Ethical Guidelines--15 Commitments for Member Care Workers

Are there relevant guidelines for member care workers (MCWs)

from a variety of backgrounds. We think so!

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Here are 15 core guidelines in the form of MCW commitments. These guidelines focus on the personal qualities, skills, and training to do member care ethically. The underlying principle is that MCWs are committed to provide the best services possible in the best interests of the people whom they serve. They are intended to be referred to regularly, to be discussed with colleagues, and to be applied in light of the variations in our backgrounds.

1. Ongoing training, personal growth, and self-care.
2. Ongoing accountability for personal areas and member care ministry.
3. “Doing no harm” and having high standards in my services.
4. Recognizing the strengths/limits in my self/skills/services.
5. Understanding and respecting the felt needs of those with whom I work.
6. Working with other colleagues, and making referrals when needed.
7. Consulting and getting supervision as needed/regularly.
8. Representing my skills and background accurately.
9. Preventing problems as well as offering supportive and restorative services.
10. Having cultural and organizational sensitivity and respecting diversity.
11. Not imposing my disciplinary/regulatory norms on other MCWs.
12. Serving as a link/mediator between staff and organizations when needed.
13. Abiding by legal requirements for offering member care in a given country.
14. Practicing member care ethically, based on specific ethical guidelines.
15. Growing in my relationship to Christ, the Good Practitioner.

Reflection and Discussion

• Which of these guidelines are most relevant for your work?
• Are there any guidelines that you need to develop further?
• How relevant are these guidelines across cultures, organisations, disciplines, backgrounds, etc.?