Representatives of every sector of Australia’s international education industry have officially endorsed the “London Statement” of ethical international student recruitment. The statement was originally issued by education officials from the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand in 2012. It set out seven principles of best practice for education agents.
AAERI welcomes the collaborative effort. AAERI has studied the released statement and is of the view that the advised principles are very much part of the AAERI “Code of Ethics” and fully supports the initiative.
The "London statement" principles are based on an underlying ethical framework of:
- Integrity – Being straightforward and honest in all professional and business dealings.
- Objectivity – Not allowing professional judgment to be compromised by bias or conflict of interest.
- Professional competence and due care – Maintaining professional knowledge and professional service, and acting diligently.
- Transparency – Declaring conflicts of interest to all clients, especially when service fees are charged to both the education provider and the prospective student.
- Confidentiality – Respecting and preserving the confidentiality of personal information acquired and not releasing such information to third parties without proper authority.
- Professional behaviour – Acting in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and dealing with clients competently, diligently and fairly.
- Professionalism and purpose – Acting in a manner that will serve the interests of clients and the wider society even at the expense of self-interest.
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The seven principles say agents and consultants should:
- Practise responsible business ethics.
- Provide current, accurate and honest information in an ethical manner.
- Develop transparent business relationships with students and providers through the use of written agreements.
- Protect the interests of minors.
- Provide up-to-date information that enables international students to make informed choices when selecting which agent or consultant to employ.
- Act professionally.
- Work with destination countries and providers to raise ethical standards and best practices
