Ethical practice for the playwork practitioner

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of ethics for play and playwork practitioners as the sector and work force move towards becoming a recognised profession within the United Kingdom. Exactly what is meant by the term ethics is defined, before moving on to a discussion of two key areas. First, the ethical framework known as F.A.I.R. (this mnemonic stands for Fairness, respect for Autonomy, Integrity, and to seek the most beneficial and least harmful consequences or Results) devised by Rowson [2006. Working ethics: How to be fair in a culturally complex world. London: Jessica Kingsley) and second, the four ethical principles of Beauchamp and Childress (2013. Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press]. Throughout links are made to the eight Playwork Principles developed by the Playwork Principles Scrutiny Group, Cardiff in 2005 and endorsed by SkillsActive (2013a. Playwork principles [Internet]. Retrieved August 26, 2015, from http://www.skillsactive.com/PDF/sectors/Playwork_Principles.pdf).