Milestone in the Professionalisation of Coaching: Code of Conduct
On 19 November 2024, the five largest professional associations for coaching in the Netherlands – LVSC, NOBCO, Noloc, ICF Netherlands, and StiR – signed the ‘Professional Coaching Code of Conduct’. This represents a significant step forward in ensuring the professionalism and quality of coaching as a discipline in the Netherlands. Together, these organisations have developed this guideline to provide clarity on what professionalism entails, both for coaches and their clients.
Why a code of conduct?
The number of registered coaches in the Netherlands continues to rise, with over 100,000 entries in the Chamber of Commerce. While the popularity of coaching grows, so does the need for transparency regarding quality and reliability. Because “coaching” is free profession, there is often a lack of clarity about a coach’s professional standards. The Professional Coaching Code of Conduct offers clients a reliable framework, allowing them to confidently choose a professional coach.
Four guarantees of the code
The code is structured around four guarantees that establish a solid foundation for quality and reliability:
- Ethical code of conduct
Every affiliated coach is committed to an ethical code that ensures privacy, advocacy, and appropriate referrals when necessary. This guarantees that the client’s well-being is always prioritised. - Independent complaints procedure
Clients can turn to an independent complaints body affiliated with the relevant professional association in the event of a grievance. This provides clients with the assurance of an objective evaluation and a transparent resolution process. - Admission criteria and continuous development
Coaches affiliated with a professional association must meet strict admission criteria and invest continuously in their professional development. Ongoing education, intervision, and supervision are essential components of this commitment. - Visibility and verifiability
Coaches are listed on the website of their respective professional association, making them visible and verifiable. This allows clients to easily confirm the coach’s professional credentials.
What does this mean for you as a coach?
With a diploma from the ACC, you can join a professional association, such as LVSC or NOBCO, and commit to adhering to the code of conduct. The Professional Coaching Code of Conduct serves as both a confirmation of your expertise and a powerful tool to strengthen your position as a professional:
- Recognition of your professionalism
As a Register Coach, you demonstrate that you meet the high standards set by your professional association. - Enhanced visibility
The collaboration of five professional associations increases your visibility as a recognised professional coach. - Incorporate the code in your communication
Integrate the Code into your communication to show clients that you meet established quality standards. - Contribution to ethics and transparency
By adhering to the code, you contribute to the further professionalisation of coaching as a field, with a strong emphasis on openness, ethics, and accountability.
Building professionalism together
The Professional Coaching Code of Conduct is more than just a guideline; it is a collective commitment to quality and reliability. It is a vital tool that not only provides clients with confidence but also supports you in your professional practice. Together, we are shaping a transparent and ethical future for coaching in the Netherlands.
