Updated April 24, 2023_ICF Ethical Conduct Review Process: Decision Tree

ICF Ethical Conduct Review Process: Decision Tree

SHOULD YOU FILE AN ETHICAL COMPLAINT?
Before filing an ethical complaint against an ICF Professional (individuals who are representing themselves as an ICF member or an ICF Credential-holder, in roles including but not limited to Coach, Coach Supervisor, Coach Trainer and Student of Coaching), you will first want to review the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) Information Packet and Sample form and walk through the following Decision Tree.

Please note that if there are multiple complainants, each of them should try to answer the questions individually, to make the complaint as clear as possible.

If you have any questions about the Decision Tree or filing an ethical complaint, please contact ethics@coachingfederation.org.

I affirm that this complaint is not solely concerning an ICF Professional's Intellectual Property (IP) infringement without proof from a court of law that such a violation has been demonstrated.*

NoYes
You must select "yes" to move forward in the Complaint Form.

Are there any current or pending legal issues involving these specific circumstances?

YesNo
NOTE: The IRB reserves the right to suspend, at the IRB’s reasonable discretion, any action on any properly filed ethical complaint until known pre-existing, pending and related civil or criminal actions have been resolved.* Complaints involved in a current legal matter will not be accepted for the ECR process. Complainants must be able to provide acceptable documents demonstrating proof of legal proceedings upon request.

*This applies only to active civil litigation or criminal prosecution that is related to the subject matter and facts of the filed complaint.
You must select "No" to move forward in the Complaint Form.

Were any attempts made between you and the ICF Professional to resolve or remedy these issues?

YesNo
Please explain.*

Before filing this complaint, would you consider a facilitated conversation between yourself and the individual for whom this complaint may be filed with an IRB Member?

YesNo
Please contact ICF at ethics@coachingfederation.org

Is this an issue that could potentially be a breach of the ICF Code of Ethics?

YesNo
DO NOT FILE A COMPLAINT as the Ethical Conduct Review can only take place where there is an alleged breach of the ICF Code of Ethics.

We encourage you to read the 23 Standards of the ICF Code of Ethics along with the Insights and Considerations for Ethics. Please describe the circumstances that you feel demonstrated unethical behavior, and to the best of your ability indicate which specific standards in the ICF Code have been potentially violated. (The Code may be accessed here: https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing/coaching-ethics/icf-code-of-ethics/)*
If you cannot find a potential breach of the ICF Code of Ethics, would you prefer to have a conversation with someone from the Independent Review Board before filing this complaint?

YesNo
Please contact ICF at ethics@coachingfederation.org for assistance.

Do you have evidence apart from words and opinions to support your allegations?

YesNo
YOU MAY FILE A COMPLAINT. Please proceed to the Ethical Complaint Form for ICF Professionals: https://coachingfederation.jotform.com/team/irb/ethical-complaint-form-for-icf-prof
In case the ICF Professional rejects or contradicts what you have said or written, the IRB will not able to make a decision because of nonexistence of evidence. Either try to find evidence or we recommend that you DO NOT FILE A COMPLAINT.
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