The ICF Code of Ethics describes the core values of the International Coaching Federation (ICF Core Values), and ethical principles and ethical standards of behavior for all ICF Professionals (see definitions). Meeting these ICF ethical standards of behavior is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies (ICF Core Competencies). That is “Demonstrates ethical practice: understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards.”

The ICF Code of Ethics serves to uphold the integrity of ICF and the global coaching profession by:

Setting standards of conduct consistent with ICF core values and ethical principles.
Guiding ethical reflection, education, and decision-making
Adjudicating and preserving ICF coach standards through the ICF Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process
Providing the basis for ICF ethics training in ICF-accredited programs
The ICF Code of Ethics applies when ICF Professionals represent themselves as such, in any kind of coaching-related interaction. This is regardless of whether a coaching Relationship (see definitions) has been established. This Code articulates the ethical obligations of ICF Professionals who are acting in their different roles as coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, trainer or student coach-in-training, or serving in an ICF Leadership role, as well as Support Personnel (see definitions).

Although the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process is only applicable to ICF Professionals, as is the Pledge, the ICF Staff are also committed to ethical conduct and the Core Values and Ethical Principles that underpin this ICF code of ethics.

The challenge of working ethically means that members will inevitably encounter situations that require responses to unexpected issues, resolution of dilemmas and solutions to problems. This Code of Ethics is intended to assist those persons subject to the Code by directing them to the variety of ethical factors that may need to be taken into consideration and helping to identify alternative ways of approaching ethical behavior.

ICF Professionals who accept the Code of Ethics strive to be ethical, even when doing so involves making difficult decisions or acting courageously.

“Client”—the individual or team/group being coached, the coach being mentored or supervised, or the coach or the student coach being trained.

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

“Coaching Relationship”—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.

“Code”—ICF Code of Ethics

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

“Conflict of Interest”—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.

“Equality”—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.

“ICF Professional”—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

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

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

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

“Support Personnel”—the people who work for ICF Professionals in support of their Clients.

“Systemic equality”—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.

The ICF Code of Ethics is based on the ICF Core Values and the actions that flow from them. All values are equally important and support one another. These values are aspirational and should be used as a way to understand and interpret the standards. All ICF Professionals are expected to showcase and propagate these Values in all their interactions.

The following ethical standards govern ICF Professionals' professional activities:

Section I: Client Obligations

As an ICF Professional, I: 1. Explain and ensure that my coaching clients and sponsors understand the nature and potential value of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement prior to or at the initial meeting.

2. Create an agreement/contract outlining the roles, responsibilities, and rights of all parties involved with my client(s) and sponsor(s) prior to the start of services.

3. Maintain strict confidentiality with all parties as agreed.I understand and agree to follow all laws about personal information and communications.

4. Recognize how information is shared among all parties involved in all coaching interactions.

5. Develop a clear understanding with both clients and sponsors or other interested parties about the circumstances in which information will not be kept confidential (e.g., illegal activity, if required by law, pursuant to a valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely danger to self or others; etc.).If I have a good reason to think that one of the above situations is true, I may need to tell the right people.

6. When working as an Internal Coach, I manage conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest with my coaching clients and sponsor(s) through coaching agreements and ongoing dialogue.Addressing organizational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records, confidentiality, and other reporting requirements should be included.

7. Keep, store, and dispose of any records created during my professional interactions in a way that promotes confidentiality, security, and privacy while also complying with all applicable laws and agreements.I also try to use technology-assisted coaching services in the right way and know how different ethical standards apply to them.

8. Be on the lookout for signs of a shift in the value you receive from the coaching relationship. Change the relationship or encourage the client(s) or sponsor(s) to seek another coach, professional, or resource if this is the case.

9. Respect the right of both parties to end the coaching relationship at any time during the process, for any reason, as long as it doesn't violate the agreement.

10. Recognize the risks of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same clients and sponsors at the same time in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

11. Recognize and actively manage any power or status disparity that may exist between the client and myself as a result of cultural, relational, psychological, or contextual issues.

12. Inform my clients about the possibility of receiving compensation and other benefits in exchange for referring them to third parties.

13. Make sure that the quality of coaching is always the same, no matter how much or how you are paid.

Section II: ICF Professional Responsibility for Practice and Performance, I:

14. I will follow the ICF Code of Ethics in all of my interactions. When I become aware of a potential violation of the Code by myself or another ICF professional, I respectfully bring it to the attention of those involved. If this doesn't solve the problem, I take it to a formal authority (like ICF Global) to be solved.

15. Require all support personnel to follow the ICF Code of Ethics.

16. To achieve excellence, commit to continuous personal, professional, and ethical development.

17. Recognize my personal limitations or situations that may impair, contradict, or interfere with my coaching performance or professional coaching relationships.I will seek assistance in determining the appropriate course of action and, if necessary, will seek relevant professional advice as soon as possible. This could mean suspending or ending my coaching relationship.

18. Take care of any conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest by talking to the people involved, getting help from a professional, or temporarily stopping or ending the professional relationship.

19. Respect the privacy of ICF Members and only use their contact information (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) when ICF or the ICF Member gives you permission to do so.

Section III: Professional AccountabilityAs an ICF professional, I:

20. Identify my coaching qualifications, coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications, and ICF credentials precisely.

21.Make true and accurate verbal and written statements about what I offer as an ICF Professional, what ICF offers, the coaching profession, and the potential value of coaching.

22. Tell people who need to know about the ethical responsibilities set by this Code and raise their awareness of them.

Accept responsibility for being aware of and establishing clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern physical and non-physical interactions.

You must not have any sexual or romantic relationships with the client(s) or sponsor(s).I will always be mindful of the appropriate level of intimacy for the relationship. I will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue or cancel the coaching engagement.

Section IV: Social Responsibility as an ICF Professional, I:

25. Prevent discrimination by upholding fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while adhering to local rules and cultural practices. Discrimination can be based on age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or being in the military.

26. Recognize and respect others' contributions and intellectual property while claiming sole ownership of my own material. I understand that if I don't follow this rule, a third party could take legal action against me.

When conducting and reporting research, I am honest and work within recognized scientific standards, applicable subject guidelines, and the boundaries of my competence.

28. I am aware of my and my clients' societal impact. I believe in "doing good" rather than "avoiding bad."

As an ICF Professional, I understand and agree to uphold my ethical and legal responsibilities to my coaching client(s), sponsor(s), colleagues, and the general public in accordance with the ICF Code of Ethics Standards.

I agree that if I violate any part of the ICF Code of Ethics, the ICF may hold me accountable in its sole discretion. I also agree that if I break any of the ICF's rules, I may have to take more coach training or other classes, or I may lose my ICF membership and/or credential.

Please click the button below for more information on the Ethical Conduct Review Process, including links to file a complaint.

Professionalism
We pledge to have a coaching mindset and professional quality that includes accountability, respect, integrity, competence, and excellence.

Collaboration
We pledge to foster social connection and community building.

Humanity
We pledge to treat others with humanity, kindness, compassion, and respect.

Equity
We commit to using a coaching, community mindset to explore and understand the needs of others in order to practice equitable processes that create equality for all at all times.