The mission of the International Coach Federation is to be the global forum for the art and science of coaching, where we inspire transformational conversations, advocate excellence, and expand awareness of the contribution coaching is to the future of humankind. The ICF’s internationally recognized standards of excellence, professionalism and code of ethics establish a strong foundation for self-governance of the coaching profession.
However, only those coaches who are members of the ICF or credentialed by the ICF fall under this governance. This means those who are not ICF members or credentialed coaches, yet use the title of coach, are not subject to the same rigorous standards of professionalism.
Why is Self-Governance Important?
During the past two years, we’ve seen increased questions by members and others about whether coaching is a profession that requires monitoring by a regulatory agency. For more detailed information on the regulatory history see /ICF/For+Current+Members/Regulatory/Regulatory+History/
As professionals we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that we are qualified to serve our clients. Professional responsibility extends beyond the choices we make for our individual practices and encompasses a responsibility to look beyond our personal preferences and biases to embrace what will best serve the coaching profession as a whole. Self-governance is the cornerstone of this professional responsibility.
The future we wish to design is clear: A world in which coaching is seen by all as a distinct profession with professional standards and competencies, a shared body of knowledge that represents the wisdom of the profession, training in that body of knowledge, credentialing standards, ethical guidelines and committed professionals participating in the process of continuing professional growth and development. Ignoring our professional responsibilities may leave coaching subject to the rules of others who do not fully understand our profession. It also diminishes the growth of coaching as a distinct, valued and enduring profession, by perpetuating the notion that anyone calling themselves a “coach,” without benefit of training or credentialing, can deliver truly professional coaching services. For these reasons, ICF is taking a policy stand for professionalism and self-governance in coaching.
The ICF’s Self-Governance Model:
The standards and structures built by the ICF over the past decade, which support the emergence of coaching as a valued profession, also provide a solid-foundation for the self-governance of our profession. In addition, our rigorous adherence as professionals to these standards and practices provides the necessary assurance that the public is protected from potential harm. ICF’s self-governance foundation is comprised of and depends upon each of the following standards and practices, supported by the efforts of the ICF Board, committees, global representatives, credentialed and member coaches.
- Core Competencies that define the required skill set of a professional coach and establish the foundation for the professional credentialing examination and accreditation for coach training programs.
- A Code of Ethics to which ICF Members and ICF Credentialed Coaches pledge commitment and accountability to standards of professional conduct.
- Professional Oversight through an Ethical Conduct Review process for ICF Members and ICF Credentialed Coaches, which allows the public to report concerns and to be confident of objective investigation, follow-up and disciplinary action.
- Professional Coach Credentialing, entailing a stringent examination and review process through which coaches must demonstrate their skills, proficiency and documented experience in application of coaching core competencies. Credentialing includes Continuing Coach Education requirements for periodic renewal of coaching credentials, to ensure continued professional growth and development.
- Professional Coach Training Accreditation by which coach training programs submit to review and continuing oversight to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards for curricula aligned with defined core competencies, faculty, structure, proficiency and ethics to support excellence in the training of coaches.
- Ongoing Self-Regulatory Oversight initiatives to track the needs and concerns of individual and organizational clients on an international basis, and to demonstrate an active commitment to meaningful professional self-governance.
What You Can Do:
If you want to see coaching continue to develop as a respected and enduring profession, and desire to actively participate in that development, we recommend the following actions:
- If you are not a member, join the ICF and participate locally and internationally.
- If you are a member, review and ensure your compliance with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. Stay informed – participate in your local ICF chapter or in f the ICF Virtual Community.
- Take personal responsibility to make sure that you have the training and skills to do the high quality of work expected of true professionals.
- Add an ICF member or credentialed coach logo and the following language and link to your website to demonstrate to others your commitment to coaching professionalism: The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest nonprofit professional association of coaches, with more than 11,500 members in more than 80 countries. Its purpose is to build, support and preserve the integrity of the coaching profession around the globe and ensure public confidence in the profession.
Increasingly consumers, corporations and government organizations are requiring ICF credentials as the standard for the profession:
- If you are not an ICF credentialed coach, begin the process.
- If you are ICF credentialed, display your credential and promote it on your business card, brochure and website.
- Be curious about your colleagues’ backgrounds. Be willing to take a stand in support of coaches subscribing to the ICF standards. Actively encourage non-members to join the ICF and to commit themselves to the standards and ethics that preserve the integrity of the profession and protect coaching clients.
The ICF Regulatory Committee is committed to maintaining coaching as a distinct profession, and to strengthening our self-governance model. Questions or comments may be sent via Email to icfheadquarters@coachfederation.org.