Ethical considerations are important in impact assessment, as pressure can be applied to professionals to disregard the tenets that underpin good impact assessment. Good impact assessments enhance the free fl ow of complete, unbiased, and accurate information to decision makers and aff ected parties. Impact assessments address broad social and health rights as well as issues of sustainability and biodiversity. Consideration of all pertinent matters and respect for human rights and human dignity must underpin all assessments. Nevertheless, stakeholders (proponents, clients, donors, employers) sometimes want impact assessments to emphasize their position, possibly underplaying or overplaying certain elements. Failure to comply with pressure to sway the conclusions of the assessment may result in losing a contract or future work. The party paying for the assessment may also refuse to meet the costs of work that is necessary for a full and balanced impact assessment, forcing the professional to make an ethical decision. The Fastips that follow are intended as a reminder to impact assessment professionals that they have a duty of care to both present and future generations and that the assessments they undertake are to serve the interest of society through facilitating decisions that are equitable, sustainable and accurate.