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CODE OF ETHICS

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

As a training and coaching organisation, we are committed to promoting and applying excellence in training, coaching and mentoring practices and to complying with the provisions and principles of this Code of Ethics. Its content is in line with the requirements defined by the French Professional Charter for Coaching and Mentoring (“Charte professionnelle du coaching et du mentorat”), developed in accordance with EU legislation and listed in the European Union database of self-regulatory initiatives in Europe.

This Code of Ethics specifies good practice requirements for training, coaching and mentoring. It aims to reinforce the permanent excellence of our day-to-day practice.

OUR CODE OF ETHICS

Our Code of Ethics sets out general expectations for conduct and professional behaviour.

1. Client relations

Background

  • We make sure we understand our clients’ expectations and reach an agreement on how to meet them.

Contracting

  • Before the contractual relationship begins, we make clear our commitment to this Code. We also present recourse procedures to our clients.
  • We openly explain the methods we use and, if the client so requests, provide additional information on the processes involved.
  • We make sure that the duration of the contract makes it possible to reach the objectives of the client, and we always take care to avoid any form of dependence by the client.

Integrity

  • We provide all clients, partners, coaches and mentors with truthful information about our professional qualifications, experience, training, certifications and accreditations.
  • In communications with third parties, we state precisely and honestly the potential added value of our work as an instructor, coach or mentor.
  • We specify who are the people who developed or inspired the activities, ideas – and tools we use and never falsely claim authorship.

Confidentiality

  • During the working relationship, we guarantee the strictest degree of confidentiality with all clients, except when the law requires us to disclose specific information.
  • We keep then destroy all client documents, including electronic files and messages, to ensure confidentiality, security and privacy in accordance with applicable laws and other contractual agreements.
  • We clearly define with our clients the conditions under which confidentiality may be lifted (illegal activities or danger to themselves or third parties, etc.) and actively seek an agreement on these limits to confidentiality.
  • We explain to our clients that we work with a supervisor and ensure that the client agrees to have his or her case discussed anonymously during this supervision. We also inform the client that the supervisory relationship is itself subject to strict rules of confidentiality.

Inappropriate Interactions

  • It is our responsibility to define and maintain clear, appropriate and culturally acceptable boundaries for physical and other interactions with clients.
  • We avoid all sentimental and sexual relationships with our clients, students or subordinates during the course of a contract. Furthermore, we are attentive to the possibility of any sexual intimacy between the above-mentioned parties and take appropriate measures to put an end to such a situation or to terminate the working relationship to guarantee the safety of all.

Conflict of Interest

  • We will not exploit our clients, financially or otherwise, and will not take any improper advantage of our relationships.
  • To avoid any conflict of interest, we make a clear distinction between our training, coaching or mentoring relationships and any other form of relationship, whether friendly or professional.
  • We are aware of the potential for commercial or emotional conflicts of interest that may arise from the working relationship and are committed to resolving such situations quickly and effectively so that they do not harm the client or the partners themselves.
  • We assess the impact of a given working relationship on our relationships with other clients and discuss the potential for conflict of interest with those involved.
  • We frankly discuss any conflict with our clients and, if it is not possible to resolve it effectively, we strive to find an agreement to end the relationship.

Termination of professional relationships and permanent responsibilities

  • We respect the client’s right to terminate the relationship at any time, under the terms of the training, coaching or mentoring contract.
  • We encourage clients to end the relationship if they feel that either party would benefit more from working another instructor, coach, mentor or other professional.
  • We are aware that our professional responsibility continues beyond the end of a training, coaching or mentoring relationship. Specifically, we are responsible for:
    – ensuring the agreed confidentiality of all information relating to clients;
    – ensuring that all relevant records and data are kept in a safe place;
    – avoiding any utilisation of former relationships that could cast doubt on our professionalism or integrity;
    – providing any further materials as has been agreed upon by the parties.

2. Professional conduct

Maintaining the reputation of the coaching and mentoring profession

  • We adopt behaviour that positively reflects and strengthens the reputation of the profession of instructor, coach and mentor.
  • We show respect for the various instructors, coaches, mentors and other professionals, as well as for different approaches to training, coaching and mentoring.

Equality and diversity

  • We are committed to respecting existing diversity policies and guidelines.
  • We prohibit all forms of discrimination, on any grounds whatsoever, and we constantly strive to heighten our own awareness of potential sources for discrimination.
  • We are aware of the possible existence of unconscious biases and take care to adopt a respectful and inclusive approach that recognises and takes into account the specificities of each individual.
  • We must challenge, in a constructive spirit, the perceived discriminatory behaviour of any colleague, employee, service provider, client or participant.
  • We take care of our oral, written and non-verbal language to avoid any form of involuntary discrimination.
  • We engage in development activities to strengthen our own awareness of equality and diversity issues.

Violations of the Code of Ethics

  • We are aware that any repeated infringement can lead to a sanction, even the termination of our accreditation and/or dismissal from our profession.
  • We ensure that no publication, promotional or other material contains or suggests incorrect information about our professional skills, qualifications or certifications.
  • We may be led to testify against a colleague if we have reason to believe that his/her behaviour is contrary to the ethics of our profession.

Legal and regulatory obligations

  • We are required to comply with the regulatory and legal obligations in force in France, as well as the policies/procedures defined and applicable to our training, coaching or mentoring activities.
  • We keep comprehensive records of our work with clients. We take care to guarantee confidentiality, security and compliance with regulations on personal data protection applicable in France.
  • According to the rules in force in France, we take out professional liability insurance covering our training, coaching and mentoring activities.

3. Practice of excellence

Professional skills

  • We have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to meet client needs and are committed to not exceeding the limits of our skills. Where appropriate, we refer our clients to other coaches, mentors or professionals with more experience or better qualifications.

Permanent supervision

  • To pursue our learning and professional development, we regularly reflect on our practice
  • We maintain a relationship with a qualified supervisor or peer group, at a frequency appropriate to our training, coaching or mentoring practice and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • We ensure that no other type of relationship with our supervisor or peer group is likely to interfere with the quality of the supervisory relationship.
  • We discuss any actual or potential ethical issues and violations of this Code with our supervisor or peer group, seeking their assistance and advice.

Reflection and ongoing professional development

  • We strive to reflect regularly on our work with our clients, on our practice of training, coaching and mentoring, as well as on our own professional and personal learning and development.
  • We broaden our skills as instructors, coaches and/or mentors by taking training and/or continuing professional development actions adapted to our situations.
  • We strive to make a positive contribution to the training, coaching and mentoring community, based on our level of expertise. This contribution may take various forms, for example informal assistance to fellow coaches and mentors, promotion of the profession, studies, publications, etc.
  • We systematically assess the quality of our practice, for example through feedback from our clients and other relevant stakeholder.