NFCC Coaching and Mentoring Ethical Code

The National Fire Chiefs Council is providing this ethical framework to provide clarity and understanding for all. This code identifies the ethical framework against which it is recommended that all coaching and mentoring activities could be delivered.

This document also provides information on what to expect for people undertaking coaching and mentoring, and is designed to enable Coachees and Mentees to understand what they can expect of their Coach or Mentor. This document also outlines the professional standards which must be in place whilst undertaking coaching and / or mentoring.

This ethical framework is adapted from the 2nd version of the Global Code (issued 1 May 2018), bringing together the contributions of five leading coaching and mentoring membership bodies from within the UK, EU and beyond.

The Ethical Guidelines contained in this document help clarify the high standards essential to successful and professional relationships involved in coaching, mentoring and supervision. It is important that there be clear standards and professional assurance in place for all parties, including Coachees (those being coached).

The document summarises the professional standards, ethical framework and supervision requirements for a professional coaching or mentoring relationship. The framework also outlines what one should do if the ethical framework is not upheld at any time.

These Guidelines set out the principles, standards and ethics that guide the coaching and mentoring relationships. NFCC members accept these as part of any coaching or mentoring agreement, and would be expected to inform the NFCC if there is any part or parts of the Guidelines with which they could not agree and which they could not practice. Failure to uphold these standards may be reported for investigation under the Complaints Procedure.

Whatever the arrangements are with a Coachee / Mentee (individual) or sponsoring organisation, this code and the Ethical Guidelines must be brought to their attention to ensure everyone is aware and signed up to the principles within.

Everyone shall demonstrate the values and behaviours outlined by the NFCC Leadership Framework, and any aligned professional standards within individual fire and rescue organisations. Coaches / Mentors and supervisors are expected to uphold the values and behaviours outlined in the following sections.

• The NFCC Leadership framework is available to download

• Value, respect and promote equality and diversity.
• Being a positive presence on others.
• Having personal integrity.
• Ability to self-manage.
• Use leadership to create a positive, open working environment.
• Demonstrates ethics and supports wellbeing.

• Support people to develop to their full potential.
• Communicating with integrity.
• Being open and honest.
• Fostering trust.
• Displaying leadership.
• Enabling high levels of performance.

• Development of individuals to enable delivery of organisational plans.
• Ensuring decisions and actions are beneficial to the customer.
• Continuously improve and innovate.
• Support personal change.

• Delivering high-quality services.
• Enabling intelligent problem-solving.
• Deploying an outcome focused approach.
• Supporting and enabling continuous improvement.
• Focusing on value for money.

The Coach / Mentor will:

1. Ensure their experience and knowledge is appropriate and sufficient to meet the needs of the Coachee / Mentee.
2. Ensure their capability enables them to operate in line with this Ethical Code and any associated standards.
3. Develop and enhance competence by participating in relevant training, supervision, and continuing professional development.
4. Maintain a relationship with a suitably qualified supervisor, who will regularly assess competence and support development.

The Coach / Mentor will:

1. Understand and ensure the coaching / mentoring relationship reflects the context within which the coach / mentoring is taking place.
2. Ensure expectations of the Coachee / Mentee and sponsor are understood, and that they themselves understand how those expectations are to be met.
3. Create an environment in which Coachee / Mentee, Coach / Mentor and sponsor are focused on development and learning.

The Coach / Mentor will:

1. Operate within the limits of their competence at all times, recognise where their competence may be exceeded and where it is necessary to refer to a more experienced coach/mentor, or support them in seeking the help of another professional, such as a counsellor, psychotherapist or other professional. We would recommend the individual seek support through their GP, Occupational Health department, etc.
2. Be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest; either professional, commercial or of an emotional nature. Deal with them quickly and effectively to ensure there is no detriment to the Coachee / Mentee or sponsor.

The Coach / Mentor will:

1. Maintain confidentiality which is appropriate and is agreed at the start of the relationship.
2. Disclose only information explicitly agreed with the Coachee / Mentee and sponsor (where one exists), unless the Coach / Mentor believes there is convincing evidence of serious danger to the individual, organisation, or others if the information is withheld.
3. Act within the law at all times and do not ignore, encourage, assist, or collude with others engaged in conduct, which is dishonest, unlawful, unprofessional, or discriminatory.

The Coach / Mentor will:

1. Respond to the individual’s learning and development needs as defined by the agenda brought to the coach/mentoring relationship.
2. Never exploit a Coachee / Mentee in any manner, including, but not limited to, financial, sexual or those which matters within the professional relationship. The Coach / Mentor must ensure the duration of the contract is only as long as is necessary.
3. Engage in self-care: that is, to look after oneself physically, emotionally, mentally, and motivationally so everyone receives a great service.
4. Understand professional responsibilities continue beyond the termination of any coaching / mentoring relationship. These include the following:

• Maintenance of confidentiality.
• Avoidance of exploitation of former relationship.
• Provision of follow-up, which has been agreed to.
• Safe and secure maintenance of all related records and data.

The Ethical Guidelines contained in this document are indicators of professionalism and the high standards required to enable a successful coaching and/or mentoring relationship. The NFCC wants the safest and most effective conditions for those being coached, the clearest and most transparent understanding with fire and rescue organisations who commission Coaching, Mentoring and/or Supervision, and the highest professional standards for all Coaches / Mentors and supervisors.