Confidentiality & Coaching Staff

The ICF Code of Ethics provides sound advice regarding confidentiality and professional coaches that have staff working for them.

27) Require all those who work with me in support of my clients to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics, Number 26, Section 4, Confidentiality and Privacy Standards, and any other sections of the Code of Ethics that might be applicable.

A question comes to mind - just who is included in the phrase "those who work for me in support of my clients".  The answer could be broad and include part and full time employees, remote contractors, virtual assistants and partner coaches/ consultants from outside firms.  In fact, it could be argued that even family members that provide support services to the coach are included.

Having best practice in place, regardless of the size of your coaching practice, is the best way to ensure client confidentiality and privacy.  Here are some strategies that can be deployed that can help your firm develop best practices.

• Develop you own privacy and confidentiality policy for your office and socialize it with your staff.
• Review the entire ICF Code of Ethics (it's an easy read!) at least once a year so that you are mindful of the Code and it's design to protect clients, coaches and the profession.
• Have any support staff read the above documents.  This includes employees, contractors, virtual assistants, partner/ colleague coaches from outside firms and helping family members.
• Make client confidentiality and privacy part of the continuing dialog at your firm, so that everyone is clear that this is an important business priority.