Member's Code of Ethics

Members of the Association of Language Schools are committed to abide by this Code of Ethics, the purpose of which is to bring an ethical dimension to the business environment of language services and to direct the actions of members towards responsible moral behaviour in the marketplace towards clients, colleagues and other business entities. The Code does not have legal force, but its violation may lead to expulsion of a member from the Association of Language Schools (hereinafter referred to as the Association), where such member who violates the Code of Ethics will no longer be able to use the Association’s logo, act as a member and enjoy the benefits of membership.

The Member undertakes to act responsibly towards clients as follows:

• Clients have someone to turn to if needed, i.e. the member has a clearly identified competent contact person for organisational needs and a language methodologist for specific sectoral needs.
• Clients have the opportunity to test their knowledge before starting a course to avoid misunderstandings about language level; the member will facilitate such testing and responsibly recommend a suitable course or alternative to the client.
• Clients have access to information about how the course is designed, what it is aimed at, whether they need a textbook and at what price, what the price of the course is, how many lessons they are entitled to, what the maximum number of participants in the group is, who is teaching the course (at least at the level of Czech / foreign lecturer) and all this before starting the course. The member undertakes to provide this information to the clients and to comply with it. Should he/she not be able to meet them for unexpected reasons, he/she will inform the clients and arrange an alternative solution with them.
• Clients have access to the general terms and conditions, the terms and conditions of the organisation of the courses, the cancellation policy, how to deal with the absence of the tutor, when they are entitled to receive a certificate or a certificate of completion, how they can complain about the services. The
• Member undertakes to provide such terms and conditions to clients prior to the commencement of the course and to allow them to refer back to the terms and conditions.

The member undertakes to act responsibly towards tutors and colleagues as follows:

• The member shall behave honestly and responsibly towards lecturers and other colleagues. He/she shall act in such a way as to avoid disputes and, if they arise, shall seek an amicable and effective way of resolving them.
• The lecturers and collaborators have a contract, in which the terms of cooperation are stated, including the rates for tuition. The member shall abide by the agreements made with the tutor and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• Lecturers have access to teaching materials and the opportunity to consult with the language methodologist. The member shall provide such access.
• The Member shall pay lecturers and collaborators on the agreed dates and according to the agreements.
• The member shall provide tutors and collaborators with as much specific information as they need to provide the client with the quality of instruction expected by the client.

The Member undertakes to act responsibly towards other business entities in the market as follows:

• The Member shall act in accordance with the principles of good morals, in particular not using unfair practices such as misleading advertising, illegal acquisition of information or its misuse, bribery, price agreements, etc., which may endanger or harm other market operators.
• A member shall always make its decision with regard to the realistic possibility of honouring its commitment. It shall only accept contracts that it is able to perform professionally and efficiently on its own, or with appropriate professional assistance, or on the basis of fair contractual relations with other suppliers.
• A member shall at all times act in such a manner as to preserve the honor and dignity of the business and the reputation of himself and the Association. He/she is aware that adherence to the established rules and affiliation with the Association places him/her among trustworthy business entities.

This document was approved by the membership meeting on January 23, 2015.