We’ve all seen the stereotypes. The so-called “life coach” who swans in with a green juice in one...
Exploring the ICF code of ethics
In a world where coaching is growing at pace and anyone can call themselves a coach. the integrity of the profession hinges on one essential element: ethics. Whether you’re training as a coach, a seasoned practitioner or simply exploring the profession, understanding the ICF Code of Ethics (or equivalent from the EMCC / AC), and what ethical practice really means, is non-negotiable.
Back in 2016 when I was doing a postgraduate diploma in coaching I had an assignment where we compared the different codes of ethics across the main accreditation bodies. I can safely say they all share similar characteristics. I explore the ICF as they are the biggest and most influential body in the coaching space.
"Demonstrates Ethical Practice" is the first of the ICF core competencies which explores how to show up as a coach and what you need to consider. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about embodying professionalism, integrity and humanity in every interaction you have as a coach.
What Does It Mean to Demonstrate Ethical Practice?
In a world where we're often told to "act as if". Ethical practice includes being honest about your experience, your training and your qualifications. It’s about transparency: not overpromising or claiming outcomes you can’t deliver and always acting in your clients' best interest. For example, when we're operating ethically we'll be open about our experience and we'll be clear on the types of results our clients can expect (and honest about their part in getting these results).
But it goes deeper than this
It means:
- Respecting identity and context: Seeing every client as an individual with a unique background, values and beliefs and meeting them where they are. This is about holding non judgemental space for your clients.
- Using appropriate language: Being mindful of how you communicate, in writing, on social media and in person. This can include avoiding jargon.
- Abiding by the ICF’s core values: These include professionalism, collaboration, humanity and equity. For me this is critical and I love the fact that collaboration is included as a core value alongside humanity and equity. This, for me is key as I believe vulnerability and authenticity are at the core of all relationships.
- Confidentiality: Creating spaces of trust and psychological safety where clients can explore their thoughts without fear of exposure.
- Clarity in role: Distinguishing between coaching, consulting, and therapy and referring when necessary. In a world where we have a blurring of roles clear contracting and boundaries supports coaches, clients and the work that they do.
Coaching with Integrity in a Complex World
Ethics can sometimes feel abstract. But as coaches, we are often in spaces where trust is sacred. Our clients open up, explore transformation and we ask hard questions. If we don’t hold ourselves to high ethical standards, we risk harming that trust and the wider profession.
We also model ethical behaviour in how we interact with others, for me that includes being open to feedback, acknowledging when we make mistakes and continuing our own development through supervision and reflection. I think part of this is that we will sometimes get things wrong and I know I trust people who take responsibility when things don't work out and look at how they can make things better rather than blaming others. This requires courage and it requires confidence, it's not easy to have these conversations yet, for me, they are the cornerstone of ethical practice.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In a polarized, fast-moving world, coaching offers a rare space of non-judgmental listening and deep curiosity. One of the core take aways for me on ethical practice is that as coaches “We are no better than anyone else.” humility is vital. Coaching isn't about us being the expert, it’s about holding space and partnering with others so they can grow and develop. When we see coaches on who seem to elevate themselves above their clients it feels like the relationship will always be imbalanced.
Ethical coaching is transformative not because we have all the answers, but because we create the environment where others can discover theirs. In a world where we've often been valued for our knowledge it's a very different space and one which can offer deep transformation for our clients.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering becoming a coach or deepening your existing practice, get to know the ICF Code of Ethics. Not just to pass an assessment or tick a box but to ground your coaching in a foundation that supports your clients, yourself and the integrity of our profession.
Because coaching, at its best changes lives. And that transformation starts with trust and ethical practice.
I've been recording podcasts around the ICF competencies and enjoyed revisiting all of them in depth (despite the fact I do know them pretty much inside out from our training) if you want to listen to the episodes you can here
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vaVUIHkqIPd6mz4AeN6Qp?si=8ed5af6216b444e2
