The administrators of the İLAD Communication Research Association, the members of the İLEDAK Communication Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board, and the İLEDAK staff (including members of İLEDAK committees, employees, or program evaluators) must adhere to ethical conduct. These individuals should operate with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and honesty. İLEDAK activities require impartiality, fairness, and equality. Those conducting İLAD/İLEDAK activities must perform their duties with the utmost ethical behavior.

The purpose of this document is to provide details on the ethical standards related to İLEDAK activities.

Members of the İLAD management and audit boards, İLEDAK committee members, İLEDAK employees, and program evaluators are required to sign the Confidentiality and Ethics Declaration at the end of this document in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the İLEDAK Working Regulation.

İLEDAK Code of Ethics:
İLEDAK staff accept the responsibility of conducting program evaluations in accordance with İLEDAK assessment criteria and in the interest of public safety and welfare, and they must disclose any factors that may present direct or indirect conflicts of interest.

a) They avoid conflicts of interest in any event or situation where they represent İLEDAK.

b) They declare any conflict of interest that may affect their decisions or the quality of the service they provide.

c) They cannot provide consultancy services to an institution or unit regarding program evaluation. Program evaluators who have provided consultancy services to an institution or unit regarding program evaluation must notify İLEDAK and cannot participate in any stage of the evaluation process for that institution’s programs.

d) They do not undertake any duties or engage in discussions that could create a conflict of interest between themselves and İLEDAK or between themselves and the institutions whose programs are being evaluated.

e) If İLEDAK staff have knowledge or reasonable suspicion that an accredited program does not meet İLEDAK standards, they must report this in writing to İLEDAK and, if necessary, collaborate with İLEDAK for further information.

f) They cannot request or accept any gifts, either directly or indirectly, from institutions and employees whose programs are under evaluation.

g) They cannot request or accept any payments, either directly or indirectly, from institutions and employees whose programs are under evaluation to influence the evaluation outcome.

Individuals involved in İLEDAK activities only accept assignments in fields where they are trained and/or experienced.

İLEDAK staff agree to maintain the confidentiality of all documents and information related to program evaluation decisions, except in cases where disclosure is required by law or for public safety concerns.

a) They keep all documents and information provided to them during their duties confidential and never use them for personal gain.

b) They cannot disclose confidential documents, information, or findings except for legal reasons.

c) If they are required to disclose confidential documents, information, or findings, they must obtain permission from both İLAD and the relevant institution. Such disclosures must be made in accordance with the obtained permission.

d) They cannot copy or reproduce self-assessment reports or any other documents obtained from institutions. Upon completion of their evaluation tasks, they must destroy or return these documents to İLEDAK.

İLAD/İLEDAK staff agree to provide impartial and accurate statements both within and outside of İLEDAK.

a) They will be impartial and truthful in their reports, statements, and expressions. Any reports, statements, or publications made on behalf of İLEDAK will contain only relevant and appropriate information. They must avoid behaviors that highlight personal preferences in a way that negatively affects the evaluation process.

b) They cannot use any statements, criticisms, or justifications that have been influenced or encouraged by others. If they must use such information, they are required to indicate that it is a quotation, cite the source, and disclose whether they gain any personal benefit from it.

c) They cannot use statements that misinterpret or conceal facts.

d) They must acknowledge proven personal mistakes and not distort or manipulate facts to justify their errors or decisions.

İLEDAK staff accept the responsibility of acting ethically, legally, and responsibly to enhance İLEDAK’s effectiveness and reputation.

a) Those involved in İLEDAK activities must avoid deceptive behaviors toward society.

b) They must not misrepresent their own or their colleagues’ academic or professional qualifications, nor allow misunderstandings in this regard.

c) They must not intentionally or accidentally harm others’ professional reputations, expectations, practices, or work. If they believe that someone is engaging in unethical or illegal behavior, they must present their findings to İLEDAK for submission to the relevant authorities.

İLEDAK staff agree to treat everyone equally, regardless of race, language, religion, gender, disability status, age, marital status, or political views. Those involved in program evaluation activities must treat all parties fairly and equitably.

İLEDAK staff agree to assist their colleagues and those they work with in their professional development and to support them in adhering to these ethical rules.

a) İLEDAK informs its staff and all parties involved in program evaluation about these ethical rules.

b) İLAD/İLEDAK educates all new staff members to ensure they understand and apply these ethical rules.

c) Those who continue to participate in İLEDAK activities ensure the continuity of their professional and ethical development and engage in relevant training.

Program evaluators found to be in violation of these ethical rules may have their duties terminated by the Communication Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (İLEDAK), İLEDAK committee members by the İLAD Honorary Board, and other İLEDAK staff by the İLAD Board of Directors.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND ETHICS DECLARATION
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Communication Research Association (İLAD) / a member of the Audit Board / a member of the Communication Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (İLEDAK) / a Program Evaluator / an İLEDAK Staff Member, I, ____________________________________, hereby declare that I have read and understood the above ethical rules and that I will act with the highest level of ethical and professional behavior.

I commit to:

a) Conducting program evaluations according to İLEDAK assessment criteria and in the interest of public safety, health, and welfare, and immediately disclosing any conflicting factors;

b) Providing services only in areas where I am competent;

c) Acting as a trustworthy representative of İLEDAK, avoiding all conflicts of interest, and notifying all affected parties in cases where conflicts of interest arise;

d) Maintaining the confidentiality of all documents and information related to program evaluation decisions, except in cases required by law or public safety concerns;

e) Providing impartial and accurate statements both within and outside of İLEDAK;

f) Acting honorably, responsibly, ethically, and legally to enhance İLAD/İLEDAK’s effectiveness and reputation;

g) Treating all individuals equally, regardless of race, language, religion, gender, disability status, age, marital status, or political views;

h) Assisting my colleagues and collaborators in their professional development and supporting them in adhering to these ethical rules;

i) Supporting the implementation of fair and prompt proceedings in cases of violations of these ethical rules.

Signature: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________