RIA Policies
Welcome to the RIA Policy Center. This resource provides a comprehensive view of the rules, ethics, and governance structures that guide our association. Please refer to the documents below for current information on RIA operations, member conduct, and industry advocacy guidelines.
- RIA Code of Ethics
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RIA members adopt and abide by the following Code of Ethics
As providers of property damage restoration, remediation and cleaning services to the public, we subscribe to the following principles in our relationships with customers, employees and business associates:
To treat our customers and their property with care and respect. To provide professional service in accordance with high standards of practice that will, where possible, restore the customer's property to its pre-damaged or pre-soiled condition.Adopted June 20, 2006
RIA Board of Directors- To operate in a manner consistent with ethical principles and sound business practice.
- To be proficient in our work through ongoing participation in education and training.
- To provide our customer with accurate information concerning the scope of work required and its costs, maintaining strict impartiality in our professional opinions.
- To disclose to the customer any connection we may have to their insurer or any other interested third party.
- Adopted June 20, 2006
- RIA Board of Directors
- RIA Anti-Trust Policy
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It is the policy of the RIA to comply with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state, and international trade regulations and antitrust laws.
All activities or discussions occurring under the auspices of the association shall be conducted in compliance with the letter and spirit of RIA’s anti-trust policy and shall refrain from discussing topics which might be construed as tending to:
raise, lower, or stabilize prices regulate productionAny activities of the Association or Association-related actions of its officers, directors, staff, members, invited speakers, or other contributors which violate these regulations and laws are detrimental to this industry and contrary to RIA policy.
- allocate markets
- encourage boycotts
- foster unfair trade practices
- assist in monopolization
- or in any way violate federal, state or applicable international trade regulations and antitrust laws.
- RIA Volunteer Policy
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The RIA relies on participation from committee and task force volunteers to provide valuable insight into the restoration industry and support the association’s mission and strategic goals. The RIA Volunteer Policy outlines expectations, qualifications, and term limits for volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the organization. This policy is designed to ensure clarity and consistency in our volunteer program.
- RIA Participant Code of Conduct
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The RIA is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or other personal characteristics. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in any RIA event or function and describes the consequences of unacceptable behavior.
The RIA expects all participants to create safe and positive experiences for everyone. “Participant” in this Code of Conduct refers to anyone present at any RIA event, function, or meeting, including staff, volunteers, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, members, attendees and their guests.
- Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence
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The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is committed to the ethical, secure, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster innovation while protecting member interests, confidentiality, and stakeholder trust. The RIA also acknowledges the growing influence of generative AI technologies, including deep learning models and other generative AI that can generate human-like text, images, and other content.
While the RIA remains committed to adopting new technologies to aid in our mission when possible, we also understand the risks and limitations of AI tools and want to ensure responsible and ethical use. RIA employees, volunteers, members, contractors, expert reviewers, consultants, and third-party individuals must abide by the terms of this RIA Ai Use Policy when utilizing Ai for an RIA related purpose.
- RIA External Scholarship Policy
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The Pete Consigli Designation Scholarship Program honors the enduring legacy of Pete Consigli, CR, WLS, by advancing educational excellence and professional development within the restoration industry. The scholarship provides financial support to eligible individuals seeking to pursue RIA’s advanced professional designations.
- RIA Social Media Policy
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In order to enhance communications within the restoration community, the Restoration Industry Association (“RIA”) will engage in promoting the use of social media. The goals of this activity are to foster communication between members and non-members and to increase the visibility of RIA in the restoration community at large.
While incapable of outlining every possible issue that may arise, the goal of setting forth this policy is to address the major areas of concern and to set forth some basic ground rules for RIA’s participation in this communications medium. These guidelines will continually evolve as social media evolves, and we expect that all RIA members, Board of Directors, staff, and contributors will understand and follow the guidelines outlined in this policy.
This RIA Social Media Policy covers all RIA websites (including subsidiary & affiliate sites), all written, oral, and electronic publications and social media sites, platforms, and tools (including those not owned, operated, or controlled by RIA).
- Policy on Evaluation of Alternative Prerequisite Course Submissions
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To establish a standardized and transparent process for evaluating requests to substitute alternative training or education experiences in place of formal RIA-recognized prerequisite courses for advanced designation programs (WLS, FLS, CLS, ERS). This policy ensures the integrity of the designations while providing flexibility for qualified professionals with equivalent learning or industry experience.
- RIA Speaker Policy & Guidelines
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This policy establishes clear guidelines for RIA volunteers, committee members, and other representatives who wish to speak on behalf of the Association at industry conferences, webinars, or other public events. Its purpose is to ensure that all presentations reflect RIA’s mission, maintain consistency with official positions, and uphold professional and brand standards. RIA represents the restoration industry as a whole and our legislative agenda, as well as our educational priorities are determined for that purpose. This policy outlines how and when the speaker should consult with RIA and agree to adhere to our guidelines, positions, and policies by signing an agreement before engaging in any speaking opportunities on behalf of RIA.