As written by the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland (LBCAI)
* General – The basic values of coaching are integrity, impartiality and respect.
* Client Safety – Coaches shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the clients safety during coaching.
* Clear Contracts – The terms on which coaching is being offered must be made clear to clients before coaching commences. Subsequent revisions of these terms must be agreed in advance of any change.
* Competence – Coaches shall take all reasonable steps to monitor and develop their own competence and to work within the limits of that competence. This includes having appropriate and ongoing supervision, which may include consultative support.
* Practitioner Conduct – Always conduct themselves to the highest level of ethics, integrity, accountability and responsibility; maintaining the good reputation of the coaching profession in general and Life and Business Coaching Association in particular. Endeavour to enhance public understanding and acceptance of professional coaching.
* Avoiding Conflict of Interest – Avoid all conflicts of interests and give of notice potential conflicts to the LBCAI. Advise both LBCAI and the client on the risk of conflict if a relationship moves beyond a coach/client situation. (For example a personal or business relationship)
* Communication Terms of Coaching Contracts – Comply with both the spirit and the letter of any commercial agreements made with clients, professional colleagues; make commercial agreements with clients and potential clients that are fair and will respect all parties to such agreements. Clearly state to clients and potential clients, the terms of any commercial agreement including the expectations of both parties. Ensure that a copy of this code is freely available to clients, potential clients and the general public.
* Transparency of Competence – Represent true levels of status, title, competence and experience in order not to mislead, misrepresent or defraud.
* Guarantees of Outcome – Make no claim or implication of outcome that is unreasonable or unrealistic.
* Third Party Commissions/Compensation – When appropriate, disclose to a client, all compensation to or from third parties in relation to that client.
* Boundaries – Avoid entering into business, intimate or personal relationships with clients.
* When a Coach has other qualifications (for example counselling to name but one) the Coach needs to explain the difference to the Client from the outset. If the Coach or and Client finds that after a contract has been agreed and the session or sessions have commenced, that a different discipline (for example counselling) is the best way to precede, the Coach should refer the client to an appropriately qualified practitioner even when the Coach has the appropriate qualification. (This is to cover the situation when the session changes from in its essence of Coaching to a different discipline and as a result could not been seen as Coaching a client.)
* Advertising Standards – Ensure that all advertisements, and promotional materials whether verbal or written, are legal, decent, truthful, honest and in compliance with the laws covering such areas.
* Dealing with potential for conflicts of Interest – In the event of conflict of interest arising, the issue will be resolved by reaching a mutual agreement through discussion. The interest of the client is paramount.
* Honouring Agreements – Respect each Term of Contract made with clients and with whoever contracted for the coaching of the clients.
* Client Benefit – The coach recognises the needs of the client are paramount and will practice with the best interest of the client at all times.
* Inappropriate Advice/Information – The Coach will refrain from offering professional information or advice that you know to be confidential, misleading or where the accuracy is beyond your competence to access.
* Releasing Names – Obtain written permission from any client or potential client before releasing their names as referees.
* Intellectual Property Rights and Ancillary Rights – Respect all copyright, agreements, work, intellectual property, and trademarks and comply with all laws covering such areas.
* Insurance – Ensure that professional insurance arrangements are in accordance and up to date with the LBCAI accreditation, certification and membership criteria.
* Minors – Before coaching minors (persons under 18 years of age) get the express written consent of a parent, guardian as appropriate.
* Equality – Treat all clients and potential clients with absolute dignity, confidentiality and respect as free and equal individuals.