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Conduct meaning

What does Conduct mean?
Conduct describes an employee’s behaviour at work (acts or omissions) against contractual terms, workplace policies and expected standards. In UK employment law, conduct is a potentially fair reason for dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996 s.98(2)(b), although the term is not defined in statute. Fairness is assessed under s.98(4) and the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. Case law (including the Burchell test) requires a reasonable investigation, a genuine belief on reasonable grounds that misconduct occurred, and a sanction within the range of reasonable responses. Serious or deliberate misconduct may amount to gross misconduct justifying summary dismissal, typically identified in contracts or disciplinary rules. Conduct is distinct from capability (performance or ill-health). Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales and Scotland (GB employment law). Northern Ireland applies analogous principles under the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and the Labour Relations Agency code. In Ireland, conduct is a substantial ground for dismissal under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015, with WRC and Labour Court decisions emphasising fair procedures and proportionality. Beyond employment, conduct also refers to behaviour in professional regulation and litigation (for example, litigation conduct affecting costs), with meaning determined by the specific legal context.
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View the related Checklists about Conduct

CHECKLISTS
Investigatory Powers Act 2016: offences, statutory defences and maximum sentences—practitioner checklist (UK)

The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA 2016) revamped the legal regime regulating covert surveillance by public authorities. IPA 2016 superseded large parts of the framework previously, though not solely, contained in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA 2000). See Practice Note: The regulation of intelligence gathering—an introductory guide. This note outlines the offences introduced by IPA 2016. For details of general sentencing limits in a magistrates’ court, see Practice Note: Sentences imposed following conviction—General limits on magistrates’ courts powers to impose custodial sentences following conviction... Section Offence Statutory defence Maximum sentence IPA 2016, s 3 — Unlawful interception: a person, by conduct in the UK, deliberately intercepts a communication during its transmission without lawful authority. Defence: where the individual has the right to control the operation or use of the system, or had that person’s express or implied consent to carry out the interception. Maximum sentence: on summary conviction, a fine; on indictment, up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a...

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CHECKLISTS
Corporate criminal investigations: defence checklist for interviews under caution—advice, attendance and follow-up (England and Wales)

This Checklist outlines the matters defence practitioners may wish to weigh up when guiding a corporate client about attending an interview under caution arising from suspected corporate criminal conduct in England and Wales. It should be considered alongside the Practice Notes: Interview under caution and Voluntary attendance at an interview under caution. Advising clients before an interview under caution When a corporate client is asked to attend an interview under caution: Make sure the client grasps what an interview under caution involves and the significance of the caution. Confirm the client appreciates their rights before and during any interview under caution under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE 1984) and PACE Code C. Explain what to expect at the interview under caution and the procedural steps the interviewing officer must take to meet PACE Code C. If the client forms part of a corporate group, verify the request for interview has been addressed to the correct legal entity...

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CHECKLISTS
UK securitisation regime timeline (2024–2026): from assimilated EU Securitisation Regulation to FCA/PRA rules, key regulations and policy statements, STS capital treatment extension, and FSB reforms evaluation.

This timeline shows key developments relating to the UK securitisation regime from January 2024 onwards For earlier milestones, see EU and UK Securitisation Regulations—timeline [Archived]. On 1 November 2024, Assimilated Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 (the UK Securitisation Regulation) no longer applied in the UK, and new securitisation rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) came into effect. For insight into the revised UK framework, see Practice Note: The UK securitisation regime. 2026 17 February 2026 — PRA/FCA CP2/26 – Reforms to securitisation requirements; CP26/6: Rules for reforming the UK Securitisation Framework; Applying the FSMA 2000 model of regulation to the Capital Requirements Regulation The PRA and FCA have opened consultations on changes to the UK securitisation framework. The FCA suggests simplifying reporting, disclosure and due diligence obligations. The PRA intends to lessen firms’ compliance load by making the regime less prescriptive and adjusting the capital treatment of loans under the Mortgage Guarantee...

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View the related Flowcharts about Conduct

FLOWCHARTS
Appropriation of Payments: Flowchart for Applying a Solvent Debtor’s Payment to Multiple Debts Owed to the Same Creditor

Aim of this flowchart Under section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, anyone who carries on a regulated activity in the UK in the course of business, without an applicable exclusion or exemption, must hold authorisation from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and/or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This requirement is referred to as the general prohibition. For further detail on the general prohibition and the scope of regulated activities, consult the Practice Notes: The general prohibition and implications of its breach, and What are regulated activities? This flowchart is intended to assist in deciding whether a person is undertaking the regulated activities of effecting and carrying out contracts of insurance as principal, pursuant to article 10(1) and (2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (SI 2001/544) (RAO). Any references here to PERG are to the FCA’s Perimeter Guidance Manual, which provides regulatory guidance within the FCA Handbook. It serves as a guide to the FCA Handbook...

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FLOWCHARTS
Flowchart: process to exercise step-in rights under a collateral warranty

The defined terms in the flowchart shall have the following meaning: Appointed Representative Regulations — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Appointed Representatives) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/1217 Business Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Carrying on Regulated Activities by Way of Business) Order 2001, SI 2001/1177 Exemption Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) Order 2001, SI 2001/1201 Non-Exempt Activities Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Professions) (Non-Exempt Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/1227 PRA-regulated activities — denotes regulated activities designated as PRA‑regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (PRA‑regulated Activities) Order 2013, SI 2013/556 RAO — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/544 UCITS qualifier — carries the meaning attributed to it in the Glossary of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook To determine whether an activity is regulated, follow the flowchart below. Click below to view or print...

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FLOWCHARTS
UK GDPR rectification requests: evaluation flowchart for lawyers with ICO guidance, DPA 2018 exemptions, temporary processing restrictions, third-party notifications and refusal requirements

This flowchart shows how to determine whether you need to carry out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for a specific project, and the steps to complete one if required. It also outlines post‑DPIA tasks, including weaving the DPIA’s findings into your project plan and keeping the assessment under review. See also Precedents: Data protection impact assessment—DPIA and Data protection impact assessment—DPIA—short form, which draws on a template issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO’s comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessments guidance sets out seven steps to running a DPIA. This flowchart is designed to cover those seven stages, and it also mirrors the ICO’s expectations for post‑DPIA activity, namely: integrating the outcomes of your DPIA into your project plans, and monitoring the ongoing performance of the DPIA Note 1: Identify the need for a DPIA If you have a data protection officer (DPO), seek their advice. For further information, see Practice Note: How to complete a data protection impact...

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View the related News about Conduct

NEWS
English Commercial Court refuses permission to amend to add s 67 BIT challenge as time-barred under AA 1996 s 73; nationality arguable but for lack of reasonable diligence.

The Czech Republic v Diag Human SE and another [2024] EWHC 708 (Comm) What are the practical implications of this case? The judgment offers practical guidance on how the ‘reasonable diligence’ condition in AA 1996, s 73(1) operates. It warns parties in arbitration to remain vigilant to unfolding factual matters that may demand further enquiry, in order to satisfy the ‘reasonable diligence’ requirement and maintain an arguable case that is not rendered time-barred under AA 1996, s 73(1). It also emphasises the elevated duty of care owed by investment arbitration practitioners when advising clients in arbitral proceedings, so as to avoid claims of insufficient diligence in the conduct of jurisdictional challenges before the tribunal. What was the background? ...

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NEWS
Weekly energy law update: security package, market codes, renewables, LDES, hydrogen/CCUS, nuclear reforms, planning rights and climate levy—key consultations, statutory instruments and practitioner deadlines

In this issue: Key developments and materials Electricity and gas market regulation, licensing and taxation Renewable energy Capacity Market, balancing services and energy system flexibility Hydrogen, CCUS and emerging technologies Nuclear energy Planning issues in energy projects Air emissions, efficiency, and climate change New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Energy resources on Lexis+® Daily and weekly news alerts Key developments and materials DESNZ announces accelerated measures to boost UK energy security DESNZ has unveiled a suite of actions to reinforce and speed up the UK’s energy security in light of events in the Middle East. For the first time, ‘plug-in solar’ will be permitted in the UK. The department plans to advance the next annual renewables auction to July 2026 and has confirmed that the government will adopt the Fingleton Review’s recommendations to hasten delivery of nuclear power stations. It has also moved to safeguard consumers, working...

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NEWS
UK employment law weekly: key cases, HMCTS changes, MoJ NDA guidance, possible tribunal fees, FCA misconduct focus, AI and workplace speech, HMRC EV mileage, EU traineeships, diary dates

In this issue: Horizon scanning Status and worker categories Benefits Prohibited conduct Unfair dismissal Settlement Employment tribunals Dates for your diary Trackers New Q&As Employment resources on Lexis+® LexTalk®Employment: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts Horizon scanning What to watch in Employment law this winter In 2025, the government’s suite of employment reforms has set the pace, yet noteworthy shifts in case law and workplace culture also merit close attention as winter draws in. Some updates will stem from regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority, which is anticipated to finalise guidance on tackling non-financial misconduct. Practitioners should also be mindful of the broader adoption of artificial intelligence, alongside a rise in employees voicing politically sensitive opinions at work, both of which demand vigilance as 2026 approaches. See Law360: What to watch in employment law this winter. Status and worker categories European Parliament ready to negotiate better...

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View the related Practice Notes about Conduct

PRACTICE NOTES
UK DTR 2: issuer obligations on disclosure, delay, control and selective disclosure of inside information—FCA/ESMA guidance, case law, COVID‑19 context and enforcement (post‑Brexit UK MAR)

Resource Note This Resource Note signposts key commentary, analysis and materials to aid interpretation and offer practical direction on using Chapter 2 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR 2). Where relevant, it draws on: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook FCA Knowledge Base—Procedural and Technical notes (formal guidance binding on the FCA) FCA consultation and discussion papers, policy and feedback statements, and warnings Primary Market Bulletins and other FCA publications legacy UKLA technical and procedural notes and the UKLA’s newsletter List!, where still pertinent assimilated EU legislation EU Directives and EU Regulations, where helpful to construing a provision Lexis+® UK analysis and resources Setting the scene What it covers: DTR 2 prescribes the framework for issuers to disclose and manage inside information, supporting timely and even-handed release of market-sensitive information. It also identifies specific situations permitting a delay to public disclosure of inside information, together with the safeguards required to keep such information...

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PRACTICE NOTES
UK FCA DTR 1–1C: application, post‑Brexit and 2024 listing reforms, MAR interplay, audit committees, misleading disclosures and related party rules

This Resource Note spotlights commentary, analysis and materials to aid interpretation and give practical guidance on applying Chapters 1, 1A, 1B and 1C of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules: DTR 1, DTR 1A, DTR 1B and DTR 1C respectively. Materials referenced here include, where pertinent: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook FCA Knowledge Base guidance—Procedural notes and Technical notes (constituting formal guidance and binding on the FCA) FCA consultation papers, discussion papers, policy statements, feedback statements and warnings Primary Market Bulletins and other FCA publications former UKLA technical and procedural notes and the UKLA newsletter List!, where still relevant to interpreting or applying a provision assimilated EU legislation EU Directives and EU Regulations, where relevant to interpreting a provision Lexis+ UK analysis and resources Setting the scene What it covers: DTR 1 sets out the Disclosure guidance, explaining its scope and purpose; DTR 1A sets out the transparency rules with their scope and purpose;...

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PRACTICE NOTES
UK money market funds: regime essentials, authorisation, UCITS/AIFM interactions, investment and liquidity rules, CNAV/LVNAV/VNAV, and post‑Brexit reform proposals including TMPR and the Overseas Funds Regime

This Practice Note examines core aspects of the UK framework for money market funds (MMFs) that stems from Regulation (EU) 2017/1131 (the EU MMF Regulation). It also looks at suggested changes to the framework, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Treasury and the Bank of England (BoE) working jointly to bolster its resilience and align it with post‑Brexit regulatory objectives. For background on the EU MMF Regulation, see Practice Note: EU MMF Regulation—essentials. What is an MMF? Money market funds (MMFs) are investment funds that invest in short‑term debt instruments and so play a significant role in the short‑term financing of the economy. In particular, MMFs are open‑ended, liquid investment funds that invest in fixed income through short‑term debt, for example money market instruments issued by banks, governments or companies (including treasury bills, commercial paper and certificates of deposit) which pay interest. They therefore form an important connection between demand for, and the supply of, short‑term debt. Further information on the eligible assets of an MMF is...

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View the related Precedents about Conduct

PRECEDENTS
Competition law red flags for staff: cartels, abuse of dominance, RPM, territorial and customer restrictions, exclusivity, tying/bundling, predatory pricing and refusals to supply

Behaviour red flags are situations that should prompt you to probe further. Though they can be hard to spot, many scenarios can indicate the presence of anti-competitive conduct. This awareness tool highlights potential competition law warning signs, indicators, traits or behaviours to be especially alert to at all times. Even a single red flag may suggest anti-competitive conduct. 1 Cartel behaviour Any attempt to fix prices. Any attempt to engage in bid-rigging. ...

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PRECEDENTS
Unreasonable Costs Application Template for the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) for Respondent non-attendance under Rule 9(2)(b), Tribunal Procedure Rules 2014 (SI 2014/2604)

In the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Appeal No: XXXAPPLICANT NAME – AppellantANDSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT Application for costs under 9 (2) of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014, SI 2014/2604 1 Introduction This application is brought pursuant to paragraph 9 (2) (b) of The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014, SI 2014/2604. The appellant seeks a costs order on the basis that the respondent has behaved unreasonably in the conduct of these proceedings. 2 This application has been made in-time, within 28 days of the date of [ insert relevant event or decision ] and has been served on the respondent. 3 Background The appellant is pursuing an appeal against a refusal of her human rights claim. A’s claim was refused on [ insert date ] and an appeal was submitted on [ insert date ]. The Tribunal listed a substantive hearing for [ date ] at [...

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PRECEDENTS
Fraud risk management and ethics: organisational code, procedures and reporting under the UK Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 failure to prevent fraud offence

[ Insert organisation name ] is proud of how we conduct our business. Our Code of ethics sets out the standards and policies that govern our operations and applies to everyone. Please read the Code carefully, make sure you understand it, and use it to guide your work. If you have any queries about the Code or its application, please speak with [ insert contact details ]. 1 What is fraud? 1.1 In broad terms, fraud is a criminal act involving deception or theft to secure an advantage. 1.2 The failure to prevent fraud offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) covers a wide range of fraud offences carried out for the benefit of our organisation, including: fraud by false representation fraud by failing to disclose information fraud by abuse of position obtaining services dishonestly participation in a fraudulent business false statements by company directors false accounting fraudulent trading cheating the...

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View the related Q&As about Conduct

Q&As
Employer auxiliary aid in union paid time off; trade organisation duty?

Duty to make reasonable adjustments The Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) establishes a duty to make reasonable adjustments (referred to below as ‘the duty’), which contains three distinct requirements. The third requires that, where a disabled person would, without the provision of an auxiliary aid, face a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter when compared with people who are not disabled, such steps as are reasonable must be taken to supply the auxiliary aid. The situations in which the duty arises differ across workplace settings. Accordingly, the precise circumstances that engage the duty will not be uniform across all settings. For all three requirements, the duty is triggered only where a disabled individual is placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with non‑disabled people ‘in relation to a “relevant matter”’, and what counts as a ‘relevant matter’ (as defined in EqA 2010, Sch 8 Pt 1) varies according to the particular type of workplace. As a result, application of the duty is context‑specific to the workplace in question....

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Q&As
Charities: exemption under EAA 1973 and Conduct Regs 2003

The Employment Agencies Act 1973, together with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, SI 2003/3319 (Conduct Regs 2003), regulate the private recruitment sector and establish minimum requirements for employment agencies and employment businesses trading from premises in Great Britain (ie England, Wales and Scotland). The Conduct Regs 2003 apply in circumstances where an employment agency or an employment business provides work-finding services to a work-seeker...

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Q&As
Can a litigant in person contact a represented opponent directly?

In numerous matters, one or both sides in a legal dispute appear without lawyers, representing themselves in the proceedings. This occurs for a range of reasons; frequently, the cause is an inability to obtain legal representation because of limited personal finances. Every section of the legal profession, under its respective code of conduct and in line with its duties to the court, is obliged to treat litigants in person with fairness and respect. In addition, the Judicial College Guidance offers further direction to the judiciary on the role of the judge when a case features a litigant in person within proceedings of this kind...

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View the related UK Parliament Acts about Conduct

UK PARLIAMENT ACTS
95 Circumstances in which an employee is dismissed

(1)     For the purposes of this Part an employee is dismissed by his employer if (and, subject to subsection (2) . . ., only if)—(a)     the contract under which he is employed is terminated by the employer (whether with or without notice),(b)     he is employed under a contract for a fixed term and that term expires without being renewed under the same contract, or[(b)     he is employed under a limited-term contract and that contract terminates by virtue of the limiting event without being renewed under the same contract, or](c)     the employee terminates