Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice Overview

26
Oct 2023
CPHR Alberta
135
The word ethics is highlighted in a dictionary

Author:  Erica Blain, Director, Professional Standards, Registrar, CPHR Alberta

CPHR Alberta has outlined a rigorous Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. 

These guidelines serve two purposes. The first is to offer HR professionals insight and understanding into what is expected of them in their roles. The Code guides members on how to handle issues related to competence, legal requirements, dignity, conflict, confidentiality and more. 

This Code also protects the public by ensuring HR professionals are acting in ways that are legal, ethical, confidential and balanced. The Code also helps employers feel confident about the designated professionals they employ, knowing that their HR employees have guidelines and standards to follow. 

Finally the Code of Ethics is the basis for CPHR Alberta’s Complaints and Discipline process. When members of the public encounter difficult situations with their HR professionals, they can review the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Practice to see if these have been violated. If it seems that either the Code or Standards have been breached, the member of the public can then file a complaint with CPHR Alberta who will review the complaint and investigate the HR professional as needed, following up with disciplinary measures if the Code or Standards were indeed violated.

Whether you are an HR professional or an employee in Alberta, it is good to be aware of this Code of Ethics and what is considered a violation. To learn more, you can review our Code and Standards here.

To offer even more insight into the Code of Ethics, our Discipline Committee wrote a blog series this fall. You can read more about the Code in each of these posts to help you fully understand everything that is covered.

  1. Getting to the Bottom of Complaints
  2. Understanding the Code of Ethics: What you Need to Know
  3. Understanding the Code of Ethics: Competence
  4. Navigating the Legal Landscape 
  5. Fostering Dignity in the Workplace
  6. Balancing Organizational Needs and Employee Needs and Interests 
  7. Upholding Confidentiality in the Workplace
  8. Navigating Conflict of Interest in the HR Profession 
  9. Professional Growth and Support Other Professionals

The Code of Ethics really acts as a source of assurance of the profession’s concern for the public it serves and the practice of HR within ethical principles, while the Standards of Professional Practice act as a guide to the profession and the conduct of its members.

The CPHR Alberta Discipline Committee exists to investigate complaints from the public to ensure that our Chartered Members are following the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice to which they have agreed.

If you wish to file a complaint against an HR Professional in Alberta, please visit our website here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



An Update from your Board of Directors – November 2025

By Jessica Jaithoo • December 4, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meets quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on November 27, 2025, and is proud to share the strong momentum we are experiencing across our community. The Board’s key messages are as follows: Membership Growth As of September 30, 2025, we reached 7,213 active members, a 7% year-over-year increase, with the majority coming from student and emerging HR professionals. This growth affirms the momentum of our HR profession and the impact of our student engagement initiatives. Professional Development Member participation remains strong with 53 events held year-to-date, with 5,013 attendees across workshops, roundtables, webinars, and community sessions. Our complimentary events have played a key role in sustaining engagement and access to learning. Annual Conference The Annual Conference was a heavy focus for the association in Q3. The sold-out event continues to bring together our community for valuable professional development and networking opportunities, creating a strong foundation for 2026. Attendees reported high satisfaction, with over 370 in attendance, and a sold-out exhibitor hall. “The CPHR conference was incredibly educational and inspiring. The speakers motivated me, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed it, grew closer to my team, and I definitely want to attend again.” – 2025 Conference Attendee The 2026 event will be held at the BMO Centre, in Calgary on June 2 and 3 – with increased capacity, expanded exhibitor space, and enhanced programming will elevate the experience for all HR professionals across Alberta, NWT and Nunavut. Self-Regulation The Board continues to assess the implications of Alberta’s Professional Governance Act (PGA), including: Advocacy, legal, and governance impact assessments are being commissioned. Preliminary recommendations from management will be brought to the Board in March and June 2026, leading to a formal decision. Further information will be shared, when ready.  Future Vision Approved: 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Our new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan will be rolled out in December to all members. The 3-year Strategic Plan, crafted from member feedback, market research, and collaboration with CPHR Canada – aims to strengthen our profession’s influence, amplifies leadership, and creates pathways for all members to thrive. Fiscal Responsibility Our Q3 financial review remains on track for a balanced year-end forecast. The 2026 draft budget has been approved – aligning resources with our strategic priorities while maintaining a disciplined and responsible financial approach. Board Governance Our board continues to focus on good governance practice, ensure stability, clarity, and accountability across our organization. FCPHR Nominations A reminder that the prestigious Fellowship Award is open for nominations! This national program recognizes Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession. Recipients are granted recognition as a Fellow of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (FCPHR). Click here to learn more about the Fellowship Award, including the guidelines and completing your nomination. You can also download a copy of the nomination form here. The next Board meeting takes place in March 2026, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!

Charting the Future of HR: CPHR Alberta’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

By Jessica Jaithoo • December 2, 2025
At CPHR Alberta, we believe that the future of work is being shaped by the decisions we make today. That’s why we’re proud to share our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan—a bold, member-informed roadmap that will guide our organization over the next three years. This plan is the result of a deeply collaborative process, led by our Board of Directors and developed in partnership with our operations team. It reflects the voices of our members, gathered through surveys and conversations, and is grounded in market research and aligned with the national priorities of CPHR Canada. Together, we’ve crafted a strategy that is responsive, forward-looking, and rooted in data. At its core, the plan is about strengthening the Human Resources profession and supporting the people who drive it. It reaffirms our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive HR community—one that is equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving workplace landscape. Our redefined vision and mission statements speak to this ambition, and our newly articulated values provide a foundation for how we work, connect, and grow. The strategic priorities outlined in the plan reflect the areas where we believe CPHR Alberta can make the greatest impact. They focus on elevating the visibility and influence of the HR profession, fostering innovation and leadership across our community, and deepening engagement with our members and partners. These priorities are designed to meet the diverse needs of our jurisdiction, from urban centers to rural communities, and to ensure that every CPHR has the tools and support to thrive. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the possibilities this plan unlocks. It’s a call to action—for our team, our Board, and our members—to work together in shaping the future of HR. Whether it’s through new learning opportunities, stronger regional connections, or amplifying the voice of HR in public discourse, we’re committed to leading with purpose and impact. We invite you to explore the full 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and see how our shared vision will come to life. Together, we’re building a future-ready HR community—one that’s connected, influential, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Become an HR champion!

By Bailey Beauchamp • December 1, 2025
Seeking CPHRs, Retired CPHRs and Public Board Members
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