LBP Code of Ethics in force

The new LBP code of ethics came into force on October 25, 2022 and sets behavioural standards for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)

Originally announced in October 2021 with a 12-month period before it came in, the Code of Ethics aims to ensure that high standards are maintained in the industry. It also wants to give the public more confidence that LBPs are “reputable and operate ethically,” according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

“Homeowners can have greater confidence that when they choose an LBP to undertake building work, they are doing so in a safe, legal, and professional way, and that LBPs will take responsibility for their work.”

MBIE said the code of ethics will also create a framework to discipline LBPs who behave unprofessionally.

By the book

“A Code of Ethics aligns the LBP scheme with international best practice. It also provides clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally. The Board is able to issue fines or cancel licences where necessary.” – said MBIE.

The code of ethics comprises 19 standards across four principles: work safely, act within the law, take responsibility for your actions and behave professionally.

It was developed following consultation “with key stakeholders and all LBPs,” said MBIE. Consultation ran for eight weeks and contacted around 26,000 people. Over the course of the consultation period, MBIE received 79 written submissions and 277 webinar attendees.

Industry reaction

The introduction of a Code of Ethics has been met with differing opinion. Speaking to Under Construction, Trident Homes franchisee Hamish Broomfield said he was behind its introduction but thinks it could be marketed better.

“I don’t think introducing an LBP Code of Ethics is a bad thing. I believe that if LBPs are being dishonest or doing something dodgy, they should get called out for it and held accountable. I understand that some people may think introducing a code of ethics would improve the public’s confidence in the scheme, but for that to happen the public has to be aware of it in the first place! For example, I’ve never been asked by a potential customer if I’m an LBP.”

Ben Allan, CEO of David Reid Homes, took a stronger view on its introduction.

“I think a Code of Ethics is a good idea and completely appropriate for members of a professional organisation. A Code of Ethics should be a key part of what you sign up for when you register to become an LBP and something official that you can be held accountable for is important.”

Meanwhile Sam Manson, the director of SMBC, reckons the code of ethics is redundant.

“I don’t feel that the LBP scheme needs a Code of Ethics. If you’re an LBP, you’ve already been through a rigorous process to join the scheme and that means you’re far less likely to be a cowboy or display unethical behaviour.”