BDA Code of Conduct & Ethics
The Code of Conduct of the Business Development Association (BDA) establishes unified global ethical and professional standards for all individuals and institutions associated with the association. Whether through earning certifications such as Certified Business Development Professional (BDA-CP) and BDA-SCP™ obtaining institutional accreditations, or holding memberships and partnerships.
this Code serves as the reference framework that defines acceptable conduct, core values, and professional responsibilities. It ensures global trust that any activity under the BDA name reflects the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
This Code applies to:
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All BDA-certified professionals (BDA-CP™, BDA-SCP™).
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Accredited partners (ECP, PDP, AAI, AIDP, COE, CSIS, RPDE).
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Individual and corporate members of BDA.
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Approved trainers and facilitators.
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BDA committees, staff, and working groups.
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Integrity: Commit to honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all professional practices.
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Fairness: Ensure equal treatment, non-discrimination, and merit-based recognition.
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Respect: Uphold respect for cultures, diversity, and local regulations.
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Professional Responsibility: Apply the standards outlined in the BDA BoCK® consistently in practice
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Confidentiality & Data Protection: Safeguard the privacy of members, candidates, and institutional partners.
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Accountability: Take responsibility for professional decisions and their outcomes.
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The Ethics Complaint Review Process enables individuals or institutions to report potential breaches of this Code by a BDA member, partner, or certification-holder. The process ensures a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation to protect the integrity of the profession and the reputation of the BDA community.
- Preliminary Review: Assess whether the complaint falls under BDA’s jurisdiction.
- Investigation: The Ethics Committee gathers evidence and interviews relevant parties.
- Evaluation: Determine whether the Code of Conduct has been breached.
- Decision: Appropriate actions are taken (warning, suspension, revocation, or termination of membership/partnership).
- Notification: Both the complainant and respondent are informed of the final decision in writing.
