Since the launch of the College last fall, our licensee base has grown impressively. With now over 10,000 RCICs and 300 RISIAs, the public expects high standards of advice and service associated with these professional designations.
Characteristics of a Profession
Self-regulation is a privilege granted to professions that show they can put the interests of the public ahead of their own. With that privilege comes the responsibility to know and meet the professional and ethical obligations demanded of an immigration and citizenship consultant. As such, it is worth reviewing the characteristics of a profession and the requirements that professional status places on the individual professional.
- Professionals acquire an identified skill acquired through education and/or training;
- Professionals apply the skill through personal service to assist others (clients) for compensation;
- Professionals maintain an essential “objectivity” while providing services;
- Professionals accept that personal interests must be subordinate to those of the client and the public interest generally;
- Professionals belong to an established body that sets and maintains professional standards, and assures the continued competence of practitioners and the competence and ethical standards of the profession as a whole; and
- Professionals follow a code of ethical conduct, established and enforced by the professional body, aimed at protecting the public.
In addition to these characteristics, there is also an understanding and acceptance by all of a duty to promote and support the development of their profession and fellow professionals. Professionals live up to the expectations of their colleagues, their clients, and the expectations of their regulator by exercising the principles of professionalism.
Principles of Professionalism
- Professional behaviour – Conduct must reflect well upon you as a professional and your profession as a whole;
- Duty of good faith – Act in the client’s best interest;
- Integrity – Act in an honest and straightforward manner;
- Objectivity – Exercise sound professional judgment
- Competence – Gain and maintain the skills you need.
Licensees of the profession and the regulator play equal roles in maintaining the public’s trust and respect. The College’s role as the regulator in maintaining public trust in the profession is to protect the reputation of the profession and “keep the badge shiny.” The College does so by ensuring entrants to the profession are properly trained and are of good character, and that licensees meet ongoing regulatory obligations and maintain continued professional development.