Our Coaching Ethics
As the coaching profession currently lacks professional laws and regulation, PCS abides by the following ethical code.
This code has been developed with reference
to ethical codes adopted by:
- The European Coaching Federation
- The International Association of Coaching
- and the UK based Association for Coaching
For the purposes of this code the term "Client" refers to the recipient of coaching services.
Purchasers of the coaching services on behalf of "Clients" are referred to as "Sponsors".
- Coaches respect the confidentiality of the Client's information, except as otherwise authorised by the Client, or as required by law
- Where a Sponsor purchases coaching services on behalf of a Client, confidentiality and the means of providing updates to the Sponsor or other Managers on the Client’s progress is agreed with the Client, the Sponsor and the Manager in advance of the coaching programme commencing
- Coaching costs, schedules and payment structures will be agreed with the Client or Sponsor prior to the first paid coaching session
- Coaches do not knowingly lay claim to a level of competence not possessed. Coaches only accept work they believe they are competent to perform
- Coaches are sensitive to the possibility that Clients will occasionally require access to other professional services, e.g. counsellors. Coaches will refer Clients as appropriate
- Coaches maintain appropriate records of their work with Clients, ensuring that reasonable security precautions are in place to protect against third party disclosure. Attention is given to the Client’s rights under any current legislation, e.g. Data Protection Act
- Coaches invest in their continued professional development, keeping abreast of current best business practice, relevant legal requirements and standards and seek to continually develop their coaching skills
- Coaches refrain from taking on new Clients where a pre-existing professional relationship would create a conflict of interest