The International Coach Federation (ICF), one of the leading coaching organizations, has a comprehensive Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical standards and guidelines for professional coaches.
The ICF Code of Ethics includes the following core values and principles…
- Integrity – Coaches uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and integrity in their coaching practice.
- Professionalism – Coaches maintain a high level of professionalism in their interactions with clients, colleagues, and the public.
- Respect: Coaches respect the dignity, worth, and autonomy of their clients and treat them with respect and sensitivity.
- Confidentiality – Coaches maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information, unless disclosure is required by law or is necessary to prevent harm to the client or others.
- Competence – Coaches strive to maintain a high level of competence in their coaching practice through ongoing professional development and education.
- Fairness – Coaches treat all clients fairly and without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors.
- Accountability – Coaches take responsibility for their actions and decisions and are accountable to their clients, colleagues, and the profession of coaching.
The ICF Code of Ethics serves as a guideline for ethical conduct for coaches and is intended to protect the interests of clients and promote the integrity of the coaching profession. Coaches who are members of the ICF are expected to adhere to this Code of Ethics in their coaching practice.