CODE OF ETHICS

This code of ethics serves as a guiding framework for Hope-Full Coaching, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client-centered care.

Definitions

• Client – the individual or team/group being coached, consulted, mentored or trained.
• Coaching and/or Consulting – partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
• Coaching and/or Consulting Relationship – a relationship that is established by the Professional and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.
• Code – Code of Ethics
  
• Confidentiality – protection of any information obtained around the coaching and/or consulting engagement unless consent to release is given.
• Conflict of Interest – a situation in which a Professional is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in
  conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.
• Equality – a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, age, religion, immigration, status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human difference.
• Professional – individuals who represent themselves in roles including but not limited to Coach, Mentor Coach, Consultant and Trainer.
• Internal Coach and/or Consultant – an individual who is employed within an organization and coaches and/or consults either part-time or full-time the employees of that organization.
• Sponsor – company paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching and/or consulting services to be provided.

Core Values

The Hope-Full Coaching Code of Ethics is based on  Core Values which guide all Professionals in their actions and behavior.

Ethical Standards

The following ethical standards are applied to the activities of Professionals at Hope-Full Coaching:

Professional Responsibility to Clients

• Create an agreement/contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with Client(s) and Sponsor(s), prior to the commencement of services. Explain the process and value of coaching and/or consulting, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, communication methods, and any other terms of the coaching and/or consulting agreement.
• Confidentiality: We uphold strict confidentiality to create a safe and trusting environment for our clients. The confidentiality of all client’s information is maintained unless required by law or with explicit permission.
• Conditions under which information will not be kept confidential: illegal activity, court order, risk of danger to self or others or anything else as required by law, will be communicated to Client(s) and Sponsor(s). If one of the above circumstances is revealed, there may a need to inform appropriate authorities.
• Manage conflict(s) of interest during coaching and/or consulting Client(s) and Sponsor(s) through communication, not limited to, but including:  organizational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records, confidentiality and other requirements.
• Agree to maintain, store and dispose of records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a way that protects confidentiality, security and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements. In addition, when using new coaching/consulting technological, we agree to be aware of how various ethical standards apply to them.
• Professional(s) will watch for a shift in the value received from the coaching and/or consulting relationship, and attempt to encourage a change in the relationship or encourage the Client(s) / Sponsor(s) to seek another Professional.
• Respect all parties’ right to terminate the coaching and/or consulting relationship at any point for any reason during the coaching and/or consulting process subject to the provisions of the agreement.
• Be sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) to avoid a conflict of interest situation.
• Disclose to Clients the potential of compensation and other benefits for referring Clients to third parties.
• Assure consistent quality of coaching and/or consulting regardless of the amount or form of agreed compensation in any relationship.

Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development: We commit to ongoing learning and development to enhance our coaching and consulting skills. We stay informed about current research, best practices, and ethical guidelines.

Communication & Boundaries

• Accurately reveal level of coaching and/or consulting competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications and credentials.
• Communicate clear and accurate information about the Professional, the coaching and/or consulting profession, and the potential value of coaching and/or consulting.
• Communicate and explain, if needed, about the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.
• Set clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or otherwise.
• No Professional will participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or Sponsor(s). Appropriate action will be taken to address the issue or cancel the engagement.

Professional Responsibility to Society

• Avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability or military status.
• Respect the contributions and intellectual property of others.

DC & Company, LLC DBA Hope-Full Coaching