We are delighted to announce the publication of Issue 56 of the NICEC Journal.

This latest edition reflects on a foundational yet complex theme: Ethics, Philosophies, and Principles (EPPs). In this issue, our contributors explore how these core elements underpin everything we do—from the high-level design of policy to the day-to-day nuances of individual practice.

As our editor, Jane Artess, reflects in her opening editorial, the world of work is in a state of constant flux. The ethical "gold standards" we may have trained with are frequently challenged by the realities of the modern world.

Whether it is navigating the "Copilot era" of AI, addressing the climate crisis through impartial guidance, or acting as advocates for social justice, the principles we hold are not static. 

What’s inside?

Issue 56 doesn’t just look for easy answers; it grapples with the "ethical tensions" inherent in careers work. Within this volume, you will find fascinating, in-depth articles covering:

The challenge of impartiality: How we maintain independence in a world of competing stakeholder interests.

The evolution of practice: How our personal philosophies shift as we move from a pre-digital age into new technological frontiers.

Social Justice and Advocacy: Moving beyond "passivity" to become catalysts for equity and inclusion.

Accountability: Reflections on professional standards and the codes of ethics that give our profession its "teeth."

Free to Access

In keeping with NICEC’s commitment to fostering open debate and sharing knowledge across the career development community, this issue is fully open access.

We invite practitioners, researchers, and policymakers alike to explore these articles. We hope they provide a space for you to reflect on your own "deeply held assumptions" and join the ongoing conversation about what it means to practice ethically in the 21st century.

Read Issue 56 of the NICEC Journal here

NICEC would like to thank Jane Artess and all the contributing authors for their rigorous work in bringing this complex and vital theme to life.