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1. Purpose and Scope

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This Code of Practice outlines the ethical, professional, and operational standards for members of the Equine Professional Education Association (EPEA), as well as the responsibilities of the Association itself. It applies to all membership levels.

The Code supports our mission to champion excellence, inclusion, and welfare in the equine industry.

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2. Core Values

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All members and EPEA agree to uphold the following principles:

 

2.1 Professional Excellence

• Strive for the highest standards in practice, behaviour, and knowledge.

• Demonstrate competence through initial training, continuing education, and reflective practice.

 

2.2 Integrity and Honesty

• Act with transparency, honesty, and accountability in all professional and client dealings.

• Disclose any limitations of knowledge or skill and never misrepresent services or work behind training and scope of practice.

 

2.3 Animal Welfare and Respect

• Place the physical and emotional welfare of animals above commercial or reputational interests.

• Treat all animals with compassion, empathy, and care, and never use methods that cause harm or distress.

 

2.4 Inclusivity and Fairness

• Treat colleagues, clients, students, and animals with respect, regardless of background, gender, race, ability, or training route.

• Promote equality within the profession and avoid discrimination or exclusion.

 

2.5 Commitment to Ongoing Education

• Maintain and update knowledge through regular CPD (minimum of 20 hours annually).

• Engage with scientific research, professional discourse, and industry updates to ensure best practice.

 

2.6 Transparency and Accountability

• Be open about services, limitations, and fees.

• Accept responsibility for professional decisions and actions, and respond constructively to feedback or concerns.

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3. Member Responsibilities

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3.1 Animal Welfare

• Members must prioritise the physical and emotional welfare of horses and other animals in their care.

• Only use ethical, evidence-based techniques appropriate for the species and condition.

• Refer to veterinary professionals or specialists when issues fall outside of scope of practice or competence.

 

3.2 Scope of Practice

• Practise only within your qualified expertise and scope of practice and avoid any claims or services that exceed your education or experience.

• Clearly communicate the scope of your services to clients and refrain from offering veterinary diagnosis unless appropriately qualified at a veterinarian to do so.

 

3.3 Professional Conduct

• Always demonstrate courtesy, professionalism, and respect in interactions with clients, peers, and animals.

• Avoid conflicts of interest and maintain clear professional boundaries.

• Protect client confidentiality unless consent is given or disclosure is required by law.

 

3.4 Insurance

• Maintain appropriate, up-to-date professional liability insurance relevant to your practice.

• Submit proof of insurance annually to maintain membership.

• Work in a safe and responsible manner, taking necessary precautions to protect people and animals from harm.

 

3.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Undertake a minimum of 20 hours of CPD per year, which may include:

  • Workshops, webinars, courses, reading academic material

  • Writing, research, teaching or peer review

  • Participation in reflective practice and case discussion

• The EPEA bi-annual “EPEA Digest” counts for 4 CPD points annually.

• CPD records must be kept and available on request.

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4. EPEA Responsibilities

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EPEA commits to:

• Uphold Membership Standards based on professional excellence, welfare, and learning.

• Support Members with access to CPD, the EPEA Digest, online members register (Associate members and upward).

• Maintain Accurate Records of member credentials, insurance, and CPD in accordance with privacy laws.

• Foster Inclusivity and celebrate members from all educational backgrounds who demonstrate skill and dedication.

• Communicate Transparently regarding membership decisions, changes.

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5. Data Protection and Privacy

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EPEA adheres to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 in processing all member data.

 

5.1 Use of Member Data

We collect and process member data to:

• Manage applications and renewals

• Maintain the public member directory

• Distribute CPD resources, newsletters, and updates

• Facilitate insurance schemes and education offers

 

5.2 Data Sharing

We only share data where essential, and with strict security measures:

• With verified partners (e.g. Balens Insurance) for legitimate professional benefit

• If legally required by authorities

 

5.3 Member Rights

Members have the right to:

• Request access to or correction of their personal data

• Withdraw consent from non-essential communications

• Request deletion of data, subject to legal and professional obligations

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6. Conduct Breaches and Complaints

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6.1 Raising Concerns

Any individual—member or public—may raise concerns regarding a breach of this Code. Reports should be submitted in writing and will be treated confidentially where possible.

6.2 Investigations

EPEA will:

• Acknowledge complaints and review evidence fairly

• Request clarification or additional information from involved parties

• Take appropriate action, which may include warnings, suspension, or removal from the register

Members will be informed of outcomes and, where applicable, given opportunities to appeal.

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7. Use of EPEA Credentials and Representation

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7.1 Use of Post-Nominals

Members may use their earned designation (e.g. A.EPEA, M.EPEA, F.EPEA) as long as they:

• Maintain up-to-date membership and CPD

• Represent EPEA positively and honestly

• Cease usage immediately if membership lapses or is terminated

 

7.2 Public Representation

Members must:

• Use the EPEA logo and name professionally, not for misleading promotion

• Not speak on behalf of EPEA unless authorised to do so

• Promote EPEA values in practice, with online communications, and in public settings

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8. Acknowledgement and Agreement

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All members ensure that they:

• Have read and understood this Code of Practice

• Agree to abide by its principles and expectations

• Will notify the EPEA of any significant changes (e.g. insurance status, legal issues)

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9. Review of the Code

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This Code of Practice will be reviewed annually or as necessary to reflect changes in law, industry standards, and the values of EPEA.

Members will be notified of updates and must ensure they are working in alignment with the most current version.

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Last updated 19th July 2025