Code of Ethics for Certified Coaches
1. Scope of Services:
Certified Coaches shall provide coaching services in both individual and group formats. These services may include personal coaching sessions, corporate year-end evaluations, sales meetings, or sessions addressing client concerns, as well as workshops, courses, support groups, and gatherings. Coaches must uphold the highest professional standards, ensuring services meet the needs of their clients.
2. Confidentiality:
Coaches are required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information and the content of coaching sessions. Disclosure of client information is permitted only when mandated by applicable local law or in situations where there is a significant risk to the client’s life and safety.
3. Compliance with Law:
Coaches must comply with all local laws and regulations when providing coaching services. Compensation for services rendered shall be collected lawfully, ensuring that no exploitation of the client occurs.
4. Non-Directive Questioning:
During coaching sessions, coaches shall utilize non-directive questioning to facilitate clients in discovering their own answers. Coaches must refrain from providing direct answers, always respecting the client’s dignity, values, and autonomy in decision-making.
5. Coaching Session Process:
Coaches are responsible for thoroughly understanding their client’s background and circumstances. Prior to commencing the coaching session, an informed consent agreement shall be signed, which outlines the session’s purpose, coaching techniques, associated risks, relevant precautions, and fees. At the outset of each session, the purpose and goals of the session shall be confirmed. Coaches shall employ non-directive questioning to guide the client through self-exploration and conclude the session with a summary and outlook on future progress.
6. Positive and Growth-Oriented Mindset:
Coaches must adopt a positive and growth-oriented mindset in their practice, encouraging clients toward constructive change and development.
7. Health and Professional Development:
Coaches are required to maintain their physical and mental well-being, continuously enhance their professional skills, and uphold ethical awareness and self-discipline, ensuring that personal values do not interfere with professional judgment.
8. Professional Ethics and Responsibility:
Coaches are prohibited from engaging in deceptive practices, exploiting clients, violating contracts, abusing their influence, or making misleading statements. Coaches must not perform psychological or medical assessments or provide related advice. Coaches are to remain neutral and unbiased, refraining from discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, political affiliation, or any other characteristic.
9. Dual Relationships and Conflict of Interest:
Coaches shall avoid developing intimate or sexual relationships with clients. If such a relationship exists, the coach must immediately refer the client to another professional, as dual relationships can compromise professional judgment.
10. Safety and Reporting Obligations:
If a coach becomes aware of a situation that poses a threat to the client’s life or safety, they are obligated to report the matter to local law enforcement authorities. Coaches are also required to report any illegal activity in accordance with local laws.
11. Collaboration and Respect Among Coaches:
When working in collaboration with other coaches or organizations, coaches must adhere to relevant rules and policies. They are expected to communicate respectfully and ensure the rights of fellow coaches are protected, especially when facilitating client referrals.
12. Training and Public Statements:
Coaches engaged in training, research, public statements, or publications related to coaching must adhere to the same ethical principles outlined herein.