1. Ethics
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Ethics form the foundation of every profession and play a vital role in upholding the credibility, trust, and reputation of the Vehicle Damage Quantification (VDQ) sector. For members of the VDQGBSA, ethical behaviour is not just a requirement—it is a professional obligation. As a professional body recognised by SAQA, VDQGBSA serves as a guardian of public interest and a seal of integrity for those who belong to it. Ethical misconduct, if left unchecked, has far-reaching consequences—not only does it compromise service quality and safety, but it also brings disrepute to the profession and erodes public confidence.
Being a member of a professional body like the VDQGBSA signifies that one meets rigorous standards of behaviour and professionalism. It represents a “stamp of approval” and a commitment to ethical excellence. This section will help members understand what constitutes ethical behaviour,
1.2 DEFINITIONS
✔ Ethics: A set of moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
✔ Ethical Behaviour: Actions that are consistent with accepted principles of right and wrong governing the conduct of a profession.
✔ Unethical: Behaviour that is morally wrong or professionally improper.
✔ Corruption: Abuse of entrusted power for private gain (e.g., bribery, kickbacks).
✔ Fraud: Intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain.
✔ Theft: The act of stealing property or assets belonging to another.
✔ Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information with the intent to deceive.
✔ Brand Reputation: The public perception and trustworthiness of an organisation’s brand.
1.3 IDENTIFYING UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Ask yourself:
➢ Is it legal?
➢ Is it honest?
➢ Does it comply with VDQGBSA’s Code of Conduct?
➢ Would I be comfortable if my actions were publicly known?
➢ Could this damage VDQGBSA’s reputation?
➢ Could this damage my own reputation?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” the behaviour is likely unethical.
Test: The “Mirror Test”
➢ Can I look at myself in the mirror and feel proud of my action?
1.4 ETHICAL RESPONSE
If you witness unethical conduct by a business, entity, or individual:
✔ Report the incident to the VDQGBSA’s Ethics or Disciplinary Committee.
✔Use internal or external whistleblowing channels, preserving confidentiality.
Note: Failure to report unethical conduct, when aware of it, may also be unethical and could contravene the Code of Conduct.
Refer to Sections 3 to 10 of the VDQGBSA Code of Conduct for enforcement protocols.
2. Governance
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Governance provides the structural framework through which the VDQGBSA operates, and it serves as a critical mechanism for ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour across the sector. Good governance is the backbone of professionalism and reflects a commitment to fairness, integrity, and service to the public.
For professionals, being a member of the VDQGBSA brings with it both privileges and responsibilities. Membership signifies that one adheres to high standards of corporate and individual governance. It reassures clients, insurers, employers, and stakeholders that the professional operates within a monitored, ethical, and legally compliant framework.
Failure to observe governance principles can lead to poor decision-making, conflicts of interest, financial misconduct, and long-term reputational damage. Conversely, a well-governed profession promotes innovation, excellence, and sustainability.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
✔ Governance: Framework of rules, relationships, systems, and processes within and by which authority is exercised and controlled.
✔ Corporate Governance: Systems and processes that direct and control organisations, ensuring accountability, fairness, and transparency.
2.3 IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNANCE
Governance in a professional structure:
✔ Upholds integrity and accountability
✔ Protects the public interest
✔ Ensures compliance with laws and codes
✔ Enables ethical behaviour and decision-making
✔ Builds trust in the profession and the professional body
✔ VDQGBSA maintains governance through:
✔ Its Board and Committees
✔ Membership rules and obligations
✔ The Constitution and Code of Conduct
✔ Ethical training and CPD
✔ Clear conflict of interest disclosures
3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Clear Conflict of Interest Disclosures refer to the transparent and honest declaration of any personal, financial, professional, or other interests that may improperly influence—or be perceived to influence—an individual’s decisions, actions, or responsibilities within a professional setting.
3.1 DEFINITION
✔ A conflict of interest arises when a person’s private interests (financial, familial, or personal relationships) could interfere with their duty to act in the best interests of their profession, organisation, or clients.
3.2 CLEAR CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE MEANS:
✔ Openly declaring any such conflicts before engaging in decision-making, advisory, or governance roles.
✔ Filing written statements (e.g., Declaration of Interest forms) annually or when circumstances change.
✔ Recusing oneself from decisions where a conflict exists or could be reasonably perceived.
✔ Ensuring records of such disclosures are maintained by the relevant ethics/governance committee.
3.2.1 EXAMPLE
A member of a professional body serving on a procurement committee must disclose if their spouse owns a company bidding for a contract—even if they are not directly involved.
3.2.2 CLEAR DISCLOSURES PROTECT
✔ The integrity of the profession
✔ Public trust
✔ The professional body from reputational and legal risk
4. APPLICATION TO VDQGBSA
4.1 VDQGBSA ETHICAL FRAMEWORK HIGHLIGHTS
From the VDQGBSA Code of Conduct:
✔ Members must act with integrity, objectivity, and professionalism.
✔ Members are obligated to disclose conflicts of interest (Section 9).
✔ VDQGBSA prohibits bribery, corruption, and unethical gain (Sections 8–10).
✔ The Declaration of Interest form must be signed annually (Section 12).
5. GOVERNANCE IN PRACTICE (FROM THE VDQGBSA CONSTITUTION)
5.1 KEY GOVERNANCE OBLIGATIONS
✔ Section 4.12–4.13: Oversight of ethics and communication
✔ Section 4.3 & 4.7: Compliance with SAQA and QCTO regulations
✔ Section 4.6: Publication and transparency of professional conduct
✔ Section 4.14: Enhancement of professional status
✔ Section 4.21: No member shall gain financially from VDQGBSA unless salaried
6. YOUR ROLE AS A MEMBER
✔ Read and understand the VDQGBSA Constitution and Code of Conduct
✔ Comply with CPD requirements and ethical updates
✔ Promote transparency and fairness in your practice
✔ Avoid conflicts of interest, or declare them immediately
✔ Participate in governance feedback and transformation efforts
7. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
7.1 ETHICS
✔ Ethics governs personal and professional conduct in the VDQ profession.
✔ Unethical behaviour includes fraud, corruption, theft, misrepresentation, and other dishonest acts.
✔ Ethical behaviour should be legal, honest, and aligned with VDQGBSA policies.
✔ Failure to report unethical behaviour when aware is itself unethical.
✔ Refer to the Code of Conduct for guidance and processes.
7.2 GOVERNANCE
✔ Governance ensures professional standards, accountability, and compliance.
✔ VDQGBSA’s Constitution outlines key responsibilities for governance.
✔ Corporate governance enables trust and public protection.
✔ Members are required to act with integrity, disclose conflicts of interest, and adhere to rules.
7.3 YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
✔ Understand and follow the Code of Conduct and Constitution.
✔ Engage in CPD and ethics training.
✔ Promote fairness and transparency.
✔ Report unethical conduct.
✔ Lead by example as a member of a SAQA-recognized professional body.
8. ASSESSMENT AND CPD
This training forms part of your Compulsory CPD. Completion will be recorded under your CPD portfolio.
✔ Duration: 2 hours
✔ Assessment: Open-book 20-question multiple choice
✔ Pass rate: 75%
✔ Facilitator: VDQGBSA Ethics & Governance Officer
TO EARN CPD POINTS PLEASE FOLLOW LINK BELOW TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT
xxxxxx@vdqgbsa.co.za
UPON SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED ASSESSMENT TO YOUR RESULTS WILL MAIL TO YOU AND AVAILABLE ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP PROFILE:
Please log online into your VDQGBSA Membership Account with your username and password , click here .
For any enquiries, re your username and password, please contact us via email: info@vdqgbsa.co.za or by dialing the office on 012 346 3290
