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Ethics Resources

ICF offers a host of resources to help you learn about ethics in the coaching industry and be a part of continuing conversations on various topics with regards to ethics and standards.

  • ICF Ethics Assist Line

    If you have questions about the ICF Code of Ethics, the Ethical Conduct Review Process, the Accreditation Complaint Process, or any ICF Ethics resources, please contact our Ethics and Compliance Department through the ICF Ethics Assist Line (ethics@coachingfederation.org or +1.859.226.4245).

    If you have a compliance-related concern to report, please use this form.  Compliance-related concerns may include, but are not are limited to, false claims of ICF Membership, ICF Credential status or an Organization’s Accreditation status.

    Disclaimer of Liability

    The ICF Ethics Assist Line is designed and made available only for the limited purpose of assisting individuals with inquiries pertaining to the ICF Code of Ethics. ICF is not able to and will not give those who contact the ICF Ethics Assist Line actionable advice or recommendations outside of whether or not an action or event may constitute a potential violation of the ICF Code of Ethics.

    ICF hereby disclaims any and all liability for damages, losses or injuries of any kind or nature arising out of, resulting from, or any way connected to a party’s use of or reliance upon the ICF Ethics Assist Line or any communications or correspondence had with ICF staff as a result of an ethics inquiries. Furthermore, any communication or response received to an inquiry directed to the ICF Ethics Assist Line is not and shall not under any circumstance constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on the part of ICF.

  • Liability Insurance for Coaches

    Wondering about what liability insurance looks like for Coaches? Join ICF’s assistant director of ethics, policy & compliance Kristin Kelly in a conversation with ICF’s legal counsel Bob Weil of the Law Office of Robert J Weil, PLLC.

  • Code of Ethics Overview

    Ethics are guided moral principles underlying how coaches behave congruent with ICF’s core values of professionalism, collaboration, humanity and equality.

  • Code of Ethics FAQ

    Find answers to frequently asked questions about the ICF Code of Ethics by following the link below. We have organized questions and answers according to relevant ethical standards.

  • Complimentary Ethics CCE Course

    ICF’s complimentary online ethics course is designed to fulfill the Continuing Coach Education requirement in Ethics for ICF Credential renewal.

  • Ethics Community of Practice

    ICF’s Ethics Community of Practice (CP) is a virtual group of coaches who share best practices, emerging trends, tools and tips in the area of coaching ethics.

    The CP delivers professional development opportunities through a variety of different outputs, including webinar presentations from subject-matter experts and facilitated discussion sessions.

  • Ethics Water Cooler Conversations

    Every month, the Ethics Water cooler Conversation offers an open forum style of conversation around coaching ethics. Bring your questions and be prepared to have an in-depth discussion! These video calls are free of charge and open to all coaches (ICF Members and non-members) in either English or German. These calls take place via Zoom for one hour. The English call occurs on the second Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. (New York), and the German call takes place on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Frankfurt (12 Noon (New York)).

    If you are interested in joining, please sign up by clicking the “Join the Conversation” button below in your preferred language.

    If your preferred language is German, you can read more about the conversation in the ICF Germany Chapter’s newsletter. | Read More

  • Insights and Considerations for Ethics

    The Independent Review Board (IRB) prepared this resource to provide ICF Professionals with support around the learning and understanding of each standard in the ICF Code of Ethics, and to promote enhanced ethical awareness and discernment/critical thinking.

  • Ethics Research Portal

    The Research Portal from ICF has a variety of research on ethics and ethical concerns in the field of coaching.

  • Ethics Advocacy Team

    The ICF Ethics Advocacy Team partners with members serving on boards and teams across the ICF Ecosystem to advocate for professional integrity by encouraging ethical sensitivity and thoughtfulness in decision-making to ensure ethics is deeply rooted across the organization.

    Chair:

    Sue McMahon, PCC (USA)

    Members:

    Sam Magill, MCC (USA)

    George Nuthu, PCC (Kenya)

    Kathy Taberner, PCC (Canada)

    Janet Wilson, PCC (UK)

  • Coaching Ethics Case Studies

    These case studies are based on standards of the ICF Code of Ethics most often named in ethical complaints through the ICF Ethical Conduct Review process. ICF Professionals may find them helpful to study during training opportunities, mentoring, or supervision. Each case study includes implications for coaching, potential next steps, and discussion questions. The intention of this resource is to support your growth in ethical maturity and provide an opportunity for you to explore how you would navigate similar scenarios.

    Case Study Standard 1

    Case Study Standard 2

    Case Study Standard 3

    Case Study Standard 8

    Case Study Standard 10

    Case Study Standard 17

    Case Study Standard 21

    Case Study Standard 23

    Case Study Standard 24

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