Overview

This code of ethics is composed of five (5) main parts:

1. Introduction
2. Key Definitions
3. Core Values and Ethical Principles
4. Ethical Standards
5. Pledge

Introduction

This Code of Ethics describes the core values of the International Coaching Federation (ICF Core Values), ethical principles and ethical standards of behaviour. Meeting these ethical standards of behaviour is the first core coaching competency.

The ICF Code of Ethics applies when Professionals represent themselves as such, in any kind of coaching-related interaction. This is regardless of whether a coaching relationship (see definitions) has been established. This Code articulates the ethical obligations of Professionals who are acting in their different roles as coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, trainer or student coach-in-training, or serving in a Leadership role, as well as Support Personnel. 

Key Definitions

*Client – the individual or team/group being coached, the coach being mentored or supervised, or the coach or the student coach being trained.

•Coaching– partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

•Coaching Relationship – a relationship that is established under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.

•Code – Code of Ethics

•Confidentiality – protection of any information obtained around the coaching engagement unless consent to release is given.

•Conflict of Interest – a situation in which a Professional is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.

•Equality – a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human difference.

•Professional – individuals who represent themselves in roles including but not limited to Coach, Coach Supervisor, Mentor Coach, Coach Trainer and Student of Coaching

•Staff – the support personnel who are contracted by the managing company/person who provides professional management and administrative services.

•Internal Coach – an individual who is employed within an organization and coaches either part-time or full-time the employees of that organization.

•Sponsor – the entity (including its representatives) paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided. Support Personnel – the people who work for Professionals in support of their Clients.

•Systemic equality – gender equality, race equality and other forms of equality that are institutionalized in the ethics, core values, policies, structures, and cultures of communities, organizations, nations and society.

Ethical Standards

Section I – Responsibility to Clients, I:

1. Explain and ensure that, before or at the initial meeting, my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) understand the nature and potential value of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement.

2. Create an agreement/contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with my Client(s) and Sponsor(s) before the commencement of services.

3. Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed upon. I am aware of and agree to comply with all applicable laws that pertain to personal data and communications.

4. Have a clear understanding of how information is exchanged among all parties involved during all coaching interactions.

5. Have a clear understanding with both Clients and Sponsors or interested parties about the conditions under which information will not be kept confidential (e.g., illegal activity if required by law, according to valid court order or subpoena; imminent likely risk of danger to self or others; etc.). Where I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I may need to inform the appropriate authorities.

6. When working as an Internal Coach, manage conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest with my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) through coaching agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue. This should include addressing organizational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records, confidentiality and other reporting requirements.

7. Maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements. Furthermore, I see to make proper use of emerging and growing technological developments that are being used in coaching services (technology-assisted coaching services) and to be aware of how various ethical standards apply to them.

8. Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the coaching relationship. If so, make a change in the relationship or encourage the Client(s) / Sponsor(s) to seek another coach, seek another professional or use a different resource.

9. Respect all parties’ right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point for any reason subject to the provisions of the agreement.

10. Am sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time to avoid conflict of interest situations.

11. Am aware of and actively manage any power or status difference between the Client and me that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological or contextual issues.

12. Disclose to my Clients the potential receipt of compensation and other benefits I may receive for referring my Clients to third parties.

13. Assure consistent quality of coaching regardless of the amount or form of agreed compensation in any relationship.

Section II – Responsibility to Practice and Performance, I:

14. Adhere to the Ethics in all my interactions. When I become aware of a possible breach of the Code by myself or I recognize unethical behaviour in another Professional, I respectfully raise the matter with those involved. If this does not resolve the matter, I refer to a formal authority for resolution.

15. Require adherence to the Code of Ethics by all Support Personnel.

16. Commit to excellence through continued personal, professional and ethical

Development.

17. Recognize my limitations or circumstances that may impair, conflict with or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional coaching relationships. I will reach out for support to determine the action to be taken and, if necessary, promptly seek relevant professional guidance. This may include suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).

18. Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.

Section III – Responsibility to Professionalism, I:

19. Identify accurately my coaching qualifications, my level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, and certifications.

20. Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer as a Professional, what is offered by the coaching profession and the potential value of coaching.

21. Communicate and create awareness with those who need to be informed of the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.

22. Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or otherwise.

23. Do not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or Sponsor(s). I will be ever mindful of the level of intimacy appropriate for the relationship. I take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the Engagement.

Section IV – Responsibility to Society, I

24. Avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes but is not limited to, discrimination based on age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability or military status.

25. Recognize and honour the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of my material. I understand that a breach of this standard may subject me to legal remedy by a third party.

26. Am honest and work within recognized scientific standards, applicable subject guidelines and boundaries of my competence when conducting and reporting research. 

27. Am aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the philosophy of “doing good” versus “avoiding bad.”

Pledge of Ethics 

As a Professional, per the Standards of this Code of Ethics, I acknowledge and agree to fulfill my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching Client(s), Sponsor(s), colleagues and the public at large.