Honorary president: Judith Butcher Honorary vice-president: David Crystal OBE

SfEP code of practice

The SfEP's revised code of practice (CoP) provides a useful resource for all editors, proofreaders and project managers, whether working in-house or freelance, as well as their clients.

Its purpose is to establish and maintain standards of best practice for members and associates of the SfEP and to encourage good professional relationships. Good communication between client and supplier is essential – the CoP discusses the merits of clear briefing and agreement of terms to ensure that both parties are able to maintain the high standards expected.

The latest version of the CoP takes into account changes in professional and business practices, and within the Society itself, since its first publication in 1995. It now includes not only sections on the professional behaviour of both supplier and client, and standards for proofreading, editing and project management, but also information on web editing, electronic file handling, email etiquette, confidentiality and computer security.

The new CoP is endorsed by the SfEP Council, and although it is not a legal document, it is considered binding on members, associates and corporate associates.

Download the entire SfEP code of practice (144 KB pdf)

Download an individual section:

• Contents (26 KB pdf)
• Section 1 – Introduction (22 KB pdf)
• Section 2 – Definitions (27 KB pdf)
• Section 3 – Professional practice of the supplier or employee (47 KB pdf)
• Section 4 – Professional practice of the client or manager (41 KB pdf)
• Section 5 – Standards of editing and proofreading (57 KB pdf)
• Section 6 – Standards of editorial project management (49 KB pdf)
• Section 7 – References (48 KB pdf)
• Index (52 KB pdf)

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