ICF Code of Ethics | International Coaching Federation (original) (raw)

Artificial Intelligence: Any algorithm or machine-based technology that enables computers and other digital devices to simulate human intelligence and problem- solving skills. (See Standard 2.5)

Client: The individual, team, or group member being coached, the coach being coached, mentored, or supervised, or the coach in training. (See Standards 1.1, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3)

Coaching: Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. (See Part 4)

Coaching Agreement: A formal document established between an ICF professional and the client(s)/sponsor(s) that outlines the terms, expectations, and conditions of their coaching relationship. It typically includes details such as the goals of the coaching, the duration and frequency of sessions, confidentiality policies, payment terms, cancellation policies, and the responsibilities of both the coach and the client. (See Standards 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2)

Coaching Engagement: The structured interaction between an ICF professional and the client(s)/sponsor(s). This engagement encompasses the entire coaching process, including the initial assessment, goal setting, regular coaching sessions, progress tracking, and evaluation of outcomes. (See Standards 1.1, 2.2, 3.6)

Coaching Relationship: A relationship that is established by the ICF professional and the client(s)/sponsor(s) under an agreement that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party. (See Standards 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3)

Coach Supervisor: An experienced coach who engages in reflective dialogue and a collaborative process with a coach (or group of coaches) for personal, professional, and ethical development and learning. (See Parts 1 & 2)

Code: ICF Code of Ethics; this document, which includes the purpose, core values & ethical principles, commitments, standards, key definitions, glossary, and pledge.

Confidentiality: The protection of any information obtained in or around the coaching relationship unless there is a legal reason or requirement, a threat of harm, or written consent to release is given by the client. (See Standards 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2)

Conflict of Interest: A situation in which an ICF professional is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or conflict with another. This could be financial, personal, intrinsic, professional, or a perceived conflict with a client, prospective client, or sponsor. (See Standards 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)

Core Competencies: Specific skills of professional coaches. (See Parts 1 & 2)

Equality: A situation in which all people experience inclusion and 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. (See Part 2 and Standard 3.5)

ICF-Accredited Coaching Education: A program offered by an educational institution that has gone through a rigorous review process by the ICF and demonstrates that its curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and ICF Code of Ethics. (See Part 1 and Standard 5.1)

ICF Credential: A professional certification indicating a person has met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine their coaching skills. ICF credential designations include Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). (See Part 1 and Standard 5.1)

ICF Ecosystem: – ICF is made up of six family organizations. Together they form the ICF ecosystem. The family organizations are: ICF Professional Coaches, ICF Credentials and Standards, ICF Coaching Education, ICF Foundation, ICF Coaching in Organizations, and the ICF Thought Leadership Institute, all under the umbrella of the ICF Global Board of Directors. (See Part 1)

ICF Professional: – Individuals who represent themselves as an ICF member and/or ICF credential-holder, in roles including, but not limited to, coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, coach trainer, coach in training, board member, volunteer, or leader. (See Parts 1, 2, & 4 and Standards 2.7, 5.2)

ICF Staff: Any person who is employed or contracted by ICF, or any management company contracted by ICF, to provide management and administrative services for ICF. (See Part 1)

Intellectual Property: Creations of the mind that are legally recognized as the property of their creator or owner. Intellectual property rights grant the creator or owner exclusive rights to use, produce, and distribute their creations, which are protected under laws against unauthorized use or infringement. (See Standard 2.6)

Legal: Compliance with the law(s) of the country where the coach practices. (See Part 4 and Standards 2.2, 2.5)

Mentor Coach: An experienced coach who provides a collaborative learning process (mentor coaching) through which feedback is provided to another coach based on observed or recorded coaching sessions, to further develop their unique coaching style and skills in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies. (See Parts 1 & 2 and Standard 3.7)

Sponsor: The entity (including its representatives) or individual paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided. This includes those having parental responsibility for minors. (See Part 2 and Standards 1.1, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.6)

Support Personnel: The people who work for ICF professionals and who have access to information about clients and/or coaches. (e.g. administrative assistants, marketing, accounting, etc.) (See Standard 2.6)

Systemic Equality: Gender equality, race equality, and other forms of equality that are institutionalized in the norms, language, images, beliefs, ethics, core values, policies, structures, laws, practices, and cultures of communities, organizations, professional associations, nations, and society. (See Part 2 and Standard 3.5)

Systemic Oppression: Systemic racism, colorism, sexism, and other forms of systemic inequality that are embedded in the norms, beliefs, language, images, ethics, core values, policies, structures, laws, practices, and cultures of communities, organizations, professional associations, nations, and society and that perpetuate widespread prejudicial and harmful treatment of people with marginalized identities and reward and benefit people with privileged identities. (See Parts 2 & 3)