About the British Academy of Audiology

THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY VISION

We are the largest association of professionals in hearing and balance in the UK. Our membership extends internationally and provides services in both the public and private sector.

On behalf of its membership, BAA’s vision is to provide a clear and strong voice for professionals in audiology and to promote excellence in clinical knowledge and practice.

The BAA aims to help its members to develop in their professional skills, provide a benchmark for quality and professional standards and promote audiology as an autonomous profession.

The British Academy of Audiology:

• Is the largest organisation for professionals in hearing and balance in the UK
• Provides leadership, inspiration and guidance
• Develops and promotes excellence in services for patients
• Is a driving force for improving quality standards, training and education
• Promotes the profile of audiology as an autonomous profession

Strategy

Our current 4 strategic areas are:

Strategic goal 1. Being a strong voice for Audiology: Provide the leadership to influence national direction and policy

Strategic goal 2. Promoting excellence in clinical practice: Being the driving force for improving the quality of services

Strategic goal 3. Supporting Audiologists as professionals: In training, education and CPD

Strategic goal 4. Deliver a sustainable organisation: Maintain and grow as a viable membership body

Find out more about how we are delivering on our strategic goals in our member section.

Professional and Ethical Behaviour for Audiologists

Audiologists as Healthcare Practitioners and Scientists carry considerable responsibility requiring complex judgements and clinical decision making. They often work with the most vulnerable in society at times when they are acutely unwell. Moreover, patients, colleagues and the public must have complete trust that each Healthcare Science Professional acts with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of the patient. For this reason, it is important to recognise that your behaviour may determine whether you are ‘Fit to Practise’ as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

British Academy of Audiology (BAA) has adopted the Health & Care Professions Council Code of Conduct. However, members of other registration bodies such as the RCCP must, of course, adhere to those as well (there is little difference in the underlying principles of these).  An audiologist who is reprimanded by, or suspended or expelled from, their registration body is likely to have similar action taken by the BAA, following an appropriate investigation.

We also believe that professional and ethical behaviour is much more than rule-following. While the code of conduct may act as a guide, we encourage all audiologists to continually think about and be aware of ethical and moral issues associated with their actions and practices.

Useful Links:

Health and Care Professions Council – Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

The National Archives – The Universal Ethical Code for Scientists

American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) – Codes of Ethics

American Academy of Audiology – Code of Ethics