Ethics Policy

Last updated: April 2026

Foundation Contractors Association (“FCA”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to operating with integrity, fairness and professional standards. This Ethics Policy outlines the principles that guide our conduct, membership standards and relationships with contractors, clients, partners and the wider industry.

1. Our Core Principles

We aim to operate according to the following principles:

  • Integrity in all business dealings
  • Fair treatment of members and users
  • Honest representation of services
  • Respect for competition and market fairness
  • Professional conduct
  • Accountability for decisions
  • Continuous improvement

2. Accuracy & Honest Representation

FCA expects all published profiles, claims and submissions to be accurate and not misleading.

Members should not:

  • Falsely claim qualifications or accreditations
  • Misrepresent project history or capabilities
  • Use deceptive pricing claims
  • Present false reviews or testimonials
  • Misstate coverage areas or operational capacity

Where concerns arise, FCA may request clarification or corrective action.

3. Independent Verification Standards

Where FCA offers verification services, we aim to apply checks consistently and in good faith using reasonably available information.

Verification is intended as a trust signal based on available evidence at the time of review. It is not a guarantee of future performance or risk-free engagement.

4. Fair Competition

We support open and fair competition across the foundation, piling and ground engineering sector.

FCA opposes:

  • False attacks on competitors
  • Defamation
  • Manipulated reviews
  • Misleading comparisons
  • Unethical poaching practices
  • Anti-competitive conduct

5. Anti-Bribery & Improper Influence

FCA does not support bribery, kickbacks or improper payments.

No membership, listing status or promotional placement should be granted in exchange for hidden benefits, gifts or unethical influence.

6. Conflicts of Interest

Where practical, FCA seeks to identify and manage conflicts of interest.

Decisions relating to listings, verification, rankings or visibility should be made on legitimate commercial and operational criteria.

7. Respectful Conduct

We expect professional and respectful behaviour in communications with FCA staff, contractors, clients and other users.

Harassment, abuse, discrimination or threatening behaviour may lead to suspension or termination of services.

8. Data Responsibility

We are committed to handling business and personal information responsibly, in line with applicable privacy laws and our Privacy Policy.

9. Responsible Marketing

FCA aims to market services honestly and proportionately.

We do not intentionally make unrealistic promises regarding:

  • Guaranteed leads
  • Guaranteed rankings
  • Guaranteed contracts won
  • Guaranteed revenue growth

We present services as visibility and trust-building tools, not certainty-based outcomes.

10. Industry Reputation

FCA aims to strengthen professionalism within the contractor sector by encouraging:

  • Better digital standards
  • Transparent credentials
  • Clear service information
  • Trust between buyers and contractors
  • Higher standards of presentation and accountability

11. Reporting Concerns

If a user, member or third party believes conduct on the platform breaches these principles, they may contact FCA through the website contact form.

Reports may include:

  • Misleading listings
  • Fraud concerns
  • Abuse
  • Trademark misuse
  • False credentials
  • Ethical misconduct linked to platform use

12. Enforcement

Where appropriate, FCA may take actions including:

  • Requesting corrections
  • Removing inaccurate content
  • Suspending badges or verification
  • Downgrading visibility
  • Terminating memberships
  • Refusing future applications

13. Continuous Review

This Ethics Policy may be updated as FCA grows and industry expectations evolve.

14. Contact

For ethics-related enquiries or reports, please use the contact form on foundationcontractors.org.