Key Definitions (ICF Code of Ethics)

Question 1

“Client”

Answer 1

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

Question 2

“Coaching”

Answer 2

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

Question 3

“Coaching Relationship”

Answer 3

A relationship 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 4

“Code”

Answer 4

ICF Code of Ethics

Question 5

“Confidentiality”

Answer 5

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

Question 6

“Conflict of Interest”

Answer 6

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 7

“Equality”

Answer 7

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 8

“ICF Professional”

Answer 8

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 9

“ICF Staff”

Answer 9

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

Question 10

“Internal Coach”

Answer 10

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

Question 13

“Sponsor”

Answer 13

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

Question 14

“Support Personnel”

Answer 14

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

Question 15

“Systemic equality”

Answer 15

Gender equality, race equality, and other forms of equality are institutionalized in the ethics, core values, policies, structures, and cultures of communities, organizations, nations, and society.

Question 16

I.C.F. Core Values: Preamble

Answer 16

The ICF Code of Ethics is based on the ICF Core Values of Professionalism,
Collaboration, Humanity, and Equity”. The actions that flow from these Core Values
are described as ‘the Ethical Principles’. All Ethical Principles are aspirational and
serve as a way to understand and interpret the ICF Core Values.
As ICF Professionals, we aspire to uphold these universal values. Our values also
serve to unite all ICF Coaches around the globe. ICF Professionals ensure
professional and personal conduct is consistently aligned with the ICF Core Values.
As professionals, we use the ‘coaching mindset’ of being open and non-judging in
all interactions and accept our duty to speak up and make our voices heard when
we witness any behavior that goes against the ICF Core Values and the ICF Code of
Ethics.