ICF Code of Ethics

The ICF Code of Ethics describes the ICF core values, ethical principles and ethical standards of behavior for all ICF Professionals. ICF implemented the current version of the Code in January 2020.

The Code of Ethics is composed of five (5) main parts:

  1. Introduction
  2. Key Definitions
  3. ICF Core Values and Ethical Principles
  4. Ethical Standards
  5. Pledge

The ICF Code of Ethics describes the core values of the International Coaching Federation (ICF Core Values), and ethical principles and ethical standards of behavior for all ICF Professionals (see definitions). Meeting these ICF ethical standards of behavior is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies (ICF Core Competencies). That is “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 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 (see definitions) 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 (see definitions).

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.

Link to Video:

Video Series: ICF Code of Ethics (2020) – YouTube

Read more:

ICF Code of Ethics – International Coaching Federation (coachfederation.org)