Ethics and Ethical Standards for Psychologists is a CPD course designed for psychologists practising in New Zealand who want to strengthen ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and safe psychological care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, competence concerns, or fitness to practise processes under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and oversight from the New Zealand Psychologists Board, but is equally valuable for psychologists seeking to embed high ethical standards into everyday practice.

The course explores the core ethical principles underpinning psychological practice, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and professional integrity. Participants will examine how these principles apply in real-world situations such as informed consent, confidentiality, cultural safety, communication, professional boundaries, and managing complex therapeutic relationships. Common ethical concerns — including boundary violations, confidentiality breaches, inadequate documentation, cultural insensitivity, and poor decision-making — are explored alongside their professional and regulatory implications within the New Zealand context.

Through practical case-based learning, reflective exercises, and structured guidance, participants will develop the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas confidently, respond appropriately to concerns or complaints, and demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation where required. By the end of this course, psychologists will be better equipped to maintain professional competence, uphold public trust, and practise safely and ethically in accordance with New Zealand regulatory standards.