CII and PFS issue strong warning after online harassment reports

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Personal Finance Society (PFS) have issued a strong warning to members after seeing several incidents of online harassment.

In a statement earlier this week (14 August 2024), the two bodies said that it would take “appropriate action” against members engaging in “unprofessional behaviour”.

This could include withdrawing memberships and permission to use membership designations.

Statement

The CII and PFS said that it had observed several incidents in recent weeks that have caused upset to individuals.

The two bodies said that members had a “responsibility to conduct themselves in ways that enhance the reputation of our professions”.

It added: ”While there will always be matters on which individuals may disagree, the online harassment of other members, board representatives or employees of the PFS and CII will not be tolerated.

”We remind that all members are bound by the CII code of ethics and any unprofessional behaviour (including online) will likely be referred for consideration under the CII’s disciplinary process.

”Should any breaches be found, appropriate action will be taken, which may include withdrawing membership and permission to use our membership designations.

”We would like to thank those members who have called out inappropriate online behaviours and we urge all our members to work together to build and retain trust in the insurance, financial planning and mortgage advice professions.”