As a professional coach, I am committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards as outlined by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Below, I detail the principles I adhere to, ensuring accountability, trust, and excellence in all my coaching relationships.
Introduction
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is dedicated to promoting excellence in coaching. All ICF members, credentialed coaches, and those affiliated with ICF pledge to abide by the ICF Code of Ethics. This Code reflects the ICF’s core values and principles, ensuring ethical conduct and accountability.
ICF Core Values
Integrity: Acting with honesty and fairness.
Excellence: Striving for ongoing learning and mastery.
Collaboration: Building respectful and meaningful relationships.
Respect: Honoring the dignity and worth of all individuals.
Part One: Definitions
Coaching: A thought-provoking and creative process that maximizes personal and professional potential.
ICF Accredited Coach: A professional committed to practicing ICF Core Competencies and adhering to the ICF Code of Ethics.
Professional Coaching Relationship: A relationship based on agreements defining responsibilities, roles, and boundaries.
Client (Coachee): The individual being coached, where confidentiality lies.
Sponsor: The entity (or its representative) arranging and/or paying for coaching services.
Student: An individual in coach training or developing coaching skills.
Conflict of Interest: A situation where personal interests may interfere with professional responsibilities.
Part Two: Standards of Ethical Conduct
Section 1: Professional Conduct at Large
As a coach, I:
Act in alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics in all my coaching, mentoring, and training interactions.
Report any ethical breaches I am aware of, whether involving myself or others.
Avoid unlawful discrimination based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability.
Accurately represent my qualifications, experience, and ICF credentials.
Recognize personal issues that may impact my professional relationships and seek appropriate solutions.
Maintain and dispose of records in a way that ensures confidentiality and complies with legal requirements.
Section 2: Conflicts of Interest
As a coach, I:
Identify and disclose any conflicts of interest.
Clarify roles and boundaries to avoid role conflicts in internal coaching scenarios.
Disclose any anticipated compensation for referrals or client acquisition.
Honor equity and transparency in all coach-client relationships.
Section 3: Professional Conduct with Clients
As a coach, I:
Communicate the value and scope of coaching clearly and honestly.
Establish written agreements with clients and sponsors, defining roles, responsibilities, and terms.
Maintain culturally sensitive and professional boundaries in all interactions.
Respect the client’s right to terminate the coaching relationship and recommend alternative resources if necessary.
Section 4: Confidentiality and Privacy
As a coach, I:
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client and sponsor information unless required by law or agreed otherwise.
Clearly define and agree on how information will be shared among the coach, client, and sponsor.
Ensure confidentiality agreements are in place for anyone supporting my coaching practice.
Section 5: Continuing Development
As a coach, I:
Commit to ongoing professional growth and development.
Strive to continually enhance my skills and competencies to serve clients effectively.
Part Three: ICF Pledge of Ethics
I pledge to honor my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching clients, sponsors, and the public. I acknowledge that if I breach this Code of Ethics, ICF has the right to hold me accountable. Consequences may include the loss of my ICF membership or credentials.
