ICF’s updated Code of Ethics adds standards on AI tools and multiple professional roles

The International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) revised Code of Ethics took effect on 1 April 2025. It adds a standard on coaches’ ethical and legal obligations when using technology, including artificial intelligence, and requires coaches to disclose when they act in a role other than coach.

What happened

The 2025 code replaces the previous introduction with a Purpose section, includes the ICF Core Values and Ethical Principles in full, and adds commitments for everyone in the ICF ecosystem, including people who are not members or credential holders. The standards are reorganised into five sections, and an appendix adds definitions and a glossary.

Standard 2.5 commits ICF professionals to meet their ethical and legal obligations to clients, sponsors, colleagues and the public "directly and through any technology systems I may utilize (i.e. technology-assisted coaching tools, databases, platforms, software, and artificial intelligence)."

Standard 3.7 recognises that ICF professionals often hold other roles, such as mentor, therapist, HR specialist or assessor, and makes it their responsibility to tell the client when they are acting in a capacity other than that of an ICF professional.

The appendix defines artificial intelligence as "any algorithm or machine-based technology that enables computers and other digital devices to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving skills." ICF has separately published an AI Coaching Framework and Standards for AI-driven coaching tools.

Why it matters

Many coaches also work as HR professionals, trainers or therapists. The disclosure standard asks them to make clear which role they are in, which bears directly on scope and on when a client should be referred elsewhere.

Standard 2.5 does not prohibit AI tools. It makes coaches answerable for their ethical and legal obligations when they use them. The code binds ICF members and credential holders. It is a professional body’s standard, not a law, and it does not license anyone to practise coaching or any other profession.

Sources

• International Coaching FederationICF Code of Ethics
• International Coaching Federation2025 ICF Code of Ethics: key updates every coach should know