Before filing an ethics complaint through pmi.org/ethics, review these requirements. They can help you determine whether your complaint is eligible for consideration and what you will need to support it.
Who is the Complainant?
The individual, group, organization, or the Institute submits the complaint. A group or organization must designate one individual to represent it and receive correspondence.
Who is the Respondent?
The Covered Individual whose conduct is the subject of the complaint or investigation.
Check out these requirements before submitting your complaint.
Is an ethics complaint the right process for your concern?
- Check whether another PMI process is more appropriate for your concern.
- If your allegation involves a conflict or complaint at the chapter level, review the Chapter Conflict Management Program to determine whether your issue should be addressed through that process.
- If your allegation involves an organizational or policy matter involving PMI, a PMI program, product, or service, review the Complaint, Dispute and Grievance Policy to determine whether the grievance process applies.
- Choosing the appropriate process before submitting your complaint can help ensure that your concern is directed to the right place.
What questions might arise during an ethics review?
1. Is the complaint against a Covered Individual?
The ethics complaint process applies only to:
- PMI members
- Non-members who hold a PMI certification
- Non-members who apply to commence a PMI certification process
- Non-members who serve PMI in a voluntary capacity
Complaints cannot be filed against companies or organizations themselves. You must identify the Covered Individual whose conduct is directly at issue.
2. Are you willing to identify yourself?
Complaints cannot be submitted anonymously. You may also need to provide additional information. The Respondent will know the details of the complaint filed against them as well as the identity of the Complainant. You may need to participate in a hearing; the Respondent will also attend and answer questions from the hearing panel.
3. Have you identified a mandatory Code provision?
A complaint must be based on one or more mandatory provisions of the Code. Aspirational provisions provide important ethical guidance but cannot serve as the basis for a complaint. A complaint alleging only violations of the aspirational provisions can be dismissed.
4. Can you support the complaint with facts?
Code section 2.3.4 states: “We file ethics complaints only when they are substantiated by facts.”
Describe the relevant facts, identify the mandatory Code provisions you believe may have been violated, and provide supporting evidence. Where appropriate, identify witnesses who can provide relevant information. Note: witnesses should be advised that they are named in the complaint and consent to be contacted should be obtained by the Complainant.
5. Is the matter already being addressed elsewhere?
The Institute may delay consideration of, reject, or dismiss a complaint when substantially related civil or criminal litigation or other proceedings are before a court, regulatory agency, or other governmental body.A case may also be rejected or dismissed if the matter is being pursued through another PMI process, including the Chapter Mediation, Dispute, and Grievance Policy.
6. What is considered when deciding whether a complaint should proceed?
The review considers whether:
- The alleged conduct, if proven, would violate one or more specific Code provisions.
- Relevant and reliable evidence is likely to be available through reasonable investigation.
- The conduct occurred within the applicable timeframe. In general, complaints concerning conduct from three or more years before submission will be rejected unless the delay results from other proceedings.
7. Do you need to participate after filing?
Yes, the Complainant is expected to cooperate. Failure to cooperate may result in action under the applicable procedures, including termination of the complaint when the Complainant does not cooperate.
8. Can you withdraw a complaint?
Yes, a Complainant may withdraw an ethics complaint at any time by providing written notice.
In case of any doubts, you may always contact us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
