Independent Review Board

At the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ethics matter. That’s why we have the Independent Review Board (IRB), which plays an integral role in how we uphold professional standards in coaching.

The IRB exists to protect the integrity of coaching. Through fairness, education, and accountability, it helps ensure that coaching remains a trusted and respected profession around the world.

What Does the IRB Do?

The IRB ensures that ICF Code of Ethics isn’t just a document but are living standards that guide the professional conduct of our global community of coaches.

To ensure compliance, the IRB is responsible for reviewing and addressing formal complaints about alleged unethical behavior by any ICF member and/or credential-holder — whether they’re acting as a coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, coach educator, student, or in some other professional role. This is done through a peer-review process called the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR).

While the IRB is part of ICF, it operates as an independent decision-making body. That means its decisions are made without oversight from the ICF Global Board or any other group within ICF — ensuring fairness, integrity, and consistency in every case.

But the IRB isn’t just about investigating complaints. It also plays a proactive role in promoting ethical behavior and helps coaches better understand how to apply ethical standards in real-world situations. One example of this is the IRB’s development of tools like the Insights and Considerations for Ethics (ICE), which offer guidance on applying the Code of Ethics in complex situations.

What Is the Purpose of the IRB?

The IRB isn’t about punishment. Its primary aim is to educate, support, and elevate the ethical maturity of the coaching profession. Of course, serious cases are handled with appropriate care and consequence, but its overall approach focuses on learning and growth — for individuals and the profession as a whole.

Who Serves on the IRB and How Are They Selected?

Individuals who serve on the IRB are consummate coaching professionals who:

• Have been ICF members in good standing for at least three years. Maintaining current membership is a requirement of participation in the IRB.
• Reflect the spirit and integrity of the coaching profession.
• Are dedicated and passionate about advancing the ethical maturity of coaches and the coaching profession.

The IRB Chair determines eligibility to serve based on factors such as coaching experience, ethics interest and experience, geographic and cultural diversity, spoken languages, and IRB need. Final appointments are made by the ICF Global Board Chair based on recommendations from the IRB Chair.

Although individuals serving on or liaising with the IRB may include ICF volunteer leaders, staff, or legal counsel—and are officially appointed by the ICF Global Board—these affiliations do not influence or compromise the IRB’s independent decision-making in ECR cases.

The IRB is not currently seeking new members or accepting applications.