1. Introduction
The ICF Code of Ethics describes the core values of the International Coaching Federation (ICF Core Values), ethical principles and ethical standards of behavior for all ICF Professionals. Meeting these ICF ethical standards of behavior is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies (ICF Core Competencies):
"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 training 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 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.
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.
5. The Pledge of Ethics of the ICF Professional
As an ICF Professional, in accordance with the Standards of the ICF Code of Ethics, I acknowledge and agree to fulfill my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching Client(s), Sponsor(s), colleagues and to the public at large.
If I breach any part of the ICF Code of Ethics, I agree that ICF in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for so doing. I further agree that my accountability to 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.