About The Copywriter Code
Professional standards for copywriters, by copywriters
What is The Copywriter Code?
The Copywriter Code is a professional standards framework for copywriters. It sets out what good practice looks like, what clients and employers can expect, and how copywriters can demonstrate their commitment to professional, ethical work.
The framework has three parts:
- Code of Conduct — the values and ethics that guide professional character
- Code of Practice — practical guidance on delivering excellent work
- Competency Framework — the skills, knowledge and behaviours that define professional competence
Together, these documents provide a complete picture of what it means to be a professional copywriter in the UK today.
The Copywriter Code is developed and maintained by ProCopywriters, the UK's largest professional body for commercial writers. It applies to all Pro+ members and forms the foundation of our accreditation programme.
Why we created it
Copywriting has a problem. Unlike professions such as law, medicine or accountancy, there's no barrier to entry. Anyone can call themselves a copywriter. This makes it hard for clients to identify genuine professionals, and hard for skilled practitioners to differentiate themselves from amateurs.
The rise of AI writing tools has made this more urgent. As the technology improves, the question 'what makes a professional copywriter valuable?' becomes harder to answer without clear standards around expertise, ethics and accountability.
We created The Copywriter Code to address these challenges.
The story so far
ProCopywriters has been supporting commercial writers since 2010. Over the years, members repeatedly asked for clearer guidance: How should I handle this situation? What's the right thing to do here? Is this normal practice?
In 2024, we began developing a formal standards framework. We consulted with members, reviewed professional codes from related industries, and established a Copywriter Code Committee to review the first drafts.
The result is The Copywriter Code — a principles-based framework that respects professional judgement while providing clear guidance on ethics, practice and competence.
What we set out to achieve
We wanted standards that would:
- Help copywriters navigate ethical dilemmas and professional challenges
- Give clients confidence when hiring copywriters
- Distinguish professional practitioners from amateurs
- Address AI transparency and responsible technology use
- Support fair pricing and sustainable working practices
- Create accountability without bureaucracy
The Code isn't about gatekeeping or making copywriting exclusive. It's about raising standards across the profession and giving both copywriters and their clients a shared language for professional practice.
Who it's for
The Copywriter Code serves different audiences in different ways.
For copywriters
- Make confident decisions in tricky situations
- Explain your professional approach to clients
- Identify areas for development
- Demonstrate your commitment to professional standards
- Join a community of practitioners who share your values
For clients and employers
- Honest representation of skills and experience
- Clear communication about scope, pricing and timelines
- Transparency about AI use and working methods
- Confidentiality and data protection
- Accountability for quality and accuracy
For the wider industry
- A reference point for professional practice
- Clear expectations for training and education providers
- A framework for discussing ethics and standards
- Evidence of the profession's commitment to accountability
The Code applies to all working contexts — freelance, agency, in-house, or employed. Some provisions are specific to independent practice, but the core principles apply across the board.
How it works
The Copywriter Code has three interconnected documents. Each serves a different purpose.
Code of Conduct
- Professional integrity
- Client relationships
- Ethics & boundaries
- AI & technology
- Industry responsibility
- Fair pricing
Code of Practice
- Professional competence
- Project management
- Evidence-based practice
- AI tools
- Compliance & accessibility
- Independent practice
Competency Framework
- Core competencies
- 11 specialisms
- 4 progression levels
- Observable behaviours
How the standards interact
Think of it this way:
- The Code of Conduct is about who you are — your values and character
- The Code of Practice is about what you do — your processes and methods
- The Competency Framework is about what you can do — your skills and knowledge
All three matter. A copywriter might be highly skilled but behave unethically. Another might have excellent values but lack the competence to deliver good work. Professional practice requires all three elements working together.
Governance
The Copywriter Code is maintained by ProCopywriters with oversight from the Standards Committee. Here's how decisions are made.
Ownership and responsibility
ProCopywriters owns and publishes The Copywriter Code. The Standards Committee provides oversight, handles complaints, and recommends changes. Day-to-day administration is handled by the ProCopywriters team.
In developing the standards, guidance content and resources, we've used a combination of original research, expert input, and AI-assisted drafting, with all content reviewed and refined by our team.
How the Code evolves
The Code is a living document. We review it annually and update it when needed. Changes might come from:
- Member feedback and suggestions
- Complaints that reveal gaps or ambiguities
- Changes in law, regulation or industry practice
- New technologies or working methods
- Research and benchmarking against other professions
Minor clarifications can be made at any time. Significant changes go through a consultation process:
- Proposal — A change is proposed, with rationale
- Consultation — Members and stakeholders are invited to comment
- Review — The Standards Committee considers feedback
- Decision — Changes are approved, modified or rejected
- Publication — Updated documents are published with a changelog
We aim to give at least 30 days' notice before significant changes take effect.
Principles of interpretation
The Code should be interpreted according to its spirit and purpose, not narrowly or technically. We trust professional judgement.
Conduct that undermines the values of the Code may be treated as a breach even if it doesn't fall squarely within a specific provision. Equally, technical compliance with the letter of the Code won't excuse conduct that clearly violates its intent.
When provisions conflict or situations aren't covered, copywriters should act in accordance with the Code's underlying principles: honesty, professionalism, accountability and respect for clients, colleagues and the public.
The Standards Committee
The Standards Committee is a group of volunteer members who oversee professional standards for ProCopywriters.
What the Committee does
- Reviews and recommends changes to The Copywriter Code
- Handles complaints about potential breaches
- Considers reinstatement applications
- Advises on ethical and professional issues
- Publishes an annual transparency report
Committee membership
Committee members:
- Must be Pro+ members in good standing
- Serve for a renewable term of two years
- Must declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from relevant cases
- Receive training on complaints handling and decision-making
The Committee typically includes 5–7 members representing different specialisms and career stages.
How complaints work
Anyone can raise concerns about potential breaches of the Code. The process is designed to be fair, proportionate and focused on learning rather than punishment.
- Submission — Concerns are submitted in writing
- Acknowledgement — We acknowledge receipt within 5 working days
- Response — The member is invited to respond within 10 working days
- Review — A panel of at least two Committee members reviews the case
- Resolution — Most cases are resolved through dialogue, learning or minor adjustments
- Escalation — Serious or repeated breaches may result in suspension or removal
Appeals can be made within 20 working days and are reviewed by a separate panel.
Read more about accountability and enforcement →
Joining the Committee
We recruit new Committee members periodically. If you're a Pro+ member interested in serving, expressions of interest are welcome at any time. We particularly encourage applications from members in underrepresented specialisms or backgrounds.
Badges and recognition
Members who subscribe to The Copywriter Code can display badges on their website, email signature and marketing materials. These provide visual proof of their commitment to professional standards.
The Copywriter Code badge
I Follow The Copywriter Code
All Pro+ members can display this badge. It confirms they've agreed to uphold the Code's principles and are committed to professional, ethical practice.
Membership badges
ProCopywriters membership badges show your membership level:
Accredited credentials
From 2027, copywriters can apply for accredited status. Accreditation involves independent assessment of competence and represents verified professional credentials:
Using badges correctly
Badges should be:
- Displayed at an appropriate size (minimum 100px width for digital use)
- Used in their original colours without modification
- Linked to your ProCopywriters profile or The Copywriter Code landing page
- Removed promptly if your membership lapses or is revoked
Frequently asked questions
The Copywriter Code is a professional standards framework for copywriters, consisting of a Code of Conduct, Code of Practice and Competency Framework. It sets out what good practice looks like and what clients can expect from professional copywriters.
The Copywriter Code was developed by ProCopywriters, the UK's largest professional body for commercial writers. It was created in consultation with members, external experts and stakeholders from related industries.
No. The Copywriter Code is a professional code, not a legal document. However, members who subscribe to the Code agree to uphold its principles, and breaches may result in sanctions including removal from ProCopywriters.
No. The Code complements legal requirements — it doesn't replace them. Copywriters must still comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including advertising standards, data protection and consumer protection legislation.
All Pro+ members of ProCopywriters automatically subscribe to The Copywriter Code as a condition of their membership.
Anyone can read and follow The Copywriter Code's principles. However, only Pro+ members can officially subscribe to it, display the badge, and be listed as subscribing members.
The Code applies to all copywriters, regardless of employment status. Part 1 of the Code of Practice covers core standards for everyone. Part 2 covers additional requirements for independent practitioners — if you're employed, you can skip that section.
Yes. Corporate members can subscribe to The Copywriter Code on behalf of their copywriting team. This commits the organisation to ensuring their copywriters work in accordance with the Code.
The Code of Conduct covers character — the values and ethics that guide professional decisions. The Code of Practice covers craft — the practical processes and methods for delivering excellent work.
The Code is principles-based, not rule-based. It sets out what good practice looks like without trying to anticipate every situation. Copywriters are trusted to apply professional judgement within the Code's principles.
Act in accordance with the Code's underlying principles: honesty, professionalism, accountability and respect for clients, colleagues and the public. If you're unsure, seek guidance from peers or the Standards Committee.
No. The Code recognises that AI tools are part of the modern copywriter's toolkit. What it requires is transparency, accountability and professional oversight — not avoidance of technology.
There's no precise threshold. If AI has meaningfully shaped the content — generating significant portions, structuring arguments, or producing first drafts that you've refined — that's substantial. Light use for research, grammar checking or brainstorming typically isn't.
Absolutely. What matters is that you maintain professional oversight, verify accuracy and appropriateness, take responsibility for the final output, and are transparent with clients about your methods.
Most breaches are handled through dialogue and learning, not punishment. Typical outcomes include constructive conversations, requests to amend practices, or recommendations for relevant training.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in suspension or removal from ProCopywriters.
Yes. Complaints can come from clients, colleagues, collaborators, or anyone else with legitimate concerns about professional conduct.
Yes. The identity of complainants is protected unless disclosure is necessary for a fair process. Both parties are expected to maintain confidentiality.
The Code includes protection against misuse. Complaints that appear vexatious, malicious or made in bad faith may be dismissed without investigation. Repeated misuse may result in the complainant being barred from the process.
Yes. Appeals can be made in writing within 20 working days and are reviewed by a separate panel. Appeal decisions are final.
No. The Competency Framework covers core copywriting plus eleven specialisms. You're expected to be competent in core copywriting and any specialisms you claim to practise. Nobody is expected to be expert in everything.
Pro+ members must complete 20 hours of continuing professional development annually, including at least 5 hours of structured learning. Accredited Copywriters have higher requirements (35 hours, including 10 hours structured).
Structured learning includes courses, workshops, conferences and formal training. Other CPD activities include reading, peer review, mentoring, self-study and reflective practice. We provide guidance and tracking tools for members.
Accreditation is a verified credential that confirms professional competence. Unlike self-declared membership levels, accreditation involves independent assessment against the Competency Framework.
We plan to launch accreditation services in 2027. Pro+ members will be notified when applications open.
Fees haven't been finalised, but we're committed to keeping accreditation accessible. There will be initial assessment fees and ongoing annual fees that cover reassessment and CPD verification.
No. Accreditation is optional. Pro+ membership with subscription to The Copywriter Code remains the standard professional membership. Accreditation is for those who want independently verified credentials.
News and updates
The Copywriter Code is reviewed annually. Significant changes are published here with explanations and effective dates.
Version history
Initial publication of The Copywriter Code, comprising:
- Code of Conduct v10
- Code of Practice v11
- Competency Framework v8
- Enforcement Model v2
Suggest a change
The Copywriter Code belongs to our professional community. If you have suggestions for improvements, clarifications or additions, we want to hear from you.
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