Wilkinson Group seeks to conduct its work to the highest standards of integrity, professional judgement and responsibility. This Code guides who we work with, how we advise them and how we conduct ourselves.
1. Truth, accuracy and transparency
We strive for accuracy, truth and transparency and expect the same of our clients. We do not make extravagant or misleading claims, use unfair comparisons, manufacture evidence or take credit for the ideas or words of others. We correct errors when we become aware of them.
2. Independent judgement
We give clients our considered advice, including when that advice may be unwelcome. We may advise political, industry and advocacy organisations and individuals without aligning Wilkinson Group with any political organisation.
3. Lawful and ethical conduct
We respect the Rule of Law and comply with applicable professional obligations, including lobbying codes of conduct. We do not seek improper ways around our obligations. We act ethically and sustainably and recognise that legal compliance is a minimum standard, not the entirety of responsible conduct.
4. Respect and fairness
We treat people with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexuality, or gender. We value diversity of experience and views, and expect our clients to treat others accordingly.
5. Responsible client engagement
We consider not only whether we can act for a client, but whether we should.
We are conscious that some companies are controversial because their products or activities appear to do public damage, such as adversely affecting people’s health, general or financial wellbeing, or the environment. We will consider working for such companies with caution, based on factors such as evidence of good governance, good corporate citizenship and a commitment to improve.
We treat with wariness any potential client that has been convicted of a crime or misconduct. We will consider the circumstances of the crime, whether the penalty has been paid, the time that has passed since the crime was committed, and evidence of remorse.
6. Professional responsibility
We protect confidential information, identify and appropriately manage conflicts of interest, use clients’ money carefully and are transparent about our fees. “Efficiency with excellence” remains central to our work.
7. Responsible use of technology
We use AI and other technologies to strengthen our work, not to substitute for professional judgement. Wilkinson Group remains responsible for the accuracy, confidentiality, integrity and quality of its work, regardless of the tools or assistance used to produce it.
8. Knowing when to walk away
We will not knowingly participate in deception. If a client deliberately misleads Wilkinson Group or its stakeholders and does not promptly correct the conduct, or asks us to act contrary to this Code, we will decline or cease the engagement.
New clients are asked to accept this Code as part of their Client Agreement. In a crisis or emergency, work may commence once this Code, fees and responsibility for payment have been agreed in writing, with the agreement completed as soon as practicable.
