INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTIONICRP ref: 4842-2907-2666

ICRP CODE OF ETHICS
Approved by the Main Commission on 2014 April 10
ICRP is a charity registered in the United Kingdom established to provide
independent recommendations and guidance on radiological protection for the publicbenefit. Its objective is to contribute to an appropriate level of protection against
detrimental effects of ionising radiation exposure without unduly limiting the benefits
associated with the use of radiation.
In developing its recommendations and guidance, ICRP considers advances inscientific knowledge, evolving social values, and practical experience. Its members
are expected to be knowledgeable and experienced in one or more of the relevant
subject areas and specialised fields of application and control of radiation in order tocontribute to ICRP’s objective. Members are also expected to discharge their
responsibilities in accordance with high ethical standards. The basic elements of theethical framework are outlined in this CODE OF ETHICS.

Committed to public benefit
ICRP acts to protect humans and the environment from the harmful effects ofradiation
Being committed to public benefit involves:Giving priority to protecting individuals, population groups, and the environment
against harmful effects of radiation, while not unduly limiting the beneficial use ofradiation
Preserving the values associated with being a charity1 and taking into accounthuman rights, equity, vulnerable populations, and the environment in thedevelopment of recommendations and guidanceDeveloping and updating recommendations and guidance in the light of mostrecent advances in our knowledge of radiation risks to humans and to theenvironment, and in application and control of radiationIndependent
ICRP acts independently of governments and organisations, including industryand other users of radiation
Being independent involves:
1

Relying primarily on its volunteer members to carry out the work required todevelop recommendations and guidance on radiological protection
Declining financial contributions that could imply a conflict of interest
See The essential trustee – what you need to know (CC3). UK Charity Commission.

Impartial
ICRP acts impartially in its development of recommendations and guidance
Being impartial involves:Commitment of all members to work with honesty and integrity in the interest ofradiological protection of humans and the environment, and not favour any
commercial, personal or vested interests
Declaration by all members of any affiliations or other factors that may give rise toconflict of interest when developing recommendations and guidance and, formembers of the Main Commission, when acting as trustees
Striving for a balanced membership with regard to gender, ethnicity, geographic
origin, discipline, and experience to prevent bias in views and judgements

Transparent
ICRP engages stakeholders and strives to be transparent in its actions andjudgements
Being transparent involves:

Maintaining an open and respectful dialogue with all stakeholders and working
with them to promote radiological protection for the public benefit
Conducting public consultations on recommendations and guidance prior topublication
Accepting nominations for committee membership from external parties andselecting members on the basis of publically available criteria

Accountable
ICRP is accountable to the framework that governs the activities of a charity
Being accountable involves:


Acting responsibly and in accordance with the high standards expected ofmembers of ICRP and, for members of the Main Commission, as trustees of thecharity
Managing financial resources and assets in accordance with good accounting
principles
Publicly reporting activities, finances, assets, and affiliations of Main Commission
members in annual reports

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