Compliance guide

Code of Ethics Examples

A code of ethics sets out the principles and values that guide how your business makes decisions and treats people. This guide gives you real examples, the core ethical principles, sample wording and a free template, plus a done-for-you option.

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Last updated 14 June 2026

Key takeaways

A code of ethics is the values layer: integrity, honesty, fairness, respect and accountability.
A code of conduct is the behaviour layer that turns those values into specific rules. Many businesses combine the two.
Good ethics statements are short, sincere and specific to the business, not generic platitudes.
Use the example principles and sample wording below to write your own, or have one prepared for you.

What is a code of ethics (and how it differs from a code of conduct)?

A code of ethics (sometimes called a business ethics policy or ethics statement) sets out the core principles your business commits to and uses to guide decisions, especially the difficult ones the rule book doesn't cover. It answers "what do we stand for?"

A code of conduct then translates those principles into concrete behaviours and rules. The ethics code is the compass; the conduct code is the map. For many small and medium businesses, a single combined "Code of Ethics and Conduct" works well, see our code of conduct template for the behaviour-led version.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. A code of ethics is most credible when it reflects how your business genuinely operates.

Code of ethics examples: the core principles

Most business codes of ethics are built from a handful of principles. Here are common ones with sample wording you can adapt:

Integrity

"We do the right thing, even when no one is watching, and keep our commitments."

Honesty and transparency

"We communicate openly and truthfully with each other, our customers and our partners."

Respect

"We treat everyone with dignity and value different perspectives."

Fairness

"We make decisions impartially and avoid conflicts of interest."

Accountability

"We take responsibility for our actions and their impact."

Pick the principles that genuinely reflect your business, then give each a sentence or two. Five or six well-chosen values beat a long list.

Code of ethics template structure

A simple, effective code of ethics usually includes:

Purpose, why the code exists and who it applies to.
Our values/principles, the five or six principles you stand by, each briefly explained.
How we apply them, what the principles mean in everyday decisions.
Decision-making guide, a few questions to ask when facing an ethical dilemma.
Raising concerns, how to speak up if something doesn't sit right.
Commitment, a closing statement and, often, a sign-off.

Avoid copy-paste platitudes. A code of ethics that doesn't match how you actually behave does more harm than good.

Get the editable code of ethics sample & template

Drop your email below and we'll send an editable code of ethics (Word and PDF), with the example principles and wording above ready to adapt.

Frequently asked questions

Are these code of ethics examples free?+

Yes. The example principles, sample wording and template outline are free to use and adapt. A tailored, done-for-you version is the only paid option.

What's the difference between a code of ethics and a code of conduct?+

A code of ethics sets the guiding principles and values (the "why"); a code of conduct sets the specific behaviours and rules (the "what" and "how"). Many businesses combine them into one document.

How many values should a code of ethics have?+

Five or six is a good target. A short, focused set of genuine principles is more memorable and credible than a long list nobody can recall.

Is a code of ethics the same as a business ethics policy?+

Effectively yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both set out the ethical principles your business commits to. This guide and template cover either.

Prefer your code of ethics done for you?

Tell us what your business stands for and we'll prepare a tailored code of ethics (or a combined ethics and conduct document) ready to share.

Requests for the code of ethics are reviewed and prepared manually, we'll follow up by email.