IAFEC Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards
It is imperative for students and graduates of the International Association for Financial Empowerment Coaching to adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards. These guidelines are designed to benefit our organization, you, and, importantly, the clients we serve.
Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards:
1. Inclusivity and Respect: Members must demonstrate fairness, respect, and understanding towards all, honor diversity, and not discriminate against any clients or prospective clients.
2. Professional Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.
3. Honest Representation: Be honest and transparent about qualifications, certificates, education, and credentials.
4. Ethical Advertising: Ensure all advertising and promotional material is clear, accurate, and not misleading.
5. Integrity in Client Engagement: Avoid misleading or coercive language in engaging clients. Promises made should be realistic and ethical.
6. Appropriate Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries with all clients.
7. Mission Alignment: Display and adhere to a mission statement that reflects the ethos of IAFEC.
8. Responsiveness: Promptly respond to any questions, concerns, or complaints from clients.
9. Professional Online Presence: Maintain a website that aligns with the ethical guidelines and professional standards of IAFEC.
10. No Offensive Material: Avoid displaying material that violates IAFEC's ethical standards.
11. Prohibition of Unethical Behavior: Engage in no form of unethical behavior.
12. Continual Education: Commit to ongoing education to enhance coaching effectiveness.
13. Confidentiality: Keep client records safe and confidential.
14. Approval Integrity: Display IAFEC approval badge only if it is current and maintained.
15. Program Consistency: While approval for coaching material by IAFEC is not mandatory, members must inform IAFEC of any significant changes to previously approved programs.
16. Honest Client Communication: Provide clear, honest information to clients before engagement.
17. Transparent Refund Policy: Clearly communicate refund policies before client commitment.
18. Upholding Standards: Maintain the highest level of professionalism in all coaching interactions.
19. Client-Centered Support: Offer inspiration, information, and support to facilitate client success.
20. Goal-Focused Coaching: Design coaching programs that help clients achieve their personal and financial goals.
21. Accurate Representation of IAFEC: Accurately represent IAFEC in all interactions.
22. IAFEC's Legal Role: Understand that IAFEC is not legally responsible for issues arising from individual coaching practices.
23. Effective Complaint Resolution: Address any client complaints or concerns promptly and effectively.
24. Building Positive Client Relationships: Foster positive rapport with clients.
25. Supporting Client Growth: Support clients’ learning and growth through various means.
26. Feedback and Improvement: Provide constructive and inspiring feedback to clients.
27. Demonstrating Coaching Proficiency: Exhibit effective and efficient coaching techniques.
28. Adherence to Ethical Updates: Stay updated with and adhere to any future changes in IAFEC's ethical guidelines and standards.
