Concerns & Ethical Support
Guidance for individuals who have a concern about a coach, a volunteer or representative of a coaching body, or a coaching body itself.
The Coaching Ethics Forum (CEF) does not investigate complaints, act as an accrediting authority, or represent any coaching organisation. Our role is to offer clarity and help you locate the appropriate pathways for support.
1. Concerns About a Coach
If your concern relates to the conduct or practice of an individual coach, please refer to the complaint or ethics process of the professional body they are accredited or affiliated with. Below are links to complaint portals for major coaching bodies (subject to availability):
International Coaching Federation (ICF): https://coachingfederation.org/coaching-ethics/complaints
EMCC Global: https://www.emccglobal.org//leadership-development/complaints
Association for Coaching (AC): https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/Complaints
Other coaching bodies: Please refer to their official website for complaints procedures.
2. Concerns About a Volunteer or Representative of a Coaching Body
If your concern relates to a person acting in an official or volunteer capacity for a coaching body, the appropriate route is usually that organisation’s ethics or governance complaint process. Use the links above or refer to the organisation’s governance or standards page.
3. Concerns About a Coaching Body Itself
If your concern relates to the behaviour, governance, conduct, or decision-making of a coaching body, you should use that organisation’s published governance complaint route or independent oversight mechanism, where available. Not all coaching bodies have clear governance complaint pathways. If no formal process exists, you may consider seeking external professional or legal advice, depending on your jurisdiction.
4. Important Note
This document is intended as a guidance resource only. CEF does not arbitrate disputes, investigate complaints, or intervene in matters relating to coaching bodies or practitioners. Our role is to support clarity and transparency within the profession.
5. Concerns About the Coaching Ethics Forum (CEF)
CEF is an independent, non-accrediting organisation.
Concerns relating to the Coaching Ethics Forum are handled through the Ethics Forum International Ethical Accountability Pathways.
Raise a Concern via Ethics Forum International
All concerns are reviewed in line with these pathways, ensuring appropriate handling, reflection, and confidentiality.
Concerns relating to the Founder’s leadership or conduct are directed for independent consideration through the Ethics Advisory Council.