Aims, Ethics and Practice
of
The British Traditional Molecatchers Register

1. THE BRITISH TRADITIONAL MOLECATCHERS REGISTER

1.1 The British Traditional Molecatchers Register (BTMR) exists to bring competent, professional practice to the world of mole catching, and has the following aims:

a) To act as a vehicle connecting people requiring the services of a Traditional Molecatcher with a mole catcher in their region.

b) To promote Traditional Molecatching as an appropriate and sustainable profession.

c) To encourage excellence and appropriate working and business practices for mole catchers who undertake to work to the long-established principles of Traditional Molecatching.

1.2 In pursuit of these aims, BTMR endeavours to identify the range and standards of the necessary knowledge, skills, aptitudes and attitudes for members.

1.3 BTMR will hold a register of mole catchers, who will be members. The register will be the source of reference for responding to enquiries for mole catchers from members of the public.

1.4 BTMR policy and the Aims, Ethics and Practice document will be an extensible and on-going development reflecting generally the expressed views of the members.

2. CODE OF ETHICS AND PRACTICE

2.1 This code provides a framework to which members of BTMR are encouraged to refer, and provides a reference for persons or bodies who might employ a mole catcher who is a member of BTMR. By working within this framework, BTMR members seek to protect all parties involved in their work.

2.2 Code of Ethics

Members of BTMR are encouraged to:

l        Know, understand and use the professional Codes.

l        Employ humane practices and avoid causing unnecessary suffering to the mole at all times.

l        Maintain the highest level of responsibility in their work and protect the reputations of themselves, BTMR, and professional molecatching generally.

l        Treat all clients with care, consideration and professionalism.

l        Work within and recognise the limits of their own level of competence and, where appropriate, refer clients on to other appropriate mole catchers.

l        Avoid any act that could compromise the safety/well being of the client.

l        Respect a client's right to request a second opinion.

l        Hold relevant insurance in order to protect themselves, their clients and members of the public.

l        Maintain accurate records of all visits.

l        Continue their own professional development.

l        Dress safely and present a professional image.

l        Abide by Health and Safety legislation.

l        Work within the confines of current Law and make clients aware of those requirements.

2.3 Code of Practice

2.3.1 Molecatching

l        Assess the site for any potential risk to the client, members of the public, or any other persons, animals or property.

l        Mole traps should be of good quality, adequate for the purpose and checked for damage/operation prior to use.

l        Set traps should be checked regularly and at appropriate intervals for catches, and caught moles removed and the trap either re-set or removed. The BTMR recommends as a general guideline that set traps are checked daily for caught moles.

l        Any live caught moles should on discovery be despatched quickly and humanely.

l        The BTMR does not advocate the use of any live-capture devices for mole control.

l        The BTMR does not advocate the use of any poisonous substances or chemical deterrents for mole control.

2.3.2 Advertising

l        Members are encouraged to adhere to current legislation relating to Advertising, currently the British Council of Advertising Practice.

l        Members are encouraged to promote themselves in a responsible, honest and modest manner.

l        Members using the BTMR logo and name agree to comply with relevant changes made by BTMR with regard to the appropriate use of the BTMR identity.

2.3.3 Dealing with clients

l        Members are encouraged to explain the nature and content of their procedures, including costs, and should answer any questions at a level appropriate to the client's understanding.

l        Members are encouraged to maintain a high level of professionalism in their contact with clients and always act in an ethical and honourable manner relating to payments, invoices, receipts, time-keeping, and cancellation of appointments.

l        Members are encouraged to maintain accurate records in accordance with the advice from their insurers, of their visits, conversations, works and outcomes and work within current legislation regarding Data Protection. These records should be kept secure and confidential and passed on only with the client's consent, or where required to do so by a Court of Law.

l        Members who undertake any work on a non-commercial or voluntary basis should understand that they are still encouraged to operate within BTMR's Code of Ethics and Practice.

3. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Members are encouraged to undertake to continue their Professional Development on a regular basis. Professional Development might include on-going training, research, and liaison with other mole catchers.

BTMR Aims, Ethics and Practice document (ver1.3) - updated 08 April 2009