Policies & Forms

Complaint Filing Process for Alleged Ethics Violation Against a Credential Holder

Individuals who hold status with BCSP, which includes applicants, candidates, and credential holders, are required to comply with the BCSP Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics establishes the professional and ethical responsibilities expected of all individuals associated with BCSP.

A complaint may be submitted when there is reason to believe that an individual has violated the BCSP Code of Ethics. Please note that dissatisfaction with a credential holder, by itself, is not necessarily sufficient grounds for disciplinary action. BCSP may take disciplinary action when there is a preponderance of evidence that a violation of the Code of Ethics has occurred.

Filing a Complaint

Individuals wishing to report an alleged violation of the BCSP Code of Ethics must complete the online Ethics Complaint Form.

Important: BCSP does not accept anonymous ethics complaints. Complainants must provide their name and contact information when submitting a complaint. Information provided will be handled in accordance with BCSP policies and procedures.

Prompt Reporting: BCSP encourages individuals to report alleged violations of the BCSP Code of Ethics as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the alleged conduct. While timely reporting helps facilitate a thorough review, BCSP reserves the right to consider complaints regardless of when the alleged conduct occurred or when the complaint is submitted.

The Ethics Complaint Form requires the following information:

1. Name and contact information of the complainant.
2. Name of the credential holder who is the subject of the complaint and BCSP Customer ID number, if know.
3. Contact email address and other relevant contact information.
4. A detailed description of the alleged violation, including the facts and circumstances supporting the complaint.
5. Any supporting documentation or evidence relevant to the complaint.

BCSP Review Process

Upon receipt of a complaint, BCSP will:

1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the complainant.
2. Review the information submitted to determine whether the allegations fall within the scope of the BCSP Code of Ethics and warrant further review.
3. Conduct such investigation, fact-finding, or research as BCSP deems appropriate.
4. Determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support disciplinary charges.

In accordance with BCSP's Disciplinary Action Policy, the Chief Executive Officer reviews the evidence and may advance charges for consideration by BCSP's Executive Committee. Matters meeting the criteria for disciplinary action are referred to the BCSP Judicial Commission for adjudication. Decisions of the Judicial Commission are generally not made public. However, matters involving the unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials, trademarks, logos, or other protected materials may be subject to publication in accordance with applicable BCSP policy.

Complaints Involving External Investigations

BCSP does not generally conduct independent investigations into complaints involving human resource matters, employment-related disputes, or workplace safety issues that fall within the authority of governmental agencies, occupational safety and health agencies, law enforcement entities, or other regulatory bodies with legal investigative authority ("External Investigators").

Individuals submitting complaints involving workplace conduct, employment-related matters, or other issues that may be subject to review by an employer, human resources department, governmental agency, or other External Investigator should provide copies of any relevant findings, determinations, investigative reports, corrective action notices, or other documentation resulting from those reviews that directly relate to the alleged conduct of the BCSP credential holder. BCSP may request additional information regarding any employer, human resources, regulatory, or governmental review that has occurred or is ongoing.

BCSP may rely upon the findings, reports, and determinations of External Investigators when evaluating allegations that intersect with matters outside BCSP's investigative authority. BCSP is not obligated to initiate, fund, or participate in investigations conducted by External Investigators. However, BCSP reserves the right to request additional information or conduct supplemental inquiries when necessary to support its credentialing, ethics, or disciplinary processes. Reliance on findings from External Investigators does not limit BCSP's authority to independently determine whether conduct violates the BCSP Code of Ethics or other credentialing requirements.

Resolution of Ethics Complaints

Final disposition of an ethics complaint may be deferred pending the completion of an investigation conducted by External Investigators. BCSP is not bound by any specific timeline while such external proceedings are ongoing.

Any disciplinary action imposed by BCSP shall be subject to the review or appeal rights set forth in the Disciplinary Action Policy and applicable governing documents.