The Copywriter Code
The UK’s first professional standard for copywriters — a shared framework for how we work, what clients can expect, and what it means to be a professional in this craft.
Defining the standards we expect copywriters to meet is not about creating rules for the sake of rules. These documents are an inspiring and challenging call to action.
They offer guidance to junior writers, clarity to our clients and employers, and reassurance to our colleagues that professional copywriters are held to a strict standard. Defining standards is about improving perceptions of copywriters, drawing a distinction between qualified professionals and amateurs, and highlighting the value we offer to organisations.
Code of Conduct
These rules focus on how copywriters conduct their profession in unison with other professionals — our outward behaviours, and how other professionals experience copywriters.
Code of Practice
The nuts and bolts of our professional practice: how we tackle projects, our legal responsibilities, commercial relationships, and ethical considerations.
Competency Framework
A detailed list of the skills, attributes and knowledge that copywriters require to succeed — across copywriting, content design, content marketing and UX writing.
What signing up asks of you
Registration opens on 16 September 2026, and signing the Code is free for any copywriter. In return for the badge and toolkit, you make three commitments.
Commit to the Code
Agree to uphold the Code of Conduct and Code of Practice — the shared standards for how professional copywriters work with clients and colleagues.
Log 20 hours of CPD a year
Record at least 20 hours of continuing professional development annually, including a minimum of 5 hours of structured learning. Your CPD tracker makes it simple.
Display your Code badge
Show clients you’re a standards-led professional. Your badge links back to your verified profile in the ProCopywriters directory.
Keeping your skills current
CPD is any activity that develops your professional skills and knowledge — workshops, courses, conferences, reading, mentoring and self-directed learning all count.
Attending ProCopywriters workshops is logged automatically in your CPD log. You add anything else as you go, so your record is always up to date at renewal.
CPD per year
minimum structured learning
Copywriter Code FAQ
Any copywriter can sign the Code. It is free, and you do not need to be a ProCopywriters member — registration opens on 16 September 2026.
Continuing professional development covers workshops, courses, conferences, reading, mentoring and self-directed learning. At least 5 of your 20 annual hours should be structured learning — such as our monthly workshops or a recognised course.
Your CPD log includes a tracker where you record activity through the year. Attending ProCopywriters workshops is recorded automatically. We may ask to see your log at renewal.
The Code is now live and open to all copywriters. The committee will consider revisions to the Code in response to feedback. You can read and comment on the latest draft at any time.
The Code is backed by an enforcement and accountability process. Our aim is always to guide and support professional practice first — read the enforcement guidance for the full detail.
Yes. There’s no minimum membership period — you can cancel or move to a different tier at any time.