee to address major concerns like:

• Unenforceability made the Copywriter Code meaningless
• Many of the stipulations were too vague to be useful
• Version 4 was too lightweight to be genuinely useful to our profession
• The challenge of introducing an optional standards framework to an existing membership organisation

Here’s how we resolve these issues…

The Copywriter Code will be enforced by a panel of peers

We’ve developed a draft enforcement and accountability policy, and will soon begin work to establish a membership committee to respond to complaints.

The enforcement system will only apply to ProCopywriters members who sign up to the Code. It’s a membership framework, not a legal system.

The Copywriter Code is now more detailed

You’ll see that the latest version now describes in greater detail the conduct we expect from members who subscribe to the Code. However, we have not attempted to define every potential situation or behaviour, but have outlined a general spirit of conduct that is expected.

The Copywriter Code is supported by guidance and resources

To help answer any questions relating to the Code, we’ve included additional guidance and resources. These are also intended to help copywriters implement the Code.

The Copywriter Code will be optional for ProCopywriters members

Our intention is to offer a new type of ProCopywriters membership, one that is intrinsically tied to the Code. Copywriter Code will be free for those copywriters who want to adhere to this defined professional standard.

Upon release, the Copywriter Code will be offered as a free resource. This will include access to:

• Pro + membership badge and the Copywriter Code badge
• All resources and templates
• Competency self-assessment tool
• CPD logging tool

About the Competency framework

As we’ve discussed professional standards, a question that has been raised repeatedly is:

“What exactly is a professional copywriter?”

and:

“What does it take to be a competent copywriter?”

The Competency Framework is a working document that aims to capture the skills, knowledge and behaviours required of a professional copywriter. As it stands, we’ve outlined 68 competencies, at three different levels (developing, practising, expert).

The framework is not intended to be read end-to-end – although you’re welcome to do so. The framework is a resource that seeks to bring clarity to the world of copywriting.

The framework can be used to…

• Plan your continuing professional development (CPD)
• Organise team training courses
• Identify gaps in your skills
• Programme trainings and workshops

We’re working on a self-assessment version of the Competency Framework so you can easily evaluate your experience and plan your development.

What do you think of the Copywriter Code? Would you sign up?

Copywriter Code feedback form

Written by

Leif Kendall

I organise ProCopywriters and CopyCon. I took over ProCopywriters in 2016, after having been an enthusiastic member of the community, and a firm believer in the need for places to bring copywriters together. For many years I combined my freelance writing work with the challenges…

View profile →