Ethics in Contractual Agreements

Most registrants who practise professional engineering and professional geoscience will enter into contractual agreements at some point over the course of their work or career. While Engineers and Geoscientists BC always recommends getting legal advice for developing contracts, there are also professional and ethical considerations that should also be taken into account. This webinar will provide practical considerations related to professional and ethical conduct for registrants as they navigate contractual relationships. We will share some of our proactive practice guidance in this area, as well as share some case studies and lessons learned through situations the organization has had to handle through complaints and investigation.

Alice Kruchten, P.Eng.
Practice Advisor, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Joanne Wilson
Complaint Intake Manager, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Klara Hillmann, MPP
Regulatory Officer, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Learning Objectives

• Overview of Code of Ethics
• Proactive Guidance
  • Practice Advisory: Document Retention
  • Practice Advisory: Considerations for Professionals of Record in Contractual Disputes
  • Basic practice advice guidance
• Reactive Learnings
  • Complaint Summaries
  • Lessons Learned

Key Takeaways

Registrants will come away from this webinar with a clearer understanding of what their professional and ethical duties are in relation to contractual agreements.

Presenters

Alice Kruchten, P.Eng.

Practice Advisor, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Alice is a registered professional engineer and Practice Advisor with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. In her current role, Alice is responsible for managing the development of the organization's professional practice guidelines, engaging with various stakeholders to address professional practice concerns, and for providing advice to registrants regarding practice issues. Alice is an environmental engineer with 8 years' experience in civil engineering and environmental consulting in BC. She currently provides staff support to the Environmental Professionals Division and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (in Civil Engineering), and a Master of Engineering Leadership (in Integrated Water Management Engineering), both from the University of British Columbia.

Klara Hillmann, MPP

Regulatory Officer, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Klara is the Regulatory Officer in the Legislation, Ethics and Compliance Department at Engineers and Geoscientists BC. In her role, Klara is responsible for developing policies and procedures for the Department, supporting the amendment process of Engineers and Geoscientists BC bylaws, managing projects, facilitating consultations and preparing reports, and assisting with the creation of information materials, including the Guide to the Code of Ethics. Klara holds a Master in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University.

Joanne Wilson

Complaint Intake Manager, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Joanne is the Complaint Intake Manager in the Legislation, Ethics and Compliance Department at Engineers and Geoscientists BC. In her role, Joanne is responsible for managing the intake complaint team and overseeing the process of complainants against registrants and registrant firms. As part of her role, she also assists in the revision and updating of policies as they relate to the complaint intake phase. Joanne has over 15 years of experience in law, investigations, and compliance. Most recently Joanne was an Investigator at Engineers and Geoscientists BC for several years before commencing her role as Complaint Intake Manager. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychology from Griffith University in Australia.