The Core Duties

The Core Duties in the BSB Handbook underpin our entire regulatory framework and set the mandatory standards that all those we regulate are required to meet. They also define the core elements of professional conduct.

We may take disciplinary proceedings against those we regulate if we believe there has been a breach of the Core Duties. We would do this in accordance with our Enforcement Policy.

The ten Core Duties are:

• Core Duty 1: You must observe your duty to the court in the administration of justice.
• Core Duty 2: You must act in the best interests of each client.
• Core Duty 3: You must act with honesty and integrity.
• Core Duty 4: You must maintain your independence.
• Core Duty 5: You must not behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in you or in the profession.
• Core Duty 6: You must keep the affairs of each client confidential.
• Core Duty 7: You must provide a competent standard of work and service to each client.
• Core Duty 8: You must not discriminate unlawfully against any person.
• Core Duty 9: You must be open and co-operative with your regulators.
• Core Duty 10: You must take reasonable steps to manage your practice, or carry out your role within your practice, competently and in such a way as to achieve compliance with your legal and regulatory obligations.

There is additional guidance to the Core Duties in the Handbook.