Global Association for Mentoring & Coaching

Code of Ethics

1. Introduction

The Global Association for Mentoring & Coaching (GAMC) Code of Ethics describes the core values, ethical principles, and professional standards of behaviour for all GAMC Professionals. Meeting these ethical standards is fundamental to mentoring and coaching competencies. This Code upholds the integrity of GAMC and the global mentoring and coaching profession by:

• Setting standards of conduct consistent with GAMC Core Values and ethical principles.
• Guiding ethical reflection, education, and decision-making.
• Adjudicating and preserving GAMC professional standards through the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process.
• Providing the foundation for ethics training in GAMC-accredited programs.

The GAMC Code of Ethics applies whenever GAMC Professionals represent themselves as such in any mentoring- or coaching-related interaction, regardless of whether a formal mentoring or coaching relationship has been established.


2. Key Definitions

• AI-Enhanced Coaching/Mentoring: Coaching/Mentoring processes supported by artificial intelligence tools to enhance outcomes.
• Client: The individual, team, or group receiving mentoring, coaching, supervision, or training.
• Coaching/Mentoring: Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
• Coaching/Mentoring Relationship: A professional agreement between a GAMC Professional and Client(s)/Sponsor(s) that defines responsibilities and expectations.
• Code: The GAMC Code of Ethics.
• Confidentiality: Protection of all information obtained during mentoring or coaching, unless consent for disclosure is given.
• Conflict of Interest: A situation where a GAMC Professional’s personal, financial, or professional interests could impair judgment.
• Equality: Ensuring all individuals have access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their background.
• GAMC Professional: An individual representing themselves as a GAMC Member or Credential-holder, including Coaches, Coach Supervisors, Mentor Coaches, Coach Trainers, and Coaching/Mentoring Students.
• GAMC Staff: Support personnel contracted for professional management and administrative services on behalf of GAMC.
• Internal Coach: A professional employed within an organization who coaches employees as part of their role.
• Sponsor: An entity that arranges or funds mentoring or coaching services.
• Support Personnel: Individuals assisting GAMC Professionals in client services.
• Sustainability: Mentoring and coaching practices that promote environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
• Systemic Equality: Institutionalized fairness across organizations, communities, and societies.
  

3. GAMC Core Values and Ethical Principles

The GAMC Code of Ethics is grounded in:

• Intercultural Competence: Sensitivity to cultural differences in coaching and mentoring.
• Sustainability & Social Responsibility: Commitment to long-term positive impacts on society and the environment.
• Accessibility: Ensuring inclusivity in professional practices through clear communication and diverse formats.

4. Ethical Standards

Section I: Responsibility to Clients

As a GAMC Professional, I:

• Ensure that clients and sponsors understand the nature, value, and confidentiality aspects of coaching/mentoring before engagement.
• Establish clear agreements regarding roles, responsibilities, and rights before services commence.
• Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and comply with data protection laws.
• Clearly define how information is exchanged and under what conditions confidentiality may be broken (e.g., legal requirements or risk of harm).
• Ensure clients understand the benefits, limitations, and potential risks of AI-enhanced coaching/mentoring tools.
• Respect cultural differences and adapt approaches accordingly.
• Promote client autonomy and avoid creating dependencies.
• Uphold digital security standards in virtual coaching/mentoring environments.
• Address conflicts of interest transparently and ethically.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and confidentiality in compliance with legal and professional standards.
• Regularly assess the value of the coaching/mentoring relationship and adjust accordingly. 
• Allow clients and sponsors the right to terminate the relationship at any time.

Section II: Responsibility to Practice and Performance

As a GAMC Professional, I:

• Commit to ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical standards.
• Seek guidance when personal circumstances impair professional performance.
• Resolve conflicts of interest proactively and transparently.
• Maintain the privacy of GAMC members and contacts.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and their ethical implications.
• Prioritize self-care and mental well-being to ensure high-quality services.
• Refer clients to qualified professionals when mental health concerns arise.
• Avoid dual relationships that may create conflicts of interest.
• Integrate sustainable practices, such as virtual coaching/mentoring, to minimize ecological impact.

Section III: Responsibility to Professionalism

As a GAMC Professional, I:

• Accurately represent my qualifications, experience, and credentials.
• Communicate honestly about the coaching/mentoring profession and its benefits.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Avoid romantic or sexual relationships with clients or sponsors.
• Respect and acknowledge intellectual property rights.
• Engage in continuous ethics and bias awareness training.

Section IV: Responsibility to Society

As a GAMC Professional, I:

• Maintain fairness, equality, and inclusion in all professional activities.
• Promote sustainable mentoring and coaching practices.
• Ensure transparency and integrity in research, adhering to scientific and ethical guidelines.
• Leverage virtual methods where appropriate to reduce environmental impact.
• Engage in initiatives that support social justice and equitable access to coaching/mentoring.
• Recognize and credit the intellectual contributions of others.

5. Ethics in Research

As a GAMC Professional conducting research, I:

• Follow ethical guidelines and scientific standards.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in research findings.
• Obtain informed consent before using client data in research.
• Securely manage research-related client data.
• Consider ethical implications in cross-border research.
  
  

6. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

As a GAMC Professional, I:

• Commit to regular updates of the Code of Ethics to reflect industry advancements.
• Provide accessible mechanisms for reporting ethical concerns.
• Address ethical violations promptly and ensure accountability.
• Foster a culture of feedback to enhance ethical practices.

7. The Pledge of Ethics of the GAMC Professional

As a GAMC Professional, I pledge to uphold the ethical and legal obligations outlined in this Code. I acknowledge that any breach may result in consequences determined by GAMC, including additional training, loss of credentials, or membership revocation.

Adopted by the GAMC Board of Directors, December 2024.