FIRMS Network Code of Conduct
for FIRMS Members
Version No. 2 Date of Issue: 29 June, 2015
Members of the Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) Network are required to comply with the following code.
- Promote the forensic application of isotope analysis.
- Act in accordance with the FIRMS Network mission statement.
- Pay all necessary membership fees within the required period.
- Maintain the reputation and further the interests of the FIRMS Network.
- Conduct themselves ethically in the practice of their profession.
- Treat colleagues with due respect.
- Have regard for the public interest at all times.
- Alert the Steering Group to any incident (that has come to the member’s attention), in which isotope analysis (including. interpretation of data) were applied in a forensic context in a way that was not fit-for-purpose.
- Inform the Steering Group of any matters that might adversely affect the reputation of the FIRMS Network.
- Follow the FIRMS Complaints Procedure (Alleged Breach of Code of Conduct) for any suspected breach of this Code of Conduct.
- Respect any rulings by the Steering Group concerning breaches of this Code of Conduct.
Provision of Services
- Members providing forensic services are strongly advised to obtain either ISO17025 accreditation or, where not practicable, FIRMS Approved Practitioner status.
- In providing services members must, above all else, give primacy to the public interest and the requirements of justice.
- Members providing services are required to ensure that they are competent to provide the service, the service is founded on sound science, they employ valid protocols and have in place a suitable quality system.
- Members providing services must comply with the FIRMS Good Practice Guide and with the Guidelines for mass spectrometric isotope ratio measurements issued by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
- Members should not imply or suggest that FIRMS membership is an endorsement by FIRMS of the services provided.