What you can expect from us

As professional coaches, we acknowledge and agree to fulfill our ethical and legal obligations to our coaching Client(s), Sponsor(s), colleagues and to the public at large.

Section I—Responsibility to Clients

We promise to:

Explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, our 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.

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

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

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

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, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others; etc.). Where we reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, we may need to inform appropriate authorities.

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

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, we seek to make proper use of emerging and growing technological developments that are being used in coaching services (technology-assisted coaching services) and be aware how various ethical standards apply to them.

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.

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

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

Be 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.

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

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

Section II—Responsibility to Practice and Performance

We promise to:

Adhere to the Code of Ethics in all our interactions. When we become aware of a possible breach of the Code by one of our coaches, we respectfully raise the matter with those involved.

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

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

Recognize our personal limitations or circumstances that may impair, conflict with or interfere with our coaching performance or our professional coaching relationships. We 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 our coaching relationship(s).

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

We promise to:

Identify accurately our coaching qualifications, our level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications and credentials.

Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what we offer as a coaching professional, the coaching profession, and the potential value of coaching.

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

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

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. We take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the coaching engagement.

Section IV—Responsibility to Society

We promise to:

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 on the basis of age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability or military status.

Recognize and honor the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of our own material.

Be honest and work within recognized scientific standards, applicable subject guidelines and boundaries of our competence when conducting and reporting research.

We aware of our and our clients’ impact on society. We adhere to the philosophy of “doing good,” versus “avoiding bad.”