Privacy Policies
Other Policies and Disclaimers
Statement Policy
Privacy Policies
ICF Coaching Education & Accreditation Privacy Policy
This statement is designed to inform you of the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) (“us”, “we”, or “our”) policy regarding the collection, use and disclosure of information we receive from accreditation applicants (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, CCE and AATC). By applying for ICF accreditation, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. ICF may disclose information received from accreditation applicants where ICF reasonably believes that disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with law (including court and government orders, and civil subpoenas) or to ICF’s agents and advisors so that they may provide their services to ICF, and only under strict confidentiality restrictions.
Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
Organizational Information
While applying for ICF accreditation, we collect organizational information to ensure a comprehensive and supportive experience for both participants and future coaches. This information is gathered solely for accreditation purposes and is kept strictly confidential. We do not disclose this information to any third parties unless required by law or with explicit consent from the ICF accredited provider or applicant.
Personal Information
While applying for ICF accreditation, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to maintain an uninterrupted stream of communication to provide pertinent updates regarding the ICF accreditation. Personally identifiable information may include but is not limited to (contact person’s) name, address, telephone, or any other information deemed necessary to maintain communication.
Organization Policy and Processes that Support Education Accreditation
ICF Coaching Education recognizes the impact that a provider’s operations, organization, and administration have upon any participant’s experience of quality and equity in the provider’s program. This will protect the ICF Brand as the standard of excellence in the field by having confidence that any participant enjoys quality and equity when engaged with any ICF accredited provider in and outside of the direct delivery of learning.
Curricula & Course Content:
All information submitted is strictly for the purpose of assessing a program’s viability as an ICF accredited course. All course content and curricula collected by ICF is specifically utilized to assess a program’s content and alignment with ICF standards. The information is reviewed by ICF Coaching Education staff and not shared or utilized in any other capacity. (Level 1 and Level 2 Applicants: Performance evaluation recordings that are provided by the applicant to assess the program’s output and subsequent alignment with ICF standards are reviewed by ICF contracted assessors who are bound by the ICF Code of Ethics and are not shared or utilized in any other capacity. Such applicant provided recordings become the property of ICF.)
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser or looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the web page.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) may update this Accreditation Application Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on the Site. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
This Program Application Privacy Policy and privacy practices of ICF will be subject exclusively to the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky within the United States. ICF makes no representations that this Policy and its practices comply with the laws of any other country.
Other Policies and Disclaimers
Research
This policy is intended to apply to ICF staff, the ICF Board and its executive, members of the International Coaching Federation, and academic personnel or external vendors who wish to utilize ICF resources to engage in research on any aspect of coaching.
Key Definitions
Research
Not all information about coaching can be categorized as research. ICF’s working definition of research is: Research (including evaluation) is defined as any activity that involves the collection, collation, review or evaluation of data or information for the purpose of describing, maintaining or modifying activities, practices, interventions, or treatments. Research may involve the manipulation of variables or environmental factors whereas evaluation more typically involves the review of information for the purpose of providing feedback about the function, productivity or efficacy of an activity. Evaluation includes but is not limited to activities including needs assessments, process assessment, outcome studies, impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis and meta-analysis.
Evidence-Based Practice
ICF encourages and endorses evidence-based practice (EBP) with respect to effective coaching. That is, ICF wants coaches to make solid decisions regarding the method or technique they use based on their ability to critically assess the best available, current, valid and relevant coaching evidence before applying it to day-to-day coaching practices. ICF believes combining the explicit knowledge derived from sound research, broadly defined, as above, with the more tacit or experiential knowledge of the coach practitioner is the synergistic sine qua non of effective coaching.
Policy Statement
It is ICF policy to encourage and promote research activities that enhance the professional development and standards of the worldwide coaching community. ICF strives to collaborate with organizations and individuals that promote the highest standards of research to establish a discipline of coaching studies to support and further the profession. ICF seeks to facilitate the exchange of information among researchers and practitioners studying coaching theory, methodologies, and outcomes. Equally important, ICF seeks to make this information available to practicing coaches and those interested in the coaching profession. Specifically, ICF’s goals are to:
- Increase the knowledge base concerning the art and science of coaching
- Contribute to the advancement of coaching theory and the establishment of best evidence-based practices
- Disseminate coaching research to the coach practitioner
- Establish increased credibility for coaching as a discipline through the encouragement and support of best research practices and resulting theory development in coaching practice
- Close the gap between coaching research and the practice of coaching by combining evidence-based practice with practice-based evidence
By the same token, research on coaching might be divided into two broad categories: 1) market-oriented or industry-related research on the coaching profession; and 2) research to gather evidence on coaching techniques, coaching core competencies, coaching methodologies, coaching outcomes, and coaching theories.
1) Market-Oriented or Industry-Related Research
This kind of research on the coaching profession, on coaches and on coaching organizations often makes use of evaluative techniques and surveys conducted for the following purposes:
- To track trends in the coaching profession so that ICF can best serve its membership
- To assist the Board in making decisions regarding the future policies and directions of ICF
- To provide information to member coaches on trends, coaching revenues, coaching practices, etc.
- To provide valid information to media or other parties requesting information about the coaching profession
- To facilitate ICF public relations (PR) efforts
In short, market-oriented research is the coaching profession’s way of looking at itself. ICF’s policy is to prioritize requests for information from its members and to protect them from repeated and unnecessary demands on their time and resources. Thus, the criteria for ICF participation in such surveys is the importance of the information to be gathered and the legitimacy of the researcher or organization conducting the survey balanced against the time and/or other resources demanded of members or other respondents.
2) Research to Gather Evidence on Coaching Techniques, Coaching Methodologies, Coaching Outcomes and Coaching Theories
The core purpose of ICF is to advance the art, science, and practice of professional coaching. Coaching is an applied profession, and its successful development requires a dialectic process among coaches and practitioners to develop a discipline that can support the profession, and vice-versa. It is assumed that a discipline of coaching requires a solid theoretical foundation that will strengthen the coaching profession and contribute to its ongoing development. The quality of coaching theory will be determined by a vibrant research community combined with practitioners who both utilize and contribute to research inside and beyond ICF.
Therefore, for both broad categories of research on coaching (delineated in 1 and 2 above), ICF will encourage and collaborate with researchers and organizations that are gathering evidence on any aspect of coaching, given the following limitations:
- Researchers must be aware of and adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics.
- The research must meet ethical guidelines for the treatment of human subjects such as those provided by the American Psychological Association.
- Members of ICF must be protected from undue demands on their time and resources, and any requests must be consistent with ICF priorities and policies.
- Internal or state-of-the-profession surveys may be commissioned from time-to-time by ICF.
- Research Portal will be vetted by ICF.
Spam
The ICF Member Directory and CCF are intended to be used as a tool for potential coaching clients and ICF Members to connect with other ICF Members. The Directory is not to be used to promote or market products and/or services to ICF Members.
In order to protect our affiliates privacy, ICF will immediately refer these actions to our legal counsel; ICF expressly reserves all rights to take further action against those who violate our user agreement.
FTC indicates that the CAN-SPAM Act provides that “harvesting email addresses” is a violation of the Act that can give rise to criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Harvesting email addresses via unauthorized access to and use of email addresses secured from the ICF database and using those emails addresses to issue primarily commercial messages is a violation of the CAN-SPAM Act and subjects the sender to both significant civil fines ($16,000 per email) and criminal penalties.
The qualifications of coaches listed, and the information provided is not verified by ICF in any way. Individuals utilizing this database are urged to take reasonable steps to verify the qualifications of any potential coach. By utilizing the ICF Directories, you agree to hold ICF harmless from any and all claims which may arise as a result of your using the information provided and agree to adhere to the ICF Spam Policy and any other spam regulations that may apply.
Member/coach contact information included on ICF’s website is not posted for the purpose of promoting/marketing products/services to coaches. It is primarily posted for the purpose of allowing potential clients of a coach to connect with a coach. All other email and electronic communications with members should adhere to the following principles:
- You should have a prior relationship with the person receiving your email. (Someone giving you their business card is acceptable in this regard, as it implies permission to get in contact. The same is true if someone has sent you an email.)
- A valid “from” and “reply to” address must be included with each message.
If you have a subscription list, you should send a confirmation email that the person wishes to be on the list. - There should always be a quick way to unsubscribe from any mail list.
- Any request to cease mailing from an individual or organization should be quickly honored.
- A complaint involving a breach of this policy may be considered a violation of the ICF Code of Ethics, and therefore referred to the Independent Review Board for their consideration. Should they find a breach occurred, remedies may be required. Sanctions may also be imposed such as suspending or terminating the coach’s membership and/or credential with the ICF.
Please note that spam laws and regulations above and beyond ICF’s policies may apply to commercial electronic messages sent to individuals who have elected to list their contact information on the ICF website.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
For the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.
Disclaimer of Endorsement
The International Coaching Federation (“ICF”) and each of its affiliated organization websites, as well as ICF generated materials may contain information, references to or content supplied by third parties. Information contained on those website(s) or in any written materials or content generated by ICF or the affiliated organizations referring to any specific third party (including vendors, members or other third parties) or its product(s), service(s) or process(es) or procedure(s), by trade name, trademark, service or product provider name or otherwise, does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by ICF or any of its affiliated organization’s or their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers or contractors of the referenced third party content, person(s), product(s), service(s) or process(es).
ICF and each of its affiliated organizations specifically disclaim any endorsement, approval or recommendation, either expressed or implied, of any product(s), written content or materials, service(s), process(es) or procedure(s) developed, promoted, rendered or used by any third party.
Provider, Products, and Services Disclaimer
The information or content about third parties, including their products and/or services that may be contained or referenced on the ICF or affiliated organization website(s) or in ICF or affiliated entity content/materials does not constitute the endorsement or recommendation of the same by ICF or any of its affiliated organizations. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate products, providers and services. Please consult your own professional advisor for all advice concerning medical, legal or financial matters in connection with the services needed.
ICF and each of its affiliated organizations, nor their respective officers, directors, volunteers or contractors specifically disclaim any liability or responsibility of any kind for the third party content or any information transmitted to or received by any person in connection with the person’s use of the website(s) or other ICF or affiliated organization generated content or materials. Also, references on the website(s) or in ICF or affiliated organization materials or content to any specific third party commercial product(s), process(es), information, service(s), manufacturer(s), or company(s) does not constitute endorsement or recommendation or by ICF or its affiliated organizations.
Content Disclaimer
All information provided on the ICF and its affiliated organization websites and in other ICF or affiliated organization content or materials is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract or other covenant or agreement of any kind between ICF or an affiliated organization and any person or entity unless otherwise expressly specified. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information, either isolated or in the aggregate. All information is provided “as is.” All warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, freedom from contamination by computer viruses, and non-infringement of proprietary rights, are disclaimed. Changes may be periodically made to the information; no notice is required with respect to any changes; and changes may or may not be incorporated into the website(s) or ICF generated content or materials. If you find any errors or omissions, we encourage you to report them by e-mail to ICF at icfpr@coachingfederation.org
ICF and its affiliated organizations, officers, directors, volunteers or contractors (i) are not liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information on the website(s) or other ICF developed materials/content referencing a third party’s products or services, (ii) assume no responsibility for anyone’s use of or reliance on any such information or content (iii) are not liable for any damages (of any type, for any reason, however caused, or under any theory of liability) arising in any way out of the use of the website(s) or other ICF developed content which may reference a third party’s products or services, even if advised of the possibility of that damage.
Display or Use of ICF and Affiliated Organization Name and/or Marks
No ICF Member or third party may use or display the name, acronym, logo, or any of the family of marks of the ICF and/or any affiliated organization without the prior written consent of the ICF CEO and Chief Operating Officer and the appropriate affiliated organization Vice President. Such consent shall be at the sole discretion of the ICF CEO and the COO.
Statement Policy
The International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) public statements and responses align closely with our core purpose: advancing the coaching profession and promoting its positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. Therefore our policies reflect our dedication to maintaining the integrity of the coaching profession. Under our new Organizational Advocacy Policy, ICF will take an official stance, make public-facing statements, or issue public-facing responses to world events only when those events directly affect the coaching profession.
ICF Statements on Diversity & Inclusion
ICF Statement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (2023)
The International Coaching Federation places diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront of everything we do. We commit to valuing the unique talents, insights, and experiences that every coach and client brings to the world. To that end, we have established the Global Diversity Council to oversee, support, and influence our stakeholders to reflect on our blind spots and be aware of opportunities for improvement.
ICF Statement of Diversity and Inclusion (2020)
In July 2020, the ICF Global Board of Directors approved the ICF Statement of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice. Staff and volunteer leaders from ICF’s six family organizations subsequently cosigned this statement. This statement of principles reflects a position we invite every ICF Member, Credential-holder and accredited training provider to subscribe to.
ICF Members and Credential-holders live and work in more than 140 countries and territories. ICF is a vibrant global community committed to the shared vision of making coaching an integral part of a thriving society. Our mission is to lead the global advancement of coaching. To do this, we must reflect on our blind spots and be aware of opportunities for improvement. We cannot ignore the challenges that many coaches and coaching clients face due to systemic problems in their communities.
As members of the ICF community, we ascribe to the core values of integrity, excellence, collaboration and respect. The foundation of these values is a shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging and justice.
We will place diversity, inclusion and belonging at the forefront of every decision we make within our Association. As we continue the journey toward our vision, we will recommit ourselves to valuing the unique talents, insights and experiences that every coach and client brings to the world.
Destructive Impacts of Violence
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is committed to a vision of a thriving society around the globe. We believe that coaching can help realize this vision by unlocking people’s potential and breaking down the barriers between us. When people can show up as their full selves, vulnerable and fully present, this is a gift that moves us forward and toward a more peaceful, loving and equitable society.
Violence of any kind is contrary to what ICF and coaching strive for—a thriving, healthy, cooperative human society. We condemn all acts of violence against race, religion, gender or any other aspect of diversity.
We remain committed to our statement of placing diversity, inclusion, belonging and justice at the forefront of every decision we make within our Association and calling for consistent action against violence and discrimination.