Coaching agreement
Description of Coaching:
Coaching is a partnership between the Coach and the Client in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximise personal and professional potential. It is designed to facilitate the creation/development of personal and/or professional goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals.
Responsibility of the coach:
to support the client to achieve their goals
to manage the conversational process professionally
to maintain confidentiality
to work in the best interests of the client
to maintain professional credibility
to reflect on own professional practice
Responsibility of the client:
to take responsibility for identifying options and ideas for pursuing their goals
to attend coaching sessions regularly and at agreed times
to provide timely and honest feedback to coach
Length and location of coaching sessions:
Coaching sessions will last one hour and will only take place during pre-arranged coaching sessions unless explicitly agreed between the coach and client. Coaching sessions must take place in a quiet and confidential space.
Coaching Contract Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions shall govern the contract between the Coach and the Client (as defined in the signed engagement terms).
1. Coach-Client Relationship
1.1 This contract (the "Contract") encompasses these terms and conditions and the signed engagement terms.
1.2 Coach agrees to maintain the ethics and standards of behaviour established by the International Coach Federation (“ICF”) (Coachfederation.org/ethics). It is recommended that the Client review the ICF Code of Ethics and the applicable standards of behaviour.
1.3 Client is solely responsible for creating and implementing his/her own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results arising out of or resulting from the coaching relationship and his/her coaching calls and interactions with the Coach. As such, the Client agrees that the Coach is not and will not be liable or responsible for any actions or inaction, or for any direct or indirect result of any services provided by the Coach. Client understands coaching is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy if needed, and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease.
1.4 Client acknowledges that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders and that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for counselling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by legal, medical or other qualified professionals and that it is the Client’s exclusive responsibility to seek such independent professional guidance as needed. If Client is currently under the care of a mental health professional, it is recommended that the Client promptly inform the mental health care provider of the nature and extent of the coaching relationship agreed upon by the Client and the Coach.
1.5 Client acknowledges that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve different areas of his or her life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education and recreation. The Client agrees that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporate coaching principles into those areas and implementing choices is exclusively the Client’s responsibility.
1.6 Client understands that in order to enhance the coaching relationship, Client agrees to communicate honestly, be open to feedback and assistance and to create the time and energy to participate fully in the program.
2. Confidentiality
2.1 This Contract, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that the Client shares with the Coach under this Contract, is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth in the ICF Code of Ethics. However, please be aware that the Coach-Client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognised privilege. The Coach agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to the Client without the Client’s written consent. The Coach will not disclose the Client’s name as a reference without the Client’s consent.
2.2 Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) was in the Coach’s possession prior to its being furnished by the Client; (b) is generally known to the public or in the Client’s industry; (c) is obtained by the Coach from a third party, without breach of any obligation to the Client; (d) is independently developed by the Coach without use of or reference to the Client’s confidential information; (e) the Coach is required by law to disclose; (f) is disclosed to the Coach and as a result of such disclosure the Coach reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to the Client or others; and (g) involves illegal activity. The Client also acknowledges his or her continuing obligation to raise any confidentiality questions or concerns with the Coach in a timely manner.
3. Release of Information
3.1 The Coach engages in training and continuing education pursuing and/or maintaining the credentials of relevant coaching organisations. That process requires the names and contact information of all Clients for possible verification by such organisations. The Client agrees to have only his/her name, contact information and start and end dates of coaching shared with such organisations for the sole purpose of verifying the coaching relationship; no personal notes will be shared. According to the ethics of the coaching profession, topics may be anonymously and hypothetically shared with other coaching professionals for training, supervision, mentoring, evaluation, and for coach professional development and/or consultation purposes.
4. Retention of Records
4.1 The Client acknowledges that the Coach has disclosed his/her record retention policy with respect to documents, information and data acquired or shared during the term of the Coach-Client relationship. Such records will be maintained by the Coach in a format of the Coach’s choice (print or digital/electronic) for a period of not less than 12 months.
5. Cancellation Policy / Termination
5.1 It is the Client's responsibility to notify the Coach 24 hours in advance if the Client is unable to attend a scheduled call/meeting. The Coach reserves the right to invoice the Client 50% of the fee for a missed call/meeting where less than 24 hours’ notice is given. The Coach will attempt in good faith to reschedule the missed call/meeting.
5.2 Either party may terminate this Contract at any time on written notice. Client agrees to compensate the Coach for all coaching services rendered through and including the effective date of termination of the coaching relationship.
6. Limited Liability
6.1 Except as expressly provided in this Contract, the Coach makes no guarantees, representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied with respect to the coaching services negotiated, agreed upon and rendered. In no event shall the Coach be liable to the Client for any indirect, consequential or special damages. Notwithstanding any damages that the Client may incur, the Coach’s entire liability under this Contract, and the Client’s exclusive remedy, shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the Client to the Coach under this Contract for all coaching services rendered through and including the termination date.
7. General
7.1 These terms and conditions and the engagement terms reflect the entire agreement between the Coach and the Client and supersede all prior written or oral agreements or representations.
7.2 If any provision of this Contract shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable.
7.3 The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Contract shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Contract.
7.4 This Contract may only be varied by signed agreement of the parties.
7.5 This Contact shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in relation to this Contract shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.