Professional Code of Practice
GE coaches adhere to a strict Code of Practice. The Code requires that the Coach will:
- always conduct himself or herself according to the highest levels of ethics, integrity, accountability and responsibility
- treat all clients and potential clients with absolute dignity, confidentiality and respect as free and equal individuals
- maintain the good reputation of the coaching profession in general
- comply with both the spirit and the letter of any commercial agreements made with clients, potential clients or professional colleagues
- make commercial agreements with clients and potential clients that are fair, and will respect all parties to such agreements not knowingly take any personal, professional or monetary advantage or benefit of the coach-client relationship, except by a form of compensation as agreed in the agreement or contract
- keep appropriate and accurate records of their work with clients and ensure that these remain confidential, are stored securely and comply with Data Protection requirements
- maintain professional boundaries with all clients and/or sponsors
- not charge my client professional fees without relevant and appropriate professional accreditation and professional indemnity insurance
- represent true levels of status, title, competence and experience in order not to mislead, misrepresent or defraud
- clearly state to clients and potential clients the terms of any commercial agreement, including the expectations of both parties
- make no claims or implications of outcomes that cannot be demonstrated or guaranteed
- monitor the quality of her or his work through feedback from clients and other appropriate professionals
- obtain written permission from any client or potential client before releasing their names as referees, or publishing testimonials written by the client. Such testimonials will be published anonymously
- have qualifications, skills and experience appropriate to the needs of the client. If not, the coach will refer the client to those who do, such as more experienced coaches, coaching supervisors, counsellors, mentors, or other specialist services
- respect the absolute rights of the client's confidentiality, except as expressly permitted by the client or potential client in writing or as required by law
- avoid all conflicts of interest and give notice of such potential conflicts
- refrain from offering professional information or advice that the coach knows to be confidential, misleading or where the accuracy is beyond her or his competence to assess
- endeavour to enhance public understanding and acceptance of professional coaching
- be fit and healthy enough to practice. If not, the coach should stop until fit to continue and, if necessary, the clients should be offered alternative support.
- respect all copyrights, agreements, work, intellectual property and trademarks and comply with all laws covering such areas.
- avoid coaching minors (people who have not yet had their 18th birthday) without the express written consent of parent, guardian or teacher as appropriate
- respect the client’s right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point during the process, subject to the provisions of the agreement or contract. The coach will also be alert to indications that the client is no longer benefiting from the coaching relationship
- comply with all laws and by-laws of Ireland and UK and, if coaching clients based abroad, with the laws of the clients' country
- ensure that all advertisements and promotional materials, whether verbal or written, are legal, decent, truthful, honest and in compliance with the requirements of the UK Advertising Standards Authority
- make a copy of this Code freely available to all clients and potential clients