All established professions have codes of conduct. 

Along with other documents like a code of practice, professional standards help to improve the quality of the profession as a whole, while improving perceptions of that profession. 

Creating a code of conduct is a useful first step in the process of professionalising copywriting.

The Copywriter Code is a voluntary code of behaviour, rather than a legal framework or a system for policing our industry. 

However, we will offer a reporting system for anyone who feels that a ProCopywriters member has fallen short of the expectations defined in the Code. 

In the majority of cases, such reports will be used to support members to improve their own standards. Only in extreme cases would membership be revoked. 

Yes, the Code is entirely voluntary. 

ProCopywriters members (Basic, Pro and Corporate levels) will have the option to sign up the Code, and display the badge, for no extra charge. 

Creating a code of conduct is a possible first step in the formalisation of copywriting as a profession. It’s a way to begin conversations about good and bad behaviours. A code helps copywriters and anyone hiring a copywriter to have the same expectations of behaviour.

A code can also help us navigate the use of AI tools and set boundaries between humans and machines.

A code may also help to prevent people from declaring themselves to be copywriters without any experience or training – or at least give clients and recruiters a helping hand in identifying genuine professionals. 

The code may evolve into, or form part of, a future accreditation scheme. An accreditation scheme would be a more involved process of examining an individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills and aptitude, and then ensuring that those skills and capabilities remain up-to-date.

The first draft of the Code was created by the ProCopywriters team, based on existing codes of conduct from similar professions, with a great deal of input from our community. 

Subsequent drafts have been edited by the Copywriter Code Committee, a group of volunteers who have given their time to support this initiative. 

The Code has also been shaped by comments on our blog posts, discussions online, and live workshops devoted to the topic. 

We remain open to ideas and suggestions on how to improve the Code. 

The Copywriter Code is designed to be a bold statement of intent, rather than an exhaustive legal framework. 

Many other policies, rules and stipulations belong in other professional documents, such as codes of practice, terms and conditions, and contracts.

The Copywriter Code is a voluntary, optional, self-certification scheme for members of ProCopywriters. 

The initiative is designed to support all copywriters who strive to meet a higher professional standard and want a clear way to demonstrate that commitment.  

So no, the Code will only apply to those copywriters who sign up to the Code. 

A code of conduct is purely about our outward behaviours as professionals. 

Requirements of clients and/or employers belong in contracts and T&Cs. 

No, the Copywriter Code will not cost money, beyond the cost of ProCopywriters membership. 

The Copywriter Code will be a free benefit for ProCopywriters Basic, Pro and Corporate members. 

Yes, the Copywriter Code is intended to support the majority of copywriters. 

Copywriters must be qualified before they can sign up to the Code. 

Qualification can be achieved through any mixture of professional training, on-the-job experience, self-directed learning, and formal education.