IMA Code of Practice
Introduction
The Interim Management Association’s principal aim is the development of interim management as a
powerful and leading management resource by collective action and by promoting the common interest
of all its members, based on the highest standards of professional service available in the market.
The Government, through the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), has the responsibility for
ensuring compliance with the statutory regulations governing operations of employment agencies and
employment businesses in the UK. However the Association recognises that there is still a need to establish
and maintain standards of best practice in addition to the regulatory regime to ensure our membership
represents the best and most progressive providers in the sector. The Interim Management Association
seeks to promote higher standards of customer service on behalf of the interim management sector.
Professionalism
The provision of Interim Management Services is a continuous professional focus for the IMA. A
profession is characterised by the objectivity, integrity and thoroughness of its practitioners. Members
will maintain the highest standards of professional work and behaviour so that their actions reflect
favourably on the Association, its members, their clients and Interim Managers. In this endeavour
members will serve their clients in a professional manner, including the performance of at least the
following services:
\ To establish a clear understanding of the clients organisation and requirements and to provide
objective professional advice on the use of interim management.
\ To agree a written statement, setting out the description, scope and character of the services
to be provided by the member and interim manager.
\ To make a comprehensive search for appropriately, qualified interim managers.
\ To make a thorough evaluation of interim managers, including personal interviews and careful
assessment of the individual’s suitability and qualifications for the assignment.
\ To only introduce candidates who have been briefed on the specific client opportunity and who have
been referenced and met prior to placement.
Confidentiality
Members shall regard as totally confidential all information concerning the business affairs of their
clients and members shall require their interim managers to give a similar undertaking.
Professional Activities
Members will conduct all their promotion, public relations and new business activities in a manner that
involves no representatives, express or implied, that are false, deceptive or otherwise misleading.
IMA Code of Practice
Introduction Fees
Where interim managers are currently on assignment with an organisation members shall not pay to
that interim manager, their spouses, partners or business associates, nor to companies controlled by
them, any fee for the introduction of additional interim assignments, or other consulting or advisory work
with the organisation the interim manager is working for nor for any subsidiary organisation, parent or
organisation or associated organisation.
Competition
It is the policy of the Association and its members to engage in free and fair competition in the provision
of interim management. Neither the Association nor any member will engage in any unlawful restraint of
trade or unfair method of competition.
Terms and Conditions
Members shall state their terms of business to clients without ambiguity.
Employment Agencies Act
Where applicable members shall make themselves and their staff fully aware of the provisions of the
Employment Agencies Act and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Act
2003 and any other relevant legislation which will include the Agency Workers Regulations. Such
legislation must be complied with both in spirit and to the letter of the law. Breach of the law shall be
deemed to be a breach of this code.
Equal Opportunities
Members shall seek to develop a positive policy towards, and take necessary steps to promote, equal
opportunities in employment.
National Insurance and Tax
Members shall ensure that they comply fully with the law relating to Tax and National Insurance.
Briefing the Interim Manager
Members shall ensure that prior to commencing work, the interim manager is fully briefed as
to the scope of the work, responsibilities and time period of the assignment and members
shall also ensure that the interim manager is aware of relevant contractual arrangements with the client.
Complaints/disputes
Any client, interim manager or Association member may make a complaint about any member’s failure
to abide by this code or failure to adhere to normal standards of professional conduct. Complaints
should be made in writing to the Chairman of the Association. If, with the help of legal advice, the
complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved by the Chairman, it will be referred to the Recruitment and
Employment Confederation to be dealt with under the Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure or
referred to arbitration as appropriate.