ICF code of ethics

I hold the ICF Professional Certified Coach credential, and I am bound by the ICF Code of Ethics in every engagement.

What that means in the room

Confidentiality is the strictest level, with all parties, in every role I hold. Where a sponsor is paying, what gets reported back is agreed in writing before we start, and it is never the content of your sessions.

We agree the terms up front. Scope, responsibilities, money, cancellation, and what happens if either of us wants to stop. You can end the work at any point, for any reason.

I name conflicts of interest rather than manage around them, including when I already know someone in your market or on your board.

I work inside my competence. Coaching is not therapy, it is not consulting, and it is not advice on your legal or financial position. When your situation needs one of those, I say so and I point you at it.

I am honest about what coaching can and cannot do. No guarantees of outcome, no named client results, no borrowed credibility.

How the code is structured

The current code was approved by the ICF Global Board in October 2024 and revised in May 2026. It runs to five parts and an appendix.

1. Purpose.
2. ICF core values and ethical principles.
3. Commitments for all within the ICF ecosystem.
4. Ethical standards for ICF professionals.
5. The pledge of ethics.

The four core values underneath it are professionalism, collaboration, humanity and equity. Part 4 is where the standards sit, covering agreements, confidentiality and legal compliance, professional conduct and conflicts of interest, delivering consistent value, and professional integrity and accountability.