Commitment to ethical and professional conduct is expected of every member of The Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants (CAVA) . How you present yourself and your company indirectly impacts CAVA , its members and the entire Virtual Assistant industry as whole. This Code of Ethics notifies the public that our members maintain a high level of ethics and professional service that abide by the appropriate laws of Canada. These standards expand on our personal Code of Ethics by providing specific statements of behaviour. They are not objectives to strive for. Instead, they are rules that no true professional will violate.

As a member of CAVA , I will

1. Be honest and trustworthy.

With honesty comes trust, and without trust our association cannot perform or provide effectively. As a member of CAVA I will not mislead or make false claims as to my abilities, background or experience. I will not take on projects that are beyond my capabilities. I will conduct business in a professional manner, operating within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

2. Respect the privacy of others.

As a Virtual Assistant, relationships become common between my clients and myself and my associates and myself. With these relationships, personal information may be shared. I will respect my clients and associates and not make their personal information available and will respect their privacy.

3. Honour confidentiality.

Information that is shared and used between my clients and myself may be considered confidential. This private information will be held in the strictest of confidence and not shared with others unless deemed by my client. I will not use this information for personal gain or in any way that would be damaging to my clients or that would violate their privacy..

4. Conduct my business in a professional manner.

I will uphold the highest of standards and operate my business in such a way as I would want to do business with others. I will operate within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.

5. Accurately represent my business and the industry.

While promoting my business, I will ensure that all information included in my marketing, advertising and promotional material accurately portrays the industry as a whole and does not have any negative impact on other members of the industry.

6. Provide top quality service.

I will demonstrate a commitment to providing my clients with the highest quality of service and accuracy. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.

7. Promote CAVA & the VA industry.

As a VA and member of CAVA , I understand the importance of promoting the integrity and professionalism of the industry. I will do my best to contribute to and portray the industry in such a light as to show the advantages and benefits to my fellow members and to all clients and potential clients

8. Contribute to the enhancement of the industry.

I will share my knowledge with other members of the industry. I will build honest and respectful relationships with my fellow members. I will not demean others who lack knowledge or experience. I will offer support to all those in the industry, especially those who are just starting their practices and need a supportive word or helpful information.

As a member of CAVA , you are more than welcome to utilize the above Code of Ethics on your website. Feel free to personalize it to fit your business.