Code of Ethics - Professionalism

These are the ethical standards that the Stone Soup Group, LLC upholds as essential in conducting our consulting business.

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We will be honest and not knowingly misrepresent facts.

We will install and use only properly licensed software on our systems and client systems.

We will divulge any potential conflicts of interest prior to accepting the contract or as soon as possible after the conflict is discovered.

We will only represent opinions as independent if they are free from subordinated judgment and there is no undisclosed interest in the outcome of the client's decision.

We will ensure that to the best of our knowledge we can complete the project in a professional manner both in terms of skills and time.

We will keep the client informed of any matters relating to the contract, even if the information is unfavorable or may jeopardize the contract.

We will safeguard any confidential information or documents entrusted to us and not divulge any confidential information without the consent of the client.

We will not take advantage of proprietary information obtained from the client.

We will not engage in contracts that are in violation of the law or that might reasonably be used by the client to violate the law.

Standards & Practices

The Stone Soup Group adheres to the following standards and practices, which are expected of quality computer consultants by their peers. Of course, specific circumstances must be tempered by good judgment.

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We will use a letter of intent or written contract for all substantial engagements.

We will ensure that issues of ownership and use of the work product are clear before starting the contract.

If we are unable to professionally complete part or all of the contract, we will be forthright and will offer to aid the client in finding resources to complete the contract satisfactorily.

We will strive to avoid improprieties, as well as the appearance of improprieties.

We will either attempt to transfer the knowledge to the client or else suggest that the client secure a backup source of long-term support.

We will devote a significant portion of time to continuing education.

When our firm uses subcontractors, we use a non‑compete clause to restrict the subcontractors from working directly with our clients for a specified period of time. The term of this non‑compete clause is typically one year or less.

Our firm will not compel independent computer consultants to work as employees when they prefer to work as independent contractors.