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CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics is for facilitators of the Design for… programmes. The Code describes the core values, ethical principles and ethical standards of behaviour. Facilitators hold themselves accountable to this Code of Ethics, and Clients are welcome to raise specific parts of the Code with their Facilitator if the Facilitator is not meeting the standard in the Code.

1. INTRODUCTION

This Code of Ethics describes:

  • bullet point checkmarkThe core values of the Design for… programmes.
  • The ethical principles and ethical standards of behaviour for all programme facilitators.

Why have a Code of Ethics?

Being professional in service to my Clients is important to me.

Accreditations and professional bodies exist to set professional standards. I am not an accredited coach or a licensed counsellor, and I am not part of a professional body. There is no professional body for facilitators of the Design for… programmes.

Having my own Code of Ethics means that I can be clear and transparent about the standards I am holding myself to.

Having and accepting a Code of Ethics means that I strive to be ethical. Even when being ethical involves making difficult decisions or acting courageously.

The aim of this Code is to: 

  • bullet point checkmarkBe clear and transparent about the standards I hold myself to
  • Hold other programme facilitators who deliver the programme to these standards
  • Guide ethical reflection, continuous learning, and decision-making for myself and other programme facilitators

This code applies when programme facilitators represent themselves as facilitators of the Design for… programmes.
This is regardless of whether they have started delivering a Design for… programme or not.

2. USE OF THE CODE

A Code of Ethics helps people to make decisions. This Code is used to:

  • bullet point checkmarkGive responses to unexpected issues.
  • Resolve a dilemma.
  • Solve a problem.

The Code can be useful to:

  • bullet point checkmarkIdentify the variety of ethical factors that may need to be considered.
  • Define and explore alternative ways of approaching ethical behaviour.
  • Select the appropriate behaviour from the alternative options.

3. KEY DEFINITIONS

  • “Client”—the individual receiving the Design for… programme.
  • “Working Relationship”—a relationship between a Design for… programme facilitator and a Client. Begins when I Client makes the first payment for the programme.
  • “Code”— This code of ethics.
  • “Confidentiality”—protection of any information obtained from a Client or prospective Client unless consent to release is given.
  • “Conflict of Interest”—a situation in which a programme facilitator is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.
  • “Equality”—a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human difference.
  • “Systemic equality”—gender equality, race equality and other forms of equality that are institutionalised in the ethics, core values, policies, structures, and cultures of communities, organisations, nations and society.

4. CORE VALUES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

  • bullet point checkmarkAll actions or behaviours begin with values.
  • This Code of Ethics exists because of the Design for… Core Values: Service, Mastery, Insightfulness, Strength and Unity.
  • All values are equally important and complement each other.
  • This Code of Ethics is one of the ways that the Core Values drive actions and behaviours.

5. ETHICAL STANDARDS

The following ethical standards are for Design for… programme facilitators:

Section I – Responsibility to Clients

Design for… programme facilitators will:

1. Explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, Client(s) understand the nature and potential value of the programme, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the working agreement.

2. Create an agreement/contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with Client(s) prior to the commencement of services.

3. Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed upon. Be aware of and agree to comply with all applicable laws that pertain to personal data and communications.

4. Have a clear understanding about how information is exchanged among all parties involved during all programme interactions.

5. Have a clear understanding with both Clients and Sponsors or interested parties about the conditions under which information will not be kept confidential (e.g., illegal activity, if required by law, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others; etc.). Where I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I may need to inform appropriate authorities.

6. Maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy and complies with any applicable laws and agreements. Furthermore, I seek to make proper use of emerging and growing technological developments that are being used and be aware how various ethical standards apply to them.

7. Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the working relationship. If so, make a change in the relationship or encourage the Client(s) to seek another professional or use a different resource.

8. Respect all parties’ right to terminate the working relationship at any point for any reason during the programme subject to the provisions of the agreement.

9. Am sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) at the same time in order to avoid conflict of interest situations.

10. Am aware of and actively manage any power or status difference between the Client and me that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological or contextual issues.

11. Disclose to my Clients the potential receipt of compensation, and other benefits I may receive for referring my Clients to third parties.

12. Assure consistent quality of programme provision regardless of the amount or form of agreed compensation in any relationship.

Section II – Responsibility to Performance

As a Design for… programme facilitator, I:

13. Adhere to the Design for… Code of Ethics in all my interactions. When I become aware of a possible breach of the Code by myself, I respectfully raise the matter with those involved.

14. Commit to excellence through continued personal, professional and ethical development.

15. Recognise my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair, conflict with or interfere with my ability to deliver the Design for… Programme. I will reach out for support to determine the action to be taken and, if necessary, promptly seek relevant professional guidance.

16. Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance (e.g. a mediator), or suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.

Section III – Responsibility to Professionalism

As a Design for… programme facilitator, I:

17. Identify accurately the qualifications, expertise, experience, and training that make me able to deliver the Design for… programme..

18. Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer and the potential value of the Design for… Programme.

19. Communicate and create awareness with those who need to be informed of the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.

20. Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or otherwise.

21. Do not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s). I will be ever mindful of the level of intimacy appropriate for the professional relationship. I take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the engagement.

Section IV – Responsibility to Society

I:

22. Avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability or military status.

23. Am aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the philosophy of “doing good,” versus “avoiding bad.”