All coaches and mentors will aspire to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon the coaching profession: 1. Coaches will ensure that the client understands the nature of coaching and the terms of the coaching agreement between the parties. 2. The coach will maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all client information, except as otherwise authorised by the client, or as required by law. 3. The coach will obtain informed permission from each client before releasing their names as clients or references or any other information that may identify them. 4. The coach will seek to avoid conflicts between their interests and the interests of the client. 5. The coach will maintain appropriate records of their work with clients, ensuring that any such records are accurate and that reasonable security precautions are taken to protect against third party disclosure. 6. The coach will have a clear agreement with the Client and Sponsor upon how coaching information will be exchanged among all parties involved in the agreement. 7. The coach will be a member of a recognised professional body, either the Association for Coaching (AC) and / or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and will adhere to the professional standards laid down by that body. 8. The coach will accurately identify their level of competence and experience, certifications and qualifications and will not intentionally mislead or make false claims about what a client will receive from either the coach or the coaching process. 9. The coach will not give to the client or prospective client information or advice that they know to be beyond their competence. 10. The coach will disclose to the client any anticipated compensation from third parties that they may receive for referrals or advice concerning that client. 11. The coach will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any physical contact they may have with clients. 12. The coach must be alert to notice when the client is no longer benefiting from the coaching relationship and will encourage the client to make a change if they believe they would be better served by another coach or another resource. 13. The coach will respect and honour the contributions and efforts of others. 14. The coach will respect the creative and written work of others in developing their own materials. 15. The coach is required to consider the impact of any dual relationships they may hold with regards to their clients or their client’s organisation. 16. The coach is required to have professional liability insurance and to keep themselves informed of any statutory or legal requirements that might affect their work. ©Thinking Decisions Ltd March 2011 | 
