Deontological code of conduct
Flemish Association of Recognized Coaches
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The purpose of this deontological code of conduct is:
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- Clarify the broader general principles and values that our coaches endorse. These include confidentiality and utmost concern for the client's well-being and success.
- Provide general rules of conduct applicable to several specific situations a coach may encounter.
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This code is intended as a building block for the ethical and moral standards of affiliated coaches. Each individual coach recognized by the VVEC has signed this deontological code of conduct and agrees to follow and apply this code, at least during the membership of VVEC. In this way, coaches are encouraged to make a commitment to building an ethical workplace and professional standard.
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1. Applicability of the Code of Ethics.
The deontological code of conduct has been drawn up for coaches who are active in the field of Life Coaching and Coaching on Stress & Burn-out in the broadest sense of the word. They also include coaches who give themselves a different title, but who work in coaching on Life, Stress or Burn-out themes. Examples of this could be: 'positive coaches', 'life coaches', 'therapeutic coaches', 'motivation coaches', etc.
This code of ethics is aimed at all professional members of the VVEC. It essentially consists of a series of agreements that prescribe the minimum standards to be observed by members. The code is meant to be adhered to in spirit and not just by the written word.
A coach's activity covered by the Code of Ethics can only be assessed against these ethical standards if the activity forms part of his or her coaching work-related functions.
While the law of the country in which the coaching practices prevail over the VVEC Ethical Standards, all member coaches will at a minimum strive to adhere to the VVEC Code of Ethics.
2. General Provisions
Trust and responsibility are basic concepts within coaching. Coaches are expected to always act with integrity towards their clients, their colleagues and themselves.
Coaches only provide services within the limits of their competence, based on their education, training or appropriate professional experience. Coaches only accept coaching assignments for which they have sufficient competencies.
Coaches strive to continuously educate themselves and to keep learning, in order to have sufficient competences to carry out their coaching assignments. Coaches keep themselves abreast of new knowledge, methods and any legal requirements and standards relevant to the coaching profession. 2
3. Within the coach relation
Coaches always try to make communication with their clients as clear as possible. For this they use the language adapted to their client.
Respect for the individual client is a cornerstone of the coaching relationship, even though their client's values and standards may differ from their own.
Coaches do not discriminate in their work-related activities on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religion.
Coaches ensure that behavior towards their client is appropriate at all times, within the norms of their coaching relationship.
Coaches recognize that they too can experience personal issues that can have a negative effect on the coach/client relationship. When coaches notice such a negative effect, they take the necessary action and possibly decide to complete the coaching assignment. A possible referral to a fellow coach can then be discussed with the client.
Coaches have a duty to be vigilant for signals that may indicate that the coach relationship is triggering personal themes within themselves, especially when these influence the coach relationship. In this way, they can take appropriate measures in good time, such as professional consultation with colleagues or scheduling supervision coaching. They themselves decide in good conscience whether it is possible to continue, suspend or terminate the coach relationship.
Coaches are aware that their behavior and statements can affect the lives of their clients. Coaches are always focused on helping their client move forward and regularly evaluate whether steps forward are being taken.
Whenever possible, a coach will refrain from new coach relationships where existing relationships would create a risk of conflict of interest.
If a coach determines that a potential conflict of interest has arisen due to unforeseen factors, the coach will attempt to resolve it in the best interests of the individual involved and compliance with the Code of Ethics.
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4. Data Management
Coaches act in accordance with privacy legislation when processing and storing the personal data of their clients.
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5. Fees and Financial Arrangements.
As soon as possible in the relationship between the coach and client, the coach and client reach an agreement clarifying the client's compensation and benefits to the coach.
Coaches communicate their rates in a clear manner and avoid any possible misinterpretation. 3
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6. Publicity
The term "publicity" refers to any written document or oral statement that a coach makes publicly available (such as a brochure, article, speech, or professional resume) related to coaching.
Coaches commit themselves not to tell untruths in the forms of publicity over which they can exercise their own control. For example: they use honesty as a standard when they report on certificates obtained or rates they use.
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7. Obligations to Clients
Coaches will clearly explain to new clients what coaching is and what coaching is not.
Coaches agree with their client to remain within the limits of their knowledge and therefore will never provide advice, recommendations, counseling or psychotherapy, or any other service they are not authorized or competent to provide.
Coaches agree to refer clients to other professionals when relevant.
Coaches refer early to a psychologist, general practitioner or other counselor if they believe they recognize situations where clients may endanger their own safety or well-being, or the safety or well-being of others.
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Coaches never try to diagnose a mental health problem. Coaches are aware that they have no authority to make medical or psychological diagnoses and refrain from any form of assessment or advice in this regard.
Coaches always put the well-being of the client first.
Coaches recognize that a coaching trajectory can never replace psychotherapy, psychological assistance or any other form of medical assistance and do the necessary to point this out to their clients.
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8. Termination of the coaching relationship.
Coach relationships should be terminated when:
- When the coach finds in himself that he cannot act without judgment towards his client, or when the client touches on personal issues that affect the coach relationship in a way that hinders further coaching.
- When the coach cannot support the client because of the client's beliefs or values.
- When the coaching process goes beyond what the coach is allowed and able to do professionally.
- When the coach feels that the client needs other professional guidance or psychotherapy.
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9. Privacy and Confidentiality
Coaches respect the client's right to privacy. They do not request information from the customer unless it is essential for the provision of services. They apply the standard of strict confidentiality for all information obtained.
At the start of the coaching relationship, the confidentiality of the information obtained is communicated to the client.
All information obtained in the context of the professional service is confidential, unless there is a compelling professional reason for its disclosure. Coaches will only disclose confidential information without a specific reason if it is necessary to prevent foreseeable imminent harm to the client or another. In all circumstances, coaches will make their own judgment as to the amount of information to be released.
Coaches will not discuss confidential information in any setting unless privacy can be assured.
Coaches will discuss Confidential Information only for appropriate professional, consultative or scholarly purposes and only with persons clearly engaged in such matters.
Coaches maintain the confidentiality of information communicated through the use of telephone, voicemail, computers, email,… and other sources of information technology.
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