Make and document a defensible choice
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
When a situation is unclear, identify the facts, affected people, commitments, applicable policies and options. Seek appropriate advice where legal or professional obligations are uncertain. Choose an action that can be explained honestly to those affected, and record the reason without unnecessary personal detail. Correct mistakes promptly and learn from recurring pressures. Ethical judgement is not a checklist that guarantees the right answer, but a structured process can expose hidden assumptions and conflicts. Be willing to decline work that requires misleading or harmful conduct.
Worked example
A client asks the recruiter to conceal a major change in working conditions until after acceptance. The recruiter explains the need for accurate candidate information and escalates or declines rather than preserving the fee through deception.
Put it into practice
Write a decision memo for a client request that conflicts with accurate candidate communication.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
Document the request, risks, options, advice and final action. Include how the candidate will receive truthful information and how the commercial relationship will be handled professionally.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Recruitment
Professional context for the recruitment lifecycle.
- GOV.UK: Set up a business
UK starting point. Business structure and obligations depend on the circumstances.