WHAT IS ICF ?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest worldwide resource for business and personal coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching.
The ICF exists to Build, Support and Preserve the integrity of the coaching profession through programs and standards supported by the individual membership.

To Build... The ICF maintains a high visibility for the profession through public relations, publicity campaigns, marketing strategies and the Coach Referral Service (CRS). The Coach Referral Service is an independent, non-profit ICF service which makes it easy for people to find the right coach for their needs.

To Support ... The ICF develops and implements programs that assist in the professional development of its membership. In addition to the professional development opportunities of an annual conference, the ICF provides professional growth opportunities through its local, regional and virtual chapters throughout the world. Continual support is available through the ICF Web site and publications.

To Preserve ... The ICF developed and promotes an industrywide Code of Professional Standards. ICF also developed the first universally accepted Accreditation process which will preserve the integrity of coaching through standardized credentials that will assist consumers in choosing professional coaches.

ICF has more than 14,000 members in nearly 80 countries and more than 150 chapters in over 42 countries.

The ICF Philosophy of Coaching

The International Coach Federation adheres to a form of coaching that honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client is creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the Coach's responsibility is to:

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve ,
• Encourage client self-discovery ,
• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies ,
• Hold the client responsible and accountable .

The ICF Standards of Ethical Conduct

Professional Conduct With Clients

• I will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any physical contact that I may have with my clients.
• I will not become sexually involved with any of my clients.
• I will construct clear agreements with my clients, and will honor all agreements made in the context of professional coaching relationships.
• I will ensure that, prior to or at the initial session, my coaching client understands the nature of coaching, the bounds of confidentiality, financial arrangements and other terms of the coaching agreement.
• I will accurately identify my qualifications, expertise and experience as a coach.
• I will not intentionally mislead or make false claims about what my client will receive from the coaching process or from me as their coach.
• I will not give my clients or prospective clients information or advice I know or believe to be misleading.
• I will not knowingly exploit any aspect of the coach-client relationship for my personal, professional or monetary advantage or benefit.
• I will respect the client's right to terminate coaching at any point during the process. I will be alert to indications that the client is no longer benefiting from our coaching relationship.
• If I believe the client would be better served by another coach, or by another resource, I will encourage the client to make a change.
• I will suggest that my clients seek the services of other professionals when deemed appropriate or necessary.
• I will take all reasonable steps to notify the appropriate authorities in the event a client discloses an intention to endanger self or others.

Confidentiality/Privacy

• I will respect the confidentiality of my client's information, except as otherwise authorized by my client, or as required by law.
• I will obtain agreement from my clients before releasing their names as clients or references, or any other client identifying information.
• I will obtain agreement from the person being coached before releasing information to another person compensating me.

Conflicts of Interest

• I will seek to avoid conflicts between my interests and the interests of my clients.
• Whenever any actual conflict of interest or the potential for a conflict of interest arises, I will openly disclose it and fully discuss with my client how to deal with it in whatever way best serves my client.
• I will disclose to my client all anticipated compensation from third parties that I may receive for referrals of that client.
• I will only barter for services, goods or other non-monetary remuneration when it will not impair the coaching relationship.