Code of Ethics

Question 1

Define

Demonstrates ethical practice

Answer 1

understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards.

This applies when you present yourself as an ICF professional (coach, trainer, or whatever else), regardless of whether the relationship has been established. It also applies to ICF staff.

Question 2

Client

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Coaching

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Coaching Relationship

Answer 4

a relationship that is established by the ICF Professional and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.

Question 5

Code

Answer 5

ICF Code of Ethics

Question 6

Confidentiality

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Conflict of Interest

Answer 7

a situation in which an ICF 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.

Question 8

Equality

Answer 8

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

Question 9

ICF Professional

Answer 9

individuals who represent themselves as an ICF Member or ICF Credential-holder, in roles including but not limited to Coach, Coach Supervisor, Mentor Coach, Coach Trainer, and Student of Coaching

Question 10

ICF Staff

Answer 10

the ICF support personnel who are contracted by the managing company that provides professional management and administrative services on behalf of ICF.

Question 11

Internal Coach

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Sponsor

Answer 12

the entity (including its representatives) paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided.

Question 13

Support Personnel

Answer 13

the people who work for ICF Professionals in support of their Clients.

Question 14

Systemic equality

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Code of Ethics upholds the integrity of ICF and coaching by:

Answer 15

• Setting standards of conduct
• Guides ethical reflection, education, and decision making
• Adjudicates and preserves coach standards through the ethical conduct review process (ECR)
• ICF ethics training in accredited programs

ECR = forum where individuals can bring complaints about alleged breaches of the ICF Code of Ethics

Question 16

What are the ICF values?

Answer 16

1. Professionalism
2. Collaboration
3. Humanity
4. Equity

Question 17

Value

Professionalism

Answer 17

We commit to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence and excellence.

Question 18

Value

Collaboration

Answer 18

We commit to develop social connection and community building.

Question 19

Value

Humanity

Answer 19

We commit to being humane, kind, compassionate and respectful toward others.

Question 20

Value

Equity

Answer 20

We commit to use a coaching mindset to explore and understand the needs of others so we can practice equitable processes at all times that create equality for all.

Question 21

Responsibility to Clients

Explain and ensure that, prior to 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.

Answer 21

Understood?

Question 22

Responsibility to Clients

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.

Answer 22

Understood?

Question 23

Responsibility to Clients

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.

Answer 23

Understood?

Question 24

Responsibility to Clients

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

Answer 24

Understood?

Question 25

Responsibility to Clients

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 I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I may need to inform appropriate authorities.

Answer 25

Understood?

Question 26

Responsibility to Clients

When working as an Internal Coach, manage conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest with my 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.

Answer 26

Understood?

Question 27

Responsibility to Clients

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 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.

Answer 27

Understood?

Question 28

Responsibility to Clients

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.

Answer 28

Understood?

Question 29

Responsibility to Clients

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.

Answer 29

Understood?

Question 30

Responsibility to Clients

Am 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.

Answer 30

Understood?

Question 31

Responsibility to Clients

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.

Answer 31

Understood?

Question 32

Responsibility to Clients

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

Answer 32

Understood?

Question 33

Responsibility to Clients

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

Answer 33

Understood?

Question 34

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

Adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics in all my interactions.

When I become aware of a possible breach of the Code by myself or I recognize unethical behavior in another ICF Professional, I respectfully raise the matter with those involved. If this does not resolve the matter, I refer it to a formal authority (e.g., ICF Global) for resolution.

Answer 34

Understood?

Question 35

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

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

Answer 35

Understood?

Question 36

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

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

Answer 36

Understood?

Question 37

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

Recognize my personal 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).

Answer 37

Understood?

Question 38

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

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.

Answer 38

Understood?

Question 39

Responsibility to Practice and Performance

Maintain the privacy of ICF Members and use the ICF Member contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, and so on) only as authorized by ICF or the ICF Member.

Answer 39

Understood?

Question 40

Responsibility to Professionalism

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

Answer 40

Understood?

Question 41

Responsibility to Professionalism

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

Answer 41

Understood?

Question 42

Responsibility to Professionalism

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

Answer 42

Understood?

Question 43

Responsibility to Professionalism

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

Answer 43

Understood?

Question 44

Responsibility to Professionalism

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 coaching engagement.

Answer 44

Understood?

Question 45

Responsibility to Society

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.

Answer 45

Understood?

Question 46

Responsibility to Society

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

Answer 46

Understood?

Question 47

Responsibility to Society

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

Answer 47

Understood?

Question 48

Responsibility to Society

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

Answer 48

Understood?

Question 49

What happens when I breach the code of ethics?

Answer 49

I agree that the ICF in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for so doing. I further agree that my accountability to the ICF for any breach may include sanctions, such as mandatory additional coach training or other education or loss of my ICF Membership and/or my ICF Credential.