Governance & Ethics

Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council

Our Governance Model

SBACC operates with a structured, transparent, and independent governance system that ensures integrity in every aspect of our certification process.

Key Bodies

Integrity in Certification

Oversight from senior leaders in business, law, education, and public service

PMC Certification Board

Implements policies, assessment standards, and ethical compliance

Appeals & Disciplinary Committees

Investigates and enforces breaches without peer bias

Code of Professional Conduct

All PMCs are bound by the Code of Conduct, which outlines responsibilities to:

  • The Profession
  • Fellow Consultants
  • Clients (engagement, ethics, conflict of interest)
  • The Public

Learn About the Code of Conduct

PMC Code of Professional Conduct of Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council

 

1.   This document shall be referred to as the “PMC Code of Professional Conduct”.

 

2.   In this document, words importing the singular include the plural and any gender includes the other genders.

 

3.   Each of the following expressions and/or words shall have the meaning set forth against it:

     •   “Client” – the person, firm or organisation whatsoever with whom a PMC enters into an agreement or contract for the provision of his services;

     •   “Code” – PMC Code of Professional Conduct;

     •   “Fellow Consultant” – another PMC, another Management Consultant or a Consultant of another professional body;

     •   “PMC” – an Individual that has been certified as a Practising Management Consultant by the PMC-CB;

     •   “PMC-CB” – the Practising Management Consultant Certification Board of the Singapore PMC Certification Pte Ltd;

     •   “Profession” – the profession of management consultancy;

     •   “SBACC” – Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council.

 

4.   The Code sets out the following responsibilities:

     a.    Responsibilities to the Profession;

     b.    Responsibilities to SBACC and Fellow Consultant;

     c.    Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to the engagement);

     d.    Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to independence and potential conflict of interest); and

     e.    Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to dealings with the Client and the Client’s staff).

 

5.  Responsibilities to the Profession

     5.1   A PMC shall at all times conduct himself in a competent and professional manner and in a manner which will enhance the standing and public regard of the Profession.

     5.2   A PMC shall not do anything that will bring him, SBACC and the Profession into disrepute.

     5.3   If, in circumstances not specifically covered in this Code, a PMC finds that his professional or personal interests conflict so as to risk a breach of this Code, he shall, as the circumstances may require, (1) withdraw from performing his services, (2) remove the source of conflict, or (3) declare the conflict and obtain in writing the agreement of the parties concerned to his engagement or the continuance of his services.

     5.4   A PMC shall have proper regard for the professional obligations and qualifications of those from whom he receives or to whom he gives authority, responsibility or employment, or with whom he is professionally associated.

 

6.   Responsibilities to SBACC and Fellow Consultant

     6.1   A PMC shall only initiate or accept a joint assignment with a Fellow Consultant if he is satisfied that such an assignment could or would be conducted according to the standards set out in this Code.

     6.2   A PMC shall negotiate agreements and charges for professional services only in a manner approved as ethical and professional by SBACC.

     6.3  A PMC shall inform SBACC or PMC-CB, without delay, if he has or encounters any matters which may give rise to a conflict of interest or can affect his capability to fulfil or continuing to fulfil the certification requirements.

     6.4  A PMC shall empower Fellow Consultants under his care to learn and develop their capabilities to enhance their performance and achieve their goals.

     6.5  A PMC shall not knowingly and without permission use copyright material as well as confidential information, data materials or methodologies of any other person including Fellow Consultants.

 

7.   Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to the engagement of his services)

     7.1   A PMC, in publicising his services or making representations to a Client, shall ensure that the information given:

          (a)      is factual and relevant;

          (b)      is neither misleading nor unfair to others; and

          (c)      is not otherwise discreditable to the Profession.

     7.2  A PMC shall only accept an engagement if he is suitably qualified to perform the services and can serve the Client effectively.

     7.3  Before accepting an engagement, a PMC shall clearly define the terms and conditions of the engagement including the scope, nature and period of the services to be provided, the allocation of responsibilities, and the basis of remuneration.

     7.4  A PMC shall regard his Client’s requirements and interests as paramount at all times and shall build a trusting relationship with the Client.

     7.5  To ensure efficient provision and performance of his services, a PMC shall exercise good management through careful planning, frequent progress reviews and effective controls as well as exercise adaptability and flexibility in the light of changing circumstances and evolving contexts.

     7.6  A PMC shall endeavour to include and take into account diverse ideas, views and experiences of people from a range of contexts and backgrounds

     7.7  A PMC shall act on his strongly-held professional beliefs, opinions and judgments in the context of inclusivity. Where appropriate, the PMC shall escalate, discuss and obtain approval for specific actions and activities.

     7.8  A PMC shall not sub-contract work without the prior written agreement of the Client.

     7.9  A PMC shall not disclose or use confidential information concerning the affairs of the Client unless the Client has publicly released such information or has given specific permission for him to disclose or use the information.

     7.10  A PMC shall identify the Client’s needs and problems and develop clear, realistic and practical recommendations to address the needs and problems.

     7.11  A PMC shall advise the Client of any significant reservations he may have about the Client’s expectation of benefits from an engagement.

     7.12  A PMC shall not indicate any short-term benefits at the expense of the long-term welfare of the Client, without advising the Client of the implications.

     7.13  A PMC shall discuss and agree with the Client any significant changes in the objectives, scope, approach, anticipated benefits or other aspects of the engagement which might arise during the course of carrying it out.

     7.14  In the discharge of his responsibilities to the Client, a PMC must at all times ensure that his knowledge and skills are kept up-to-date and shall take appropriate steps to this end.

     7.15  A PMC shall not knowingly and without permission use copyright material as well as confidential information, data materials or techniques of the Client or others.

     7.16  When asked by a Client to review the work of a Fellow Consultant, a PMC shall exercise objectivity, integrity and sensitivity required in all technical and advisory conclusions communicated to the Client.

 

8.   Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to independence and potential conflict of interest)

     8.1   A PMC shall avoid any action or situation which is inconsistent with his professional obligations or which in any way might be seen to impair his independence and integrity.

     8.2   A PMC shall maintain an independent position with the Client at all times, making certain that advice and recommendations are based upon thorough impartial consideration of all pertinent facts and circumstances and on opinions developed from reliable relevant experience.

     8.3   A PMC shall declare at the earliest opportunity any special relationships, circumstances or business interests which might influence or impair his independent judgment or objectivity on a particular assignment.

     8.4   A PMC shall not accept any benefit from a third party pertaining to recommendations to the Client and to disclose any financial interest in goods or services which are part of the recommendations.

     8.5   A PMC shall not serve a Client under terms or conditions which might impair his independence, objectivity or integrity. He shall reserve the right to withdraw if conditions beyond his control develop to interfere with the proper conduct of the assignment. He shall not practice during a period when his judgment is or might be impaired through any cause.

     8.6   A PMC referring a Client to a Fellow Consultant shall not misrepresent the qualifications of the other Consultant, nor will he make any commitments for or on behalf of the other Consultant. The Fellow Consultant engaged by the PMC should be conversant with and uphold the Code.

     8.7   A PMC shall not accept an assignment from a Client knowing that a Fellow Consultant is serving the Client in a similar capacity unless he is assured, and can satisfy himself, that any potential conflict between the two assignments is recognised by, and has the consent of, the Client.

 

9.   Responsibilities to the Client (In relation to dealings with the Client and the Client’s staff)

     9.1   A PMC shall refrain from inviting any employee of a Client to consider alternative employment. For the avoidance of doubt, an advertisement in the press to which such an employee responded shall not be considered to be an invitation to the employee.

     9.2   A PMC shall not give discounts, commissions or gifts as an inducement to show favour to any person or body, in particular to the Client or the Client’s staff.

     9.3   A PMC shall not attempt to obtain work by giving financial inducement to Clients or Client’s staff.

 

10.  Amendment of the Code

     10.1  SBACC is empowered to issue, rescind and amend this Code and any advice, circular or direction given under this Code from time to time, which shall be binding on the PMCs.

Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary Procedures

 

1.   In these Rules, the following words have the following meanings:

1.1 “Complaint” means a complaint or information that a PMC:

(i) has been convicted of a criminal offence, implying a defect of character which makes him unfit for his profession of management consultancy;

(ii) has breached the Code of Professional Conduct;

(iii) has been barred, struck off, suspended or censured after due process by a professional institution that he belongs to in Singapore;

(iv) has been barred, struck off, suspended or censured in his capacity as a management consultant by whatever name called in any other country; and

(v) has made a false or misleading declaration in connection with his application to the Practising Management Consultant Certification Board.

1.2 “Complainant” means any person making a Complaint.

1.3 “Disciplinary Panel” means the Disciplinary Panel established by the Board.

1.4 “Due Cause” means any of the circumstances listed in Rule 1.1(i) to (v).

1.5 ”Penalty“ means any penalty under Rule 10.

1.6 “PMC” means a management consultant who has been certified by the Board.

1.7 “Secretariat” means the Secretariat of the Board.

1.8 “Board” means the Practising Management Consultant-Certification Board.

 

2.   Complaints and/or information concerning conduct of PMC

2.1 Any Complaint concerning a PMC shall be made in writing and addressed to the Board.

2.2 The Board shall refer Complaints received to the Disciplinary Panel to inquire into the Complaint.

2.3 The Board may also on its own motion refer any Complaint concerning a PMC to the Disciplinary Panel.

2.4 Where any Complaint concerning a PMC is referred by the Board to the Disciplinary Panel, the Secretariat shall inform the PMC concerned as soon as practicable.

 

Incident Form

 

3.   Supporting statements; Deposit

3.1 Any Complaint shall be supported by such statutory declarations or affidavits as the Disciplinary Panel may require.

3.2 The Disciplinary Panel may require any Complainant to deposit with the Board a reasonable sum not exceeding S$300 to cover necessary costs and expenses incurred by the Board, the Secretariat and/or the Disciplinary Panel for the purpose of or in connection with the Complaint.

3.3 Where the Complaint is found to be frivolous, vexatious, misconceived or lacking in substance, the sum so deposited or such part thereof as the Disciplinary Panel may determine shall be applied for the payment of those costs and expenses; otherwise the sum so deposited shall be returned to the Complainant.

 

4.   Inquiry Committee, Timing

(a) Subject to Rule 4(b) and (c), the Disciplinary Panel shall, within 2 weeks of the Complaint being referred to it (“Referral”) appoint at least three members of the Disciplinary Panel (“Inquiry Committee”) to inquire into the Complaint concerning a PMC.

(b) The Inquiry Committee shall complete its report of findings:

(i) where the Inquiry Committee has decided not to call upon the PMC concerned to offer any explanation or to answer the allegations made against him, not later than 2 months after the date of its appointment; and

(ii) in any other case, not later than 2 weeks after the last meeting of the Inquiry Committee or 3 months after the date of its appointment, whichever is earlier.

(c) Where the Inquiry Committee is of the opinion that it will not be able to complete its report within the period specified in rule 4(b) due to the complexity of the matter or serious difficulties encountered by the Inquiry Committee in conducting its inquiry, the Inquiry Committee may before the expiry of 2 months after the date of its appointment, apply in writing to the Chairman of the Board for an extension of the time within which to complete its report.

(d) The Chairman of the Board may grant an extension of time to the Inquiry Committee to complete its report if the Chairman is satisfied that the circumstances of the case justify the grant of an extension of time, except that any extension of time granted shall not extend beyond the period of 6 months from the date of the Referral.

 

5.   Inquiry Committee meetings

5.1 The Inquiry Committee may meet for the purposes of its inquiry, adjourn and otherwise regulate the conduct of its inquiry as its members may think fit.

5.2 The chairman of the Inquiry Committee may at any time summon a meeting of the Inquiry Committee.

5.3 At least three members of the Inquiry Committee shall be present to constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Inquiry Committee.

5.4 Any questions arising at any meeting of the Inquiry Committee shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members of the Inquiry Committee. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the Inquiry Committee shall have a second or casting vote.

5.5 Any resolution or decision in writing signed by all the members of the Inquiry Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been made at a meeting of the Inquiry Committee at which all its members were present.

 

6.   Inquiry Committee’s Powers

6.1 Where in the course of its inquiry, the Inquiry Committee receives information touching on or evidence of the conduct of the PMC concerned which may give rise to proceedings under these Rules, the Inquiry Committee may, after giving notice to the PMC, decide on its own motion to inquire into the matter and report its findings.

6.2 For the purposes of conducting an inquiry, the Inquiry Committee may:

(a) appoint any person to make or assist in the making of whatever preliminary inquiries it thinks necessary;

(b) require the production for inspection by the Inquiry Committee or any person appointed by the Inquiry Committee of any books, documents or papers which may relate to or be connected with the subject-matter of the inquiry and may require any person to give information in relation to such books, documents or papers; and

(c) require the PMC concerned to give all information in relation to any such books, documents or papers which may be reasonably required by the Inquiry Committee or by the person so appointed.

 

7.   No grounds

7.1 Where the Inquiry Committee is satisfied that there are no grounds for disciplinary action under these Rules, it shall set out the reasons for its decision in its report.

 

8.   Explanations; Clarifications

8.1 Where the Inquiry Committee is of the opinion that a PMC should be called upon to answer any allegation made against him, the Inquiry Committee shall:

(a) post or deliver to the PMC concerned

(i) copies of the Complaint (including any statutory declarations or affidavits that have been made in support of the Complaint); and

(ii) a notice inviting him to give to the Inquiry Committee, within such period (not being less than 14 days) as may be specified in the notice, any written explanation he may wish to offer and to inform the Inquiry Committee if he wishes to be heard by the Inquiry Committee;

(b) allow the time specified in the notice to elapse;

(c) give the PMC concerned reasonable opportunity to be heard and give due consideration to any explanation (if any) given by him; and

(d) give the Complainant reasonable opportunity to clarify the Complaint if the Complainant so desires

 

9.   Report

9.1 At the conclusion of the inquiry, the Inquiry Committee shall decide:

(a) whether the PMC is guilty of Due Cause, and if so, shall determine the Penalty; or
(b) that the Complaint be dismissed and shall set out its reasons.

9.2 The Inquiry Committee shall submit its report of its findings to the Board as soon as practicable.

 

10.   Penalties

10.1 A PMC shall be liable, on a finding of Due Cause, to any one or more of the following Penalties:

(a) payment of a penalty of not more than S$10,000;
(b) written warning in respect of the subject matter of the Complaint;
(c) the PMC’s certification by the Board shall be suspended and the PMC shall not be entitled to hold out that he is certified by the Board, for a period of up to one (1) year from such determination;
(d) the PMC’s certification by the Board shall be cancelled and the PMC shall not be entitled to re-apply for certification by the Board for a specified period.10.2 The Board shall inform the PMC and the Complainant of the outcome of the inquiry of the Complaint within two weeks of receiving the Inquiry Committee’s report.

 

11.   Appeal

11.1 Where the PMC is dissatisfied with the outcome of a Complaint against him, the PMC may, within 14 days of being notified of the decision (“Appeal Period”), appeal to the Board.

11.2 The Board may give directions as to the procedure and conduct of the appeal and may make a decision on the appeal which decision shall be binding on the PMC.

11.3 For the purpose of these Rules, where any member of the Inquiry Committee is a Board member, that person may speak but shall not vote on any resolution of the Board concerning inquiry or appeal relating to the Complaint.

11.4 The Board may inform ESG and other agencies approved by the Board and specified in these Rules from time to time of any adverse outcome of a Complaint against a PMC at any time after:

(a) the expiry of the Appeal Period if no appeal is submitted; or
(b) a decision on appeal has been notified to the PMC, whichever is later.

 

Dispute Procedure

Impartiality Statement

Impartiality Statement

 

  1. Impartiality is the actual and perceived presence of objectivity.
    Objectivity means that conflicts of interest do not exist or are resolved so as not to adversely influence the activities of SBACC

1.1 SBACC places the utmost importance on integrity, independence and impartiality in carrying out the certification process of its applicants, candidates and certified persons. The certification process is based on objective evidence obtained through fair, valid and reliable assessment, free from bias.

1.2 Certification shall not be restricted on the grounds of undue financial or other limiting conditions, such as membership of an association or group. SBACC shall not use procedures to unfairly impede or inhibit access by applicants and candidates.

1.3 SBACC recognizes the following as potential threats to impartiality: Self-interest threats, Subjectivity threats, Familiarity (or trust) threats, Intimidation threats and Financial threats.

1.4 On an on-going basis, SBACC shall analyze, document and eliminate or minimize the potential conflict of interests arising from its certification activities, its related bodies, its relationships, or from the relationships of its personnel. SBACC’s aim is to have a balanced involvement of all interested parties and stakeholders.

1.5 All personnel shall sign a confidentiality and impartiality agreement by which they commit themselves to comply with the SBACC’s rules.

1.6 With regards to examinations and examiners, SBACC shall undertake measures to ensure that the confidentiality and impartiality of the examinations are not compromised.

1.7 The recertification activities shall be adequate to ensure that there is impartial assessment to confirm the continuing competence of the certified business advisors and consultants.

1.8 SBACC is committed to ensuring that all complaints and appeals are dealt with and processed in a constructive, impartial and timely manner.

1.9 Management review shall include information related to safeguarding impartiality and demonstrating that all SBACC processes are independent, to ensure that confidentiality, information security and impartiality are not compromised.

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

 

  1. Data Protection Policy

This Data Protection Policy applies to all personal data collected by Singapore Business Advisors And Consultants Council Limited (referred to herein as the “SBACC”, “us”, “we” or “our”).

The purpose of this Data Protection Policy is to inform you of how SBACC manages Personal Data which is subject to Personal Data Protection Act (2012). Please take a moment to read this Data Protection Policy so that you know and understand the purposes for which we collect, use and disclose your Personal Data.

 

  1. Personal Data
    • Definition of Personal Data

Personal data refers to data about an individual who can be identified from that data, or from that data and other information to which the organisation has or is likely to have access.

  • Example of Personal Data

You may have provided us your personal data which include your name, NRIC, passport or other identification number, telephone number(s), mailing address, email address and any other information relating to any individuals which you have provided us in any forms you may have submitted to us, or via other forms of interaction with you.

 

  1. Personal Data That We Collect
    • when you submit an application form or registration form, or other forms relating to our PMC certification.
    • when you enter into any agreement or provide other documentation or information in respect of your interactions with us, or when you use our services;
    • when you interact with our secretariat via telephone calls, face-to-face meetings, social media platforms and emails;
    • when you use our electronic services, or interact with us via our websites or use services on our websites;
    • when you request that we contact you or request that you be included in an email or other mailing list;
    • when you respond to our promotions or initiatives.
    • when your images are captured by us via CCTV cameras while you are within our premises, or via photographs or videos taken by us or our representatives when you attend events/ courses at our premises;
    • when you are contacted by, and respond to, our marketing representatives
    • when you fill up surveys
    • when we seek information from third parties about you in connection with the products and services you have applied for; and/or
    • when you submit your Personal Data to us for any other reason.
    • When you browse our websites, or use our applications and/or digital services, you generally do so anonymously but please see the section below on cookies. We do not, at our websites, applications and digital services, automatically collect Personal Data unless you provide such information or login with your account credentials.

 

  1. Purpose for the Collection, Use and Disclosure of Your Personal Data
    • To maintain the PMC’s Data Bank;
    • To update your status and provide services relating to our on-line PMC Directory;
    • To facilitate business matching and networking for you;
    • To disseminate information on activities, events, courses, workshops, forums, conferences, new products and services, including those conducted by SBACC partners;
    • To communicate with you for the purposes of product or customer-related surveys and market research;
    • To publish and promote your services to SME Centres as well as local and overseas enterprises;
    • To provide certification and recertification services; and
    • Other purposes in line with SBACC’s objectives of promoting a high professional standard of services and conduct among PMCs in Singapore.
    • SBACC to resolve complaints and respond to enquiries and requests
    • To provide employment services
    • To engage the party concerned as SBACC programmes’ trainer, facilitator, auditor or service provider
    • To provide media announcements and responses
    • Relationship Management with clients / sponsors / parties

 

  1. SAFE KEEPING AND DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL DATA
    • SBACC shall only use, disclose and/or transfer personal data for the purposes that has been consented and notified to the individuals concerned and/or which are permitted under the applicable laws and regulations.
  • SBACC shall not sell, rent or give away any personal data to third parties without the consent of the individuals concerned.

 

  1. Withdrawal of Consent and Correction of Personal Data
    • You may contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) at [email protected] if:
      • There are changes to your Personal Data
      • Request to withdraw your consent for marketing purposes.
      • There are any feedback on your Personal Data

 

SBACC reserves the right to change this policy with or without notice. This policy will be reviewed periodically to take account of any new laws and as stipulated by the Singapore Law.