SCB CODE OF ETHICS

Specialty Coffee Barista (SCB)
Professional Conduct • Human Dignity • Trust in Skill

Preamble

This SCB Code of Ethics establishes the ethical standards governing all holders of the Specialty Coffee Barista (SCB) credential, all SCB Accredited Trainers (SATs), assessors, learning hubs, and affiliated institutions.

The Code exists to protect human dignity, professional integrity, community trust, and the future of specialty coffee as a livelihood.

SCB credentials are stewarded under Kenya Coffee School and apply globally.

Article 1: Core Ethical Principles

All SCB-affiliated persons and institutions shall uphold the following principles:

Integrity – Act honestly, transparently, and responsibly
Competence – Represent skills truthfully and maintain professional standards
Dignity – Respect all people regardless of gender, age, race, origin, or status
Accountability – Accept responsibility for actions and outcomes
Community – Strengthen livelihoods and local value chains

Article 2: Professional Conduct

SCB professionals shall:

Deliver services with care, skill, and consistency
Avoid misrepresentation of credentials or experience
Practice continuous learning and skills improvement
Respect workplace safety, hygiene, and best practice
Uphold professionalism in customer and peer interactions

Article 3: Fair Labor & Human Rights

All SCB-accredited persons and institutions commit to:

Fair pay for fair work
Safe and respectful working environments
Zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, or exploitation
Non-discrimination in training, employment, and assessment
Protection of minors and vulnerable persons

Article 4: Ethics in Training & Assessment

SCB trainers and assessors shall:

Assess competence fairly and objectively
Avoid conflicts of interest
Respect confidentiality of learner data
Provide constructive, transparent feedback
Recognize prior learning and lived experience

Article 5: Sustainability & Responsible Practice

SCB professionals are expected to:

Promote responsible sourcing and waste reduction
Respect environmental resources (water, energy, materials)
Support ethical trade and local value addition
Educate consumers truthfully about coffee origins and quality

Article 6: Digital Ethics & Credential Integrity

All SCB digital credentials must be used ethically:

No falsification, duplication, or misuse of certificates
No impersonation or registry manipulation
Respect data privacy and consent
Prompt reporting of lost, compromised, or incorrect credentials

Violations may result in suspension or permanent revocation.

Article 7: Community Responsibility

SCB professionals shall:

Share knowledge responsibly
Mentor where possible
Avoid practices that harm community livelihoods
Respect cultural contexts and local knowledge
Contribute positively to the coffee ecosystem

Article 8: Conflicts of Interest

SCB-affiliated persons must:

Declare any conflicts of interest
Avoid personal gain that compromises integrity
Refrain from favoritism in training or assessment

Article 9: Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

Breaches of this Code may result in:

Warning or corrective action
Temporary suspension of credentials
Revocation of accreditation
Public registry status update

All disciplinary actions shall follow due process and the right to be heard.

Article 10: Reporting & Whistleblower Protection

SCB provides safe mechanisms for reporting unethical behavior.

Reports may be confidential
Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited
Investigations shall be fair and timely

Article 11: Commitment & Oath

All SCB credential holders affirm:

I commit to uphold the SCB Code of Ethics, to practice my profession with integrity, respect, and responsibility, and to use my skills to improve livelihoods and communities.