Purpose

This Coaching Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles, professional standards, and commitments that govern my coaching practice. It exists to protect clients, establish trust, and ensure coaching is delivered with integrity, clarity, and respect.

This Code applies to all coaching engagements, whether personal, professional, paid, or pro bono.

Professional Integrity

I commit to conducting my coaching practice with honesty, responsibility, and professionalism. This includes:

• Representing my qualifications, experience, and services accurately
• Working within the boundaries of coaching and not misrepresenting coaching as therapy, counselling, legal, financial, or medical advice
• Declining or referring clients where coaching is not appropriate or where I lack the competence to serve effectively

Coaching Relationship and Agreements

I commit to establishing clear agreements with clients that define:

• The purpose, scope, and expectations of coaching
• Roles and responsibilities of both coach and client
• Session structure, fees, scheduling, and cancellation terms
• The distinction between coaching, mentoring, consulting, and therapy

Coaching is a collaborative partnership. Clients remain responsible for their own decisions, actions, and outcomes.

Confidentiality

I commit to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all client information, including personal details, session content, and shared materials, except where:

• Disclosure is required by law
• There is a risk of serious harm to the client or others
• The client provides explicit consent for information to be shared

Where coaching involves a sponsor (e.g., employer), boundaries of confidentiality will be clarified in advance.

Respect, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination

I commit to treating all clients with respect, dignity, and fairness. I do not discriminate based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

I recognise that clients operate within diverse personal, cultural, and systemic contexts and commit to ongoing self-reflection and learning.

Conflicts of Interest

I commit to identifying and disclosing any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Where a conflict cannot be responsibly managed, I will pause or terminate the coaching relationship.

I will not exploit the coaching relationship for personal, professional, or financial gain beyond the agreed coaching engagement.

Boundaries and Dual Relationships

I commit to maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Where dual relationships exist or may arise (personal, business, or social), these will be openly discussed and managed in the best interest of the client.

Client Wellbeing and Duty of Care

Coaching is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If it becomes apparent that a client would benefit from additional or alternative professional support, I will encourage them to seek appropriate services.

I reserve the right to pause or end coaching where continuing would not be in the client’s best interest.

Commitment to Quality and Development

I commit to:

• Ongoing personal and professional development
• Reflective practice and supervision or peer learning
• Continual improvement of coaching skills and ethical awareness

Ethical Concerns and Resolution

Clients are encouraged to raise any concerns about the coaching process directly with me in the first instance. Concerns will be taken seriously and addressed respectfully and promptly.

If a coaching engagement is ended due to ethical concerns, this will be handled with professionalism and care.

Acceptance of This Code

By engaging in coaching with Stuart Hyslop, clients acknowledge and accept this Coaching Code of Ethics as part of the coaching agreement, alongside applicable terms and conditions.