Our Ethical Code
Our aim at all times is to offer unparalleled client satisfaction, which we feel cannot be achieved by simply following the minimum standards. We believe we have implemented a positive culture of ethical behaviour in our business which is strictly adhered to by all members of staff. We do this by ensuring we always act in accordance with our Ethical Code.
All staff at Bob Little & Co are required to:
1. Act with the highest ethical standards and integrity
In practice, this involves:
- Being honest and trustworthy at all times
- Being reliable, dependable and respectful
- Not taking unfair advantage of a client, a colleague or any other third-party
- Maintaining the reputation of our firm and the financial services industry as a whole
- Operating professionally and in a responsible manner
- Not offering, or accepting, gifts or hospitality which could imply an improper obligation
- Refusing to act where a conflict of interests exists, and reporting all potential conflicts to a supervisor
- Reporting any breaches of this Ethical Code to their supervisor as soon as possible.
2. Act in the best interests of every client
In practice, this involves:
- Basing all decisions on a clear understanding of a client’s needs, priorities and circumstances
- Giving clients all the information they require, that they are aware of, to allow them to make an informed decision
- Ensuring all promises made to a client about a product or service are true;
- Respecting confidential information relating to all current, former and potential clients
- Ensuring information obtained from work is not used improperly or for their own personal or business advantage.
3. Provide an excellent standard of service
In practice, this involves:
- Communicating with each client in an accurate and straightforward manner, expressed in a way the client can understand;
- Being transparent about all fees and charges
- Take reasonable steps to ensure all advice is accurate and suitable for the individual client
- Obtaining and providing clear information before, during and after the point of sale
- Ensuring adequate and complete records are maintained
- Acting with due skill, care and diligence
- Acting only within their ability and authorisation, and seeking advice help where necessary
- Ensure their knowledge and expertise is kept up-to-date and is relevant for their work
- Ensuring the firm’s written complaints procedure is always followed.
4. Treat everyone equally, regardless of: age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; marriage and civil partnership; race; religion and belief; sex; and sexual orientation.
In practice, this involves:
- Treating each person as an individual;
- Challenging and reporting unlawful or unfair discriminatory behaviour and practice
- Always acting openly and fairly and treating everyone with equal respect and opportunity
- Making reasonable adjustments to assist people with disabilities or particular needs at workforce.
In addition to the above, we will
- Act in good faith and
- Avoid foreseeable harm
