The purpose of the Association is to promote, govern and oversee implementation of the International Code of Conduct and to promote the responsible provision of security services and respect for human rights and national and international law in accordance with the Code.

The Code includes a wide range of standards and principles for the responsible provision of private security services which can be broadly summarized in two categories: first, principles regarding the conduct of Member Company personnel based on international human rights and humanitarian law standards including rules on the use of force, sexual violence, human trafficking and child labour; and second, principles regarding the management and governance of Member Companies including the selection, vetting and proper training of personnel.