Find Your Specialist

Code of Ethics

1. Purpose & Scope

This Code of Ethics guides all individuals acting in PHA Europe & Global’s name—board members, staff, consultants, volunteers, and national member representatives—to foster integrity, trust, openness, and ethical behaviour.

2. Core Principles

1. Integrity & Impartiality

  • Always act in the best interests of PHA Europe & Global, upholding transparency, objectivity, and accountability.
  • Avoid conflicts between personal gain and organisational priorities; declare any potential conflicts immediately.

2. Respect & Empathy

  • Treat patients, carers, members, colleagues, and partners with dignity and compassion, especially acknowledging the challenges PH patients face.

3. Equity & Inclusion

  • Offer equal opportunities to all stakeholders—patients, national associations, healthcare professionals, and industry partners—across Europe.

4. Independence & Transparency in Partnerships

  • Maintain impartial relationships with industry. Avoid exclusive partnerships and ensure educational content remains balanced and independent.

5. Truth & Clarity in Communication

  • Provide accurate, objective, relevant, timely, and understandable information to all audiences.

6. Confidentiality & Privacy

  • Respect privacy laws and safeguard confidential information, unless legally required to disclose.

7. Compliance & Lawfulness

  • Abide by all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

8. Financial Integrity

  • Practice fiscal responsibility; prevent fraud, bribery, misuse of assets, and improper influence.

9. Professionalism & Accountability

  • Act with professional conduct, taking responsibility for personal actions and acknowledging mistakes when they occur.

10. Promotion of Patient Empowerment

  • Commit to PHA Europe & Global’s mission: psychosocial support, access to treatment, health literacy, shared decision-making, capacity building, early diagnosis, improved care standards, and patient empowerment.

3. Ethical Responsibilities

To Patients & Members: Treat every patient and member with empathy, empower them with knowledge, and protect their rights.

To Partners & Sponsors: Ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in collaborations.

To the Public: Build public trust through ethical advocacy, unbiased awareness campaigns, and honest representation of PH challenges.

To Each Other: Support open communication, mutual respect, and ethical accountability among all PHA Europe & Global participants.

4. Implementation & Enforcement

Training & Awareness: Regular ethics and compliance training for staff, volunteers, and board members.

Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a confidential hotline or email for reporting unethical behaviour, fraud, or conflicts of interest.

Monitoring & Audit: Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure adherence to ethical standards.

Consequences: Breaches of this code may result in corrective actions, including removal from roles, financial restitution, or legal referral.

5. Review & Update

This Code will be reviewed at least every two years—or sooner if organisational or regulatory changes occur—to keep it relevant and effective.