Ethics is the compass
Integrity, clarity, and accountability β practiced, not performed.
Ethics is not an add-on to the work β it is the foundation of it.
"My responsibility is to uphold the dignity, autonomy, and humanity of every client, sponsor, and stakeholder. Ethics is how trust is built β and how it is protected."
The ICF Code of Ethics is the property of the International Coaching Federation. The full Code is published at coachingfederation.org.Β These Code of Ethics ("Ethics") affirm the core values and ethical principles you can expect while working together or accessing and using DesmondGriffiths.com, DesmondGriffiths.coach, justDes.ai, or CoachConsultIntegrate.comΒ (the "Sites"), as well as any content, materials, or services offered through them. By using the Sites, you and I agree to these Ethics.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines ethical practice as the first core competency, noting that an ICF professional "understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards" (ICF Code of Ethics, Part 4). That standard is not theoretical. It is lived, practiced, and continually refined.
My commitment is to uphold the spirit and the letter of the ICF Code of Ethics in every professional interaction. This includes honoring the ICF Core Values β Professionalism, Collaboration, Humanity, and Equity β as well as the ethical principles that guide responsible coaching.
- βI establish clear agreements before coaching begins, including roles, responsibilities, confidentiality, and boundaries (Standard 1.1).
- βI maintain "the strictest level of confidentiality" (Standard 2.1) and ensure all records are stored and disposed of responsibly (Standard 2.4).
- βI communicate honestly, accurately, and transparently about my qualifications, scope, and limitations (Standards 5.1 and 5.2).
- βI remain alert to power dynamics, cultural filters, and systemic patterns that may influence the coaching relationship (Part 3; Standards 3.1β3.5).
- βI commit to continuous ethical development, self-reflection, and learning, as the Code requires of all ICF professionals (Part 3).
Four values. One standard of practice.
A commitment to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence, and excellence β delivered with honesty, courage, and consistency of action.
A commitment to developing social connection and community building β fostering joint creativity, resourcefulness, and partnership both within and across multiple social-identity groups.
A commitment to being humane, kind, compassionate, and respectful β creating authentic relationships built on honesty, transparency, and the ongoing development of self-awareness.
A commitment to understanding the needs of others and practicing equitable processes at all times β recognizing identity, treating all with dignity, and addressing conscious and unconscious bias.
Purpose
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's leading coaching association, made up of six family organizations that together form the ICF Ecosystem: ICF Professional Coaches, ICF Credentials and Standards, ICF Coaching Education, ICF Foundation, ICF Coaching in Organizations, and the ICF Thought Leadership Institute.
Based on its mission and responsibility, ICF provides a code of ethics setting out ethical standards of professional conduct required to be adhered to by all within the ICF Ecosystem, whether acting as ICF professionals or in any other capacity.
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 ethical standards through the ICF Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process
- Providing the basis for ICF ethics training in ICF accredited programs
ICF Core Values &
Ethical Principles
All values and principles are equally important, support one another, and are aspirational. All within the ICF ecosystem are expected to honor the core values and align with the principles in all their professional interactions.
A commitment to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence, and excellence. I demonstrate professionalism by:
- Ensuring my professional conduct is consistently aligned with the value of humanity and the coaching mindset competency in all my professional interactions
- Being true and accurate in my statements
- Committing to my life-long professional learning and personal development
- Supporting the ongoing personal and professional development of my clients, students, and ICF professionals
- Delivering on my commitments
- Being aware of ethical dilemmas and issues and responding with adherence to the ICF Code of Ethics
- Committing to honesty, courage, consistency of action, ethical practice, and the highest standards for ICF and the coaching profession
A commitment to developing social connection and community building. I work collaboratively by:
- Making commitments and progress towards promoting professional coaching through fostering joint creativity and resourcefulness
- Partnering with others, both within and across multiple social-identity groups
- Being mindful and intentional in my own participation while working in any collective effort
- Cooperating with other ICF professionals working with client(s) and sponsor(s)
A commitment to being humane, kind, compassionate, and respectful towards others. I demonstrate humanity by:
- Accepting that, as humans, I am not meant to be perfect, and expressing imperfections as an opportunity to spread a culture of openness and self-acceptance
- Creating authentic relationships that support honesty, transparency, and clarity
- Continuously seeking and developing self-awareness
- Being willing to acknowledge and own my mistakes
- Committing to inclusivity, dignity, self-worth, and human rights
A commitment to using a coaching mindset to explore and understand the needs of others so I can practice equitable processes at all times. I am equitable by:
- Recognizing and respecting all identity groups and their contributions
- Treating everyone with the same dignity and sense of fairness
- Bringing awareness to systemic patterns of conscious and unconscious biases in myself and in others
- Maintaining equality and partnership in all my coach-client, trainer-student, mentor coach, and supervisor-coach relationships
Commitments for
All Within the ICF Ecosystem
All within the ICF ecosystem are expected to honor and uphold these values in all their professional interactions. We:
- Mindfully perform our duties with integrity and accountability by thinking globally, being courageous in our thoughts, actions, and speech, being aware of our impact, and bearing the responsibility of any consequences
- Commit to excellence through continued personal, professional, and ethical development
- Remain alert to cultural filters and demonstrate respect for cultures different from our own through open conversations about cross-cultural and multicultural differences
- Maintain awareness of relationships and how they are influenced by factors including biases, power dynamics, and forms of systemic oppression, and actively address these factors through continuing education and open conversations
- Cultivate our ethical growth and maturity through continuous self-reflection and increased self-awareness. If an ethical dilemma arises, we will pursue assistance where needed to resolve the matter
- Respectfully attempt to communicate our concerns with others if we become aware of unethical conduct by them, and if necessary, seek ethical guidance for next steps
- Accept that behaving ethically means going beyond what is written in the Code of Ethics
Ethical Standards for
ICF Professionals
Meeting these ICF ethical standards of conduct is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies: "Demonstrates Ethical Practice: understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards."
The following ethical standards are applied to the professional activities of ICF Professionals β regardless of an existing formal coaching relationship or not. These ethical standards are divided into five sections.
- 1.1 Communicate (before coaching begins) with coaching client(s), sponsor(s), and/or other involved parties to explain the nature of coaching and to co-create a coaching agreement regarding roles, responsibilities, confidentiality, financial arrangements, and other aspects of the coaching engagement.
- 1.2 Respect all parties' right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point for any reason during the coaching engagement, subject to the provisions of the agreement.
- 2.1 Maintain the strictest level of confidentiality with all parties involved, regardless of the role I am fulfilling.
- 2.2 Have a clear agreement about what information is exchanged and how it is exchanged among all parties involved during all coaching engagements.
- 2.3 Have a clear agreement with client(s), sponsor(s), and other involved parties about what confidential information may need to be disclosed to the appropriate authorities, e.g., illegal activity, required by law, valid court order or subpoena; or imminent/likely risk of danger to self or to others.
- 2.4 Maintain, store, and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security, and privacy, and complies with applicable laws and agreements.
- 2.5 Fulfill my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching client(s), sponsor(s), colleagues, and to the public at large directly and through any technology systems I may utilize (i.e. technology-assisted coaching tools, databases, platforms, software, and artificial intelligence).
- 2.6 Am responsible for my support personnel's adherence to the relevant standards of the Code of Ethics.
- 2.7 Maintain the privacy of ICF professionals and use of their contact information only as authorized by ICF or the ICF professional.
- 2.8 Comply with copyright laws and recognize and honor the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of my own material.
- 3.1 Am aware of and discuss with all involved parties the implications of having multiple agreements and relationships, and the potential for conflicts of interest.
- 3.2 Manage conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest with coaching client(s) and sponsor(s) through self-reflection, coaching agreement(s), and ongoing dialogue.
- 3.3 Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending or ending the professional relationship.
- 3.4 Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern professional interactions, physical or otherwise.
- 3.5 Maintain fairness by being aware of my biases and addressing them so that I do not discriminate toward others based on race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, spiritual practice, ability, and other groups, classes, and categories of human differences.
- 3.6 Am mindful of the level of intimacy in the coaching relationship. I do not participate in any sexual or romantic relationship with client(s) or sponsor(s). If I detect a shift in the relationship, I take appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the coaching engagement.
- 3.7 Understand that ICF professionals often serve in multiple professional roles based on prior training and/or experience, and it is my responsibility to disclose to the client when I am acting in a capacity other than the role of an ICF professional.
- 3.8 Disclose to Client(s) the information of compensation and benefits that have been paid/received or will be paid/received for referrals.
- 4.1 Am aware of and, in partnership with my client, actively manage any power or status differential between us that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological, or contextual issues.
- 4.2 Recognize my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair my coaching performance or professional commitments. I will seek support if necessary, including relevant professional guidance. This may require suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).
- 4.3 Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the coaching relationship and discuss this with the client. If appropriate, explore changes in the coaching relationship and/or the potential for a different coach, professional, or resource.
- 5.1 Accurately identify my coaching qualifications and work within the boundaries of my level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications, and my ICF credential.
- 5.2 Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer as an ICF professional, what is offered by ICF, the coaching profession, and the potential value of coaching.
- 5.3 Adhere to the philosophy of "doing good" versus "avoiding bad," recognizing the impact of my professional conduct on my clients, stakeholders, the coaching profession, and society.
The Pledge
of Ethics
"While fulfilling any role within the ICF ecosystem, I promise to uphold my ethical obligations by adhering to the ICF Code of Ethics in all my professional interactions. I commit to doing my best to represent the integrity and professional reputation of coaching and the ICF."
Key Definitions of
Terms Used in the Code
Artificial Intelligence β 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 β 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 β 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 β 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.
Coaching Engagement β 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.
Coaching Relationship β 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.
Confidentiality β 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.
Conflict of Interest β 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.
Equality β 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.
ICF Credential β 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).
ICF Professional β 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.
Intellectual Property β 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.
Sponsor β 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.
Systemic Equality β 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.
Systemic Oppression β 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, and society β perpetuating widespread prejudicial and harmful treatment of people with marginalized identities.
Glossary of
Other Terms
Coaching Platform β A coaching platform uses digital technology to enable an integrated and seamless coaching journey between coaches and clients at a large scale.
Coaching Supervision β A dynamic and reflective process of collaboration, guidance, and support through which coaches develop their personal, professional, and ethical capacity and maturity.
DEIB β Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging: the combination of key concepts that support a range of similarities and differences, fair access and treatment, being welcoming, feeling a part of a group, and fairness.
Diversity β Race, color, caste, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, rank, socio-economic status, age, spiritual practice, national origin, ability, and other groups, classes, and categories of human differences, such as personality characteristics, appearance, communication styles, and leadership styles.
Equity β Actions that provide access to resources and opportunities and establish norms, actions, policies, infrastructure, and culture so that everyone can realize their full potential.
Inclusion β Action that includes and fully supports people from marginalized as well as privileged groups; by creating and maintaining processes, infrastructure, and culture; so their inclusion goes beyond assimilation and differentiation to integrating them in the life and work of the organization.
Belonging β Sustained sense of connectedness and involvement with the organization and its work by marginalized and privileged members, based on their experience that their presence, contributions, and inherent worth are truly valued and affirmed.
Group Coaching β Coaching a group of individuals who have similar goals or interests, serving each to move forward in their progress, where the coach and other group members offer support and inspiration on individual abilities and potential.
Team Coaching β Partnering in a co-creative and reflective process with a team and its dynamics and relationships in a way that inspires them to maximize their abilities and potential in order to reach their common purpose and shared goals.
Β© International Coaching Federation
Contact
For questions about these Ethics or how they apply to your engagement:
Email: Contact Me
Website: DesmondGriffiths.com Β· DesmondGriffiths.coach Β· justDes.ai Β· CoachConsultIntegrate.com
Commitment: ICF Code of Ethics
plain language.