The MSP Alliance Cloud & Managed Service Provider’s Code of Ethics & Conduct provides a clearly defined set of standards that every member agrees to adhere to.
It covers key areas of their business, such as ensuring client confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and dealing with their clients in a professional manner at all times.
This written commitment separates MSPAlliance members from their competitors.
As the only industry organization with this type of client assurance, it shows why businesses entrust the care of their IT systems to our members.
Ethical Excellence in Managed Services: MSP Alliance’s Pledge
The MSP Alliance’s Code of Ethics is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to providing unparalleled service to our members.
Our Code of Ethics is a pledge that every MSP Alliance member undertakes, setting forth a clear and unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in their business practices.
It’s not just about managing IT systems; it’s about safeguarding the trust businesses place in us.
When you choose an MSP Alliance member, you’re choosing a partner who values your data as much as you do and who is dedicated to your success.
Introduction
This Code puts forth the professional standards required by MSPAlliance (MSPA) members as a condition of membership.
The Code applies to members as well as non-members who offer their services as part of their MSPAlliance Membership.
The term ‘appropriate authority’ relates to any person or organization with authority over your individual activities. For practicing managed service professionals, this typically refers to an employer or client.
The Code guides personal conduct of the individual members of the MSPA. Members are required to notify MSPA of significant violations of this code by other MSPA members.
Public and Client Welfare
Members will endeavor to perform their work with care and professionalism according to the appropriate authority’s requirements and with concern for end-users.
If professional judgment is not followed, members should provide an explanation as to the likely risks and consequences.
In a professional capacity, MSPA members should have consideration for the public health, safety, and environment.
Members should be considerate of the rights of third parties, including professional colleagues or members of ‘the public’ who might be affected by managed service projects.
Within their areas of professional expertise, members will have knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards, and comply with such requirements.
In the international context, members should be aware of and understand the requirements of law specific to the jurisdiction within which they are working and, where relevant, to supranational legislation (for example, EU legislation).
Members will conduct professional activities without discrimination against clients or colleagues.
Avoiding Conflict of Interest
MSPA members will avoid any situation that may create a conflict of interest between their company and clients.
Full and immediate disclosure to customers is required if a conflict is likely to occur.
Members will reject any offer of bribery or inducement.
Client Confidentiality & Representation
MSPA members will not disclose or authorize to be disclosed, or use for personal gain or to benefit a third party, confidential information except with the permission of the appropriate authority, or at the direction of a court of law.
Members will not misrepresent or withhold information on the performance of products, systems, or services, or take advantage of the lack of knowledge or inexperience of others.
Cloud Computing & Managed Service Profession
Members will uphold the reputation and good standing of the MSPA in particular, and the managed service profession in general.
They will seek to improve professional standards through participation in their development, use, and enforcement.
Members of MSPA also have a wider responsibility to promote public understanding of managed service—its benefits and pitfalls—and, whenever practical, to correct any erroneous information that brings or could bring the profession into disrepute.
Members should encourage and support fellow MSPA members in their professional development and, where possible, provide opportunities for the professional development of new affiliates.
Mutual assistance between managed service practitioners furthers the reputation of the profession and supports the success of its individual members.
MSPA members will act with integrity in their relationships with other members of MSPA and with individuals in other occupations with whom they work in a professional capacity.
Members will consider the possible consequences of their statements on others.
They will not make any public statement in a professional capacity unless properly qualified and, where appropriate, authorized to do so.
Members will not speak on behalf of or represent MSPA unless specifically approved to do so.
The offering of an opinion in public—holding oneself out to be an expert in the subject in question—is a personal responsibility and should not be done lightly.
To give an opinion that subsequently proves ill-founded is a disservice to the profession and to MSPA.
Members will notify MSPA immediately if convicted of a criminal offense, filing for bankruptcy, or being disqualified as a company executive.
Professional Advancement and Education
MSPA members will seek to upgrade their professional knowledge and skill and will maintain awareness of technological developments, procedures, and standards which are relevant to their field.
They will also encourage subordinates to follow through on the same commitments.
Cloud Computing & Managed Service Professional Competence and Integrity
Members will not position themselves as experts in areas where they are not.
They will only offer to do work or provide a service that is within their professional competencies.
MSPA members can determine their own professional competence for undertaking particular jobs or roles by asking themselves questions such as:
- Am I familiar with the technology involved, or have I worked with similar technologies before?
- Have I successfully completed similar projects in the past?
- Can I demonstrate adequate knowledge of the specific business and/or technical requirements successfully to perform the work?
Members will observe the relevant MSPA Codes of Practice and all other standards which, using the member’s best judgment, are relevant.
They will also encourage colleagues to follow the same practices.
Members will accept professional responsibility for their work and for the work of colleagues who operate under their supervision.
Unified Certification Standard for Cloud & Managed Service Providers
Any and all disclosures and representations made in a member’s responses during the MSPAlliance MSP/Cloud Verify certification will be truthful (to the best of their knowledge).
If, at any time, members or agents of their company become aware that a response to the certification is false, they must contact the MSPAlliance as quickly as possible to correct the erroneous response.