During this year's Chartered Week, the Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering have published an updated version of their joint Statement on Ethical Principles, reflecting the changing nature of engineering practice and the challenges faced by professionals today.

Most notably, a new fifth ethical principle has been introduced, focusing on engineers’ and technicians’ responsibility for the future of technology, society and the environment. This principle recognises that rapidly developing technologies, including digital systems and artificial intelligence, can have transformative and long-lasting impacts, and highlights the responsibility of professionals to anticipate wider consequences and act in the public interest.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said: 

“At CIHT, professionalism and ethical practice sit at the heart of everything we do. We are proud supporters of Chartered Week and its celebration of trusted professionals. As the highways and transportation profession responds to rapid technological change, climate pressures and evolving public expectations, it is vital that our ethical frameworks continue to support sound professional judgement and responsible decision-making.”

“We (at CIHT) therefore welcome the recent update to the Statement on Ethical Principles for the engineering profession, published jointly by the Engineering Council and the Royal Academy of Engineering. This refreshed guidance provides timely and important direction for engineers and transport professionals navigating an increasingly complex professional landscape.”

“CIHT fully supports this work and encourages members to reflect on how these principles apply to their own roles and responsibilities, and to make use of the learning resources available through CIHT Learn to support ethical practice.”

What this means for CIHT members

For CIHT members working across highways, transportation and infrastructure, ethical considerations are central to professional practice. The updated guidance reinforces the importance of acting in the public interest, maintaining professional competence, speaking up where there are concerns about unsafe or irresponsible practice, and considering the long-term impacts of decisions on communities, the environment and future generations.

Develop your understanding with CIHT Learn

To support members in applying ethical principles in practice, CIHT offers dedicated learning through CIHT Learn.

Ethics in Transport and Infrastructure

CIHT’s introductory course on professional ethics is designed to support highways and transportation professionals in understanding and applying ethical principles in everyday practice.

Available through CIHT Learn, this course explores the ethical challenges that professionals may encounter across the highways and transportation sector and provides practical guidance on how to respond with integrity, reflection and professional judgement.

Further information about the course

This course introduces key issues in professional ethics, focusing on real‑world scenarios and the practical contexts in which ethical decisions are made. Rather than presenting ethics as a checklist, the course highlights the importance of ongoing reflection, openness to learning and ethical leadership throughout a professional career.

The course has been written by Dr Caroline Mullen, an experienced academic and practitioner in professional ethics.

Learning outcomes

By completing the course, learners will be able to:

• Identify issues in professional ethics as they may be encountered in professional practice
• Work through appropriate responses to ethical issues, taking account of practical and organisational contexts
• Understand how professional ethics involves reflection, learning and integrity in action, rather than a “tick‑box” approach
• Relate ethical practice directly to the principles set out in the CIHT Code of Conduct

Who should take this course?

This is an introductory course suitable for all highways and transportation professionals, regardless of career stage, role or discipline. It is particularly relevant for those looking to strengthen their understanding of professional responsibilities and ethical decision‑making within the sector.

CPD and professional development

The course is equivalent to 1 hour of CPD and can be completed online at a time that suits the learner, making it easy to integrate ethical learning into ongoing professional development.

Access the course

CIHT members can access the course via CIHT Learn:

Professional Ethics in Highways and Transportation

This course supports CIHT’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice across the highways and transportation profession.

https://www.cihtlearn.org.uk/#/dlp/course/8d066788-36d8-496b-aca7-a24c5b5c5f8d