AAHEP - Association for Animals, Horticultural & Equine Practitioners

Practitioners must be motivated and committed to good ethical practice, accepting responsibility for their professional behaviour and decisions. They are accountable to clients, service users, society, and the communities in which they work — including maintaining a Duty of Candour (being open and honest when issues occur).

When ethical conflicts arise, practitioners should address them responsibly. Ethical compliance applies both to service user interactions and professional conduct more broadly.

Practitioners must always act in the best interests of those they work with, staying within the limits of their competence, training, and experience. This includes:

• Receiving regular supervision to improve service quality.

• Committing to ongoing professional development.

• Recognising that clients may be dependent on carers or guardians.

Practitioners must avoid causing harm — physically, emotionally, socially, or otherwise. They must guard against personal, financial, organisational, or political factors that could lead to exploitation or misuse of influence. If unfit to practise, they must not offer services.

In Animal and Equine Assisted Services, this also includes:

• Maintaining the physical safety of clients.

• Extending the “do no harm” principle to animals and horses — ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and monitoring the impact of sessions on them.

• Intervening if a animal or horse shows signs of distress.

• Challenging malpractice or incompetence in others, whether related to clients animals, or horses.

Practitioners must build relationships based on trust, acting with honesty and integrity. They must maintain confidentiality and share information only when appropriate or legally required.

Practitioners must ensure fairness and justice for all, avoiding bias and unjust practices. Everyone should have equal access to, and quality of, services.

Fairness also applies to animals and horses — practitioners must not overwork or make unreasonable demands on them, and must respect their age, health, and ability. Animals and horses should be allowed to opt out of interactions when possible.

For People’s Rights and Dignity

Respect every individual’s dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy.

Gain informed consent from clients or their legal representatives, and clearly communicate service details, safety agreements, and confidentiality terms.

For People’s Needs and Relationships

Acknowledge the emotional, psychological, social, and familial needs of clients. Involve significant others in decision-making where appropriate.

For Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Follow the Equality Act (2010) and the Register’s EDI statement at all times.

For Animals', Horses’ Rights, Welfare, Needs, and Relationships

Respect the animals and horses’ welfare both in daily care and during client sessions. Within safe boundaries, give horses agency in the process — allowing them to choose participation and recognising their “voice.” This fosters authenticity and meaningful learning.

The Register’s Framework for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Horses defines these standards.

Practitioners must apply these principles to themselves, respecting their own needs, knowledge, and growth. This includes:

• Ongoing learning and professional development.

• Regular supervision.

• Maintaining adequate insurance coverage.