Code of Ethics

The New Insights Code of Ethics

 

1. Core values

In the pursuance of training and/or a coaching practice, whether for gain or not, the coach will endeavour to do everything in his or her power to:

 

• respect the autonomous decisions of adults,

• do good for the client,

• do no harm to the client, and

• act fairly when the interests or different individuals or groups are in competition.

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2. Guiding principles

The coach agrees to act in accordance with the following guiding principles in carrying out coaching services.

Responsibility

The coach acknowledges that, whereas New Insights provides various forms or training, guidance, structured method and approach, tools techniques and support for him or her, any coaching services that he or she may offer in whatever form, are provided in his or her capacity as an independent operator. The provision of such services and the results and effects of such services are the sole responsibility of the coach.

 

Dignity

The coach will have respect of the inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of perceived or real differences in social status, ethnic origin, gender, capacities, or other such characteristics. This inherent worth means that all human beings are worthy of equal moral consideration. As such, respect for the dignity and worth of all human beings also includes moral considerations of, and respect for, cultural communities.

 

Competence

The coach undertakes to:

a) maintain high standards of competence and exercise care in determining how best to serve the needs of the client in the coaching relationship;

b) ensure that he/she is adequately educated and skilled the New Insights Africa coaching methods used to deliver his/her services. The New Insights Africa certification programme puts a responsibility on the coach to act with integrity and diligence in following the programme and fully embracing the methods and technology prescribed; and

c) develop and enhance his/her level of competence by participating in relevant training and continuing opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Context
The coach undertakes to:

a) understand and ensure that the coaching relationship reflects the dynamic context within which the caching is taking place;

b) ensure that the expectations of the client and (where relevant) the sponsor, are understood and that he/she understands how those expectations are to be met; and 

c) conduct himself/herself in a way that demonstrates an understanding and respect for the dignity and diversity of all people.

Boundaries
The coach undertakes to:

a) maintain professional integrity, irrespective of the demands of the client or sponsor;

b) respect the client’s rights to confidentiality and privacy in the coaching relationship;

c) disclose information of relevance to the coaching relationship only where explicitly agreed with the client and sponsor (where one exists), unless the coach believes that there is convincing evidence of serious danger to the client or others if the information is withheld;

d) ensure the client fully appreciates, understands and agrees to the terms of any coaching contract of agreement that is entered into with him or her;

e) honour the terms of the above-mentioned contract;

f) operate within the limits of his/her own competence, recognise where that competence has the potential to be exceeded and, where necessary, refer the client to a more experienced coach or support the client in seeking the help of another relevant professional, such as a counsellor, psychotherapist, consultant or business/financial advisor;

g) be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest of either a commercial or emotional nature to arise through the coaching relationship and deal with them quickly and effectively to ensure there is not detriment to the client or sponsor;

h) to maintain transparency of communication with other members of the coaching and mentoring professions within the confines of existing confidentiality agreements; and 

i) act within the applicable laws and regulations of the country.

Integrity
The coach undertakes to:

a) act with integrity and conduct the coaching relationship in a truthful, honest and clear manner;

b) act to the benefit - and interest - of the client in the coaching relationship;

c) approach the coaching relationship with the necessary respect and regard for related professions;

d) ensure that he/she is both mentally and physically fit to deliver coaching and mentoring services;

e) assume personal ownership for self-learning and self-growth;

f)  refrain from representing the work and views of New Insights, New Insights Africa or others as their own;

g) act responsibility with regard to the assessment of the need for coaching as a means of intervention; and 

h) ensure that any claim or competence, certification or any other form of accreditation is clearly and accurately explained to potential clients and that no false or misleading claims are made or implied either in the spoken or written word in marketing and/or other materials.

Professionalism
The coach undertakes to:

a) consciously create a coaching environment that supports the independence of the client within the coaching relationship;

b) maintain professionalism and faithfully pursue obligations and agreements made in the coaching relationship;

c) be focussed primarily on maximising the effectiveness of the client in the chosen areas of his/her life;

d) refrain from exploiting or manipulating the client in any manner;

e) ensure that the coaching contract is appropriate and proportional to the objectives of the coaching relationship (e.g. fees, coaching objectives, duration);

f) understand that professional responsibilities continue beyond the termination of any coaching/mentoring relationship. These include the following:

i)    Maintenance of agreed confidentiality of all information relating to clients and sponsors.
ii)   Avoidance of any exploitation of the former relationship.
iii)  Provision of any follow-up that has been agreed to.
iv)  Safe and secure maintenance of all related records.

g) demonstrate due respect for the variety of different approaches to coaching and other individuals in the profession.

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3.    Application
If you encounter and ethical dilemma in your own practice of coaching, it is incumbent upon you to seek out assistance from a suitably experienced coach or relevant professional. You are welcome to approach New Insights for guidance and support. Alternatively, if you are a member of a suitable professional body that represents coaches, you could approach a member of their Ethics Committee for advice.
 

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Source

New Insights Life Coach Training Programme (2011), New Insights Life Coach – UK Version 4 – Intro & Ethics