Our Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is an expression of TOTAL’s recognition of its responsibilities to the public, to clients, to peers, and to employees. These principles apply to all our staff and provide guidance to them in the performance of our professional services.

Integrity
TOTAL offers and provides professional services with integrity.

TOTAL may be placed by clients in positions of trust and confidence. The ultimate source of such public trust is our integrity. Integrity demands honesty and candor, which must not be subordinated to personal gain or advantage.

Objectivity
TOTAL has been and will always be objective in providing professional services to clients.

Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality. Regardless of the particular service rendered or the capacity in which TOTAL functions, TOTAL maintains objectivity, and avoids subordination of judgment that would be in violation of this Code.

Competence
TOTAL provides services to clients competently and maintains the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those service areas in which it is engaged.

One is competent only when he or she has attained and maintained an adequate level of knowledge and skill, and applies that knowledge effectively in providing services to clients. Competence also includes the wisdom to recognize the limitations of that knowledge and when consultation or client referral is appropriate. In addition to assimilating the common body of knowledge required and acquiring the necessary experience, TOTAL makes a continuing commitment to learning and professional improvement.

Fairness
TOTAL performs professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to clients, principals, partners, and employees and discloses probable conflict(s) of interest(s) in providing such services.

Confidentiality
TOTAL shall not disclose any confidential client information without the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, to defend against charges of wrongdoing by TOTAL or in connection with a civil dispute between TOTAL and client.

A client, by seeking the services of TOTAL, may be interested in creating a relationship of personal trust and confidence with TOTAL. This type of relationship can only be built upon the understanding that information supplied to TOTAL or other information will be confidential. In order to provide the contemplated services effectively and to protect the client's privacy, TOTAL safeguards the confidentiality of such information.

Professionalism
TOTAL staff member’s conduct in all matters shall reflect credit upon the profession.

Because of the importance of the professional services rendered by TOTAL, there are attendant responsibilities to behave with dignity and courtesy to all those who use those services, fellow professionals, and those in related professions.

Diligence
TOTAL shall act diligently in providing professional services.

Diligence is the provision of services in a reasonably prompt and thorough manner. Diligence also includes proper planning for and supervision of the rendering of professional services

Core Values

At TOTAL, our core values represent who we are. They describe our intended state of being. We want to attract as customers those who share our values:

•  Competence
  Our dedication to competence requires not only lifelong learning, but also that we continually assess our ability to appropriately and effectively address the needs of those we serve.

•  Integrity
  We strive to have ever more congruence between our words and deeds, and to deliver genuine value to those whom we serve.

•  Relationships
  We are committed to open, inclusive and respectful relationships, including collaboration among diverse parties on common interests.

•  Insight
  We recognize our responsibility to act with vision, ever mindful of the effects of our actions today and tomorrow on the future.