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  Wordsmith

  Wordsmith

  • Synopsis: 

    Actuarial consultancy staff “borrowing” words from a client report, so not respecting confidentiality and copyright standards.

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  • Discussion points: 

    • The question posed at the end of the video is “What do you think Ian should do now?”
• Wordsmith

  Wordsmith

  • Discussion points and feedback:

    Ian can take guidance from the Actuaries’ Code (the Code) in exploring the options open to him. Firstly, he is right to question Uzma on her actions, as he suspects that copying content from confidential reports is unethical. This is in keeping with the Speaking up principle: “Members should speak up if they believe, or have reasonable cause to believe, that a course of action is unethical or is unlawful.” 

    He has attempted to challenge Uzma and he could challenge her further. The Speaking up principle requires Ian to challenge others on their non-compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and professional requirements. 

    This leads to the Compliance principle, which Ian can discuss with Uzma: “Members must comply with all relevant legal, regulatory and professional requirements.” He can remind her that the Code applies to her, and she needs to abide with the principles of the Code to meet her professional requirements. 

    The Integrity principle states: “Members must act honestly and with integrity.” Uzma is passing off work from others as her own, and this is not acting with integrity. An excerpt from an amplification of the Integrity principle is: “…amongst other things, showing “respect for others” includes not deceiving or manipulating others, not taking credit for others’ work…”, and Ian could call out Uzma on this, as not only has she been consistently using others’ work in her work without appropriate permissions or disclosure, but also she is encouraging Ian to use her work and refer to it as her “research”. 

    Ian could also encourage that Uzma, and indeed he too, develop their knowledge around climate change and sustainability, as this knowledge would help them in their work. The Competence and Care principle is relevant here: “Members must carry out work competently and with care.” This principle requires Members to ensure that they have an appropriate level of relevant knowledge and skill to carry out a piece of work. In addition, the principle also requires that Members continue to develop their knowledge and skills in a manner appropriate for their role. Ian and Uzma could also consider whether they need to get input from colleagues who may have more knowledge and experience to help them include relevant and quality content in their reports. 

    Ian can encourage Uzma to discuss her practice so far with her manager to ascertain whether any material risks could emerge from her copying of text. Depending on the materiality of the situation, Ian may have to consider whistleblowing and/or reporting to the IFoA, though in this case it appears as though Uzma has been copying text that is applicable to her company/client and does not seem to have a material impact.

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