Standards, Ethics and Best Practices
The Emotional Health Coach Academy, referred to from here on as EHCA, is a training provider for Emotional Health Coaches. Membership is automatically granted for all current, qualified and practising Emotional Health Coach members trained in the Anxiety Breakthrough Formula.

Membership Criteria
​(A) Professional Standards
All EHCA Members have undergone the Anxiety Breakthrough Formula training and reached a standard of proficiency and experience before they are eligible to practise as Anxiety Breakthrough Coaches. This is based around two main areas of competence:

They have successfully completed and passed the Emotional Health Coach Academy Training and Assessment.
They have undergone a specified amount of personalised training and experience within the initial training period.

(B) Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
All EHCA Members are committed to Continuing Professional Development. CPD is about continuing to train and study in applied psychology, mental and emotional health and updating skills and techniques that are already learned. This means that each Member attends a number of advanced training workshops and seminars every year. There is a minimum standard of CPD that must be achieved each year. The standard is set and reviewed annually by the EHCA.

(C) Supervision: Personal and Professional Support
Supervision is mandatory for all EHCA Members. The term 'Supervision' refers to having a professional relationship with someone trained and experienced in applied psychology, mental and emotional health where, working together, you can ensure that you are providing the very best care for your clients.

This involves regular meetings where the coach would discuss issues or difficulties with their clients, their personal life, or a combination of the two.

The EHCA model is broken down into two separate strands: Personal Support and Professional Support. Every EHCA Member is encouraged to get their supervision (which is a condition of Membership) from experienced EHCA Members who are trained in this area. These Members are indicated within the academy directory, obtainable by emailing hello@emotionalhealthcoachacademy.com or visiting emotionalhealthcoachacademy.com.

(D) Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS Checks)
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks — 'DBS Checks' — are available to certain individuals who work directly with either children or other vulnerable people. It is a condition of Membership that all UK-based EHCA Members who work with either children or other vulnerable people hold a current DBS check.
For more information see www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Introduction
The Code of Ethics and Conduct consists of guidelines rather than enforceable rules. The reason for this is that, as stated by the British Psychological Society, "thinking is not optional" (Ethics Committee of the British Psychological Society, 2009, p. 5). In coming to a decision about undertaking a particular course of action, you are expected to consider the impact of that action within its particular context, using the ethical code as guidance. We recognise that different individuals, situations and contexts may require contrasting courses of action and we want our members to be making informed and considered decisions, rather than indiscriminately following a set of rules.

It should also be noted that the code is not all encompassing. It cannot provide a definitive solution to every possible ethical dilemma that those working within the coaching profession may face.

In writing the guidelines, the ethical codes of the British Psychological Society, the American Psychological Association and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy were consulted.

Our Code of Ethics and Conduct is based around three main principles:

Respect
Responsibility
Honesty

A value statement describes each ethical principle. A set of general practice guidelines is then provided, based upon these three principles. These guidelines detail the conduct and standard of care expected of our members.

Ethical Principles
1. Respect
Value Statement: EHCA Coaches should uphold the importance of the dignity and worth of all individuals and their rights to privacy, confidentiality and self-determination.

2. Responsibility
Value Statement: EHCA Coaches should strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. They should value their responsibilities towards their clients, the general public, and the organisation. When conflicts arise in the course of their professional interactions, they should endeavour to resolve these conflicts in a responsible manner, referring to the Ethical Code for guidance. EHCA Coaches should also be committed to maintaining high standards of competence. In relation to this, they should regularly complete ongoing training and recognise and practise within the limits of their current capabilities.

3. Honesty
Value Statement: EHCA Coaches should endorse the values of truthfulness, accuracy and clarity within their professional interactions. They should seek to make any commitments clear and reasonable and endeavour to uphold these commitments.

General Guidelines
1. The Promotion of Equality
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Be aware of and respect individual, cultural, social and role differences, including but not limited to those based upon age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
b) Avoid practices that are discriminatory, unfair or prejudiced.

2. The Promotion of Clients' Autonomy and Informed Consent
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Endeavour to promote self-determination in clients, whilst realising that there may be limits imposed upon this by clients' personal characteristics, mental state, or circumstances.
In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should:
i) Seek to involve clients in decisions about the programme undertaken and endeavour to reach a mutual agreement surrounding the process.
ii) Keep clients informed of the progress being made, unless there is good reason not to do so.
iii) Ensure that clients are aware of their right to withdraw from professional services at any point.
b) Do their utmost to ensure that all clients (especially vulnerable adults and children) understand the nature, purpose, and potential outcomes of undertaking the programme.
In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should ensure that they:
i) Make clients aware of the costs and likely duration of any professional services offered.
ii) Explain to clients the role that they will be required to play within the programme prior to beginning any work together.
c) Endeavour to obtain informed consent from all clients and keep adequate records of this consent. A written contract or agreement should be drawn up with all clients.
d) When working with children under the age of 16, consent should additionally be obtained from a parent or guardian.
e) Where it is impossible to obtain informed consent from a client (such as in the case of very young children or those who lack the intellectual capacity to truly consent), consent should be obtained from parents, guardians, family members, or authorised representatives.

3. Standards of Privacy and Confidentiality
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Keep appropriate records.
b) Store confidential information in a manner that is secure.
c) Respect all individuals' rights to privacy and confidentiality. In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should avoid publishing or declaring any information relating to any client or ex-client in a form that is likely to identify that person, except with the informed consent of that individual, unless there is good reason to do so.
d) Understand that there are potentially limitations to confidentiality, including:
i) Conflicting legal or ethical obligations, such as information revealed by a client that contravenes the Child Protection Act, the Drug Trafficking Act, or the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
ii) The potential need to consult with colleagues about a client in order to enhance the professional services being offered. In this case, anonymity should be maintained wherever possible.
e) Endeavour to restrict breaches of confidentiality to health, welfare and safety concerns.
f) Ensure that clients are aware of the possible limits of confidentiality.
g) Obtain informed consent to breach confidentiality, unless there are good reasons not to do so, for example in the cases described in 3.d.i.
h) Obtain informed consent to make any audio or video recordings of clients.

4. Beneficence (a commitment to promoting wellbeing)
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Act in the best interests of their clients, striving to promote their wellbeing at all times.
b) Endeavour to work with clients in a manner that is likely to assist them in the quickest, easiest and most effective way, taking into account the clients' goals, capabilities and expectations.
c) Do all that they reasonably can to help a client, without putting themselves or others at risk.

5. Non-maleficence (a commitment to avoiding harm)
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Avoid or minimise harm to clients.
b) Avoid taking on clients if they do not reasonably believe that they can assist them, or believe that the programme could be detrimental. In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should:
i) Explain, in an appropriate manner, why they believe that they are unable to be of assistance.
ii) Refer these individuals to another source of assistance, such as their General Practitioner.
c) Maintain close communication with their supervisor in cases where they reasonably believe that they can be of assistance to an individual, but that there may be significant potential risks associated with this (such as in the case of clients with a history of psychosis or suicidal ideation). In such cases, it may be necessary to consult and cooperate with other professionals. It may also be appropriate to request that such clients ask their GP to give written agreement to their undertaking the programme.
d) Refer on to another reputable coach, at the earliest possible moment consistent with the good care of the client, any client for whom they are not able to provide appropriate support.
e) Ensure that the termination of a professional relationship is managed safely, with follow-up or support opportunities presented.
f) Ensure that they hold an up to date DBS check when working with vulnerable people.
g) Where clients have diagnosed physical conditions that may potentially present problems during a course of psychological work (such as diabetes or epilepsy), ensure that there is a plan in place for dealing with any medical emergencies.
h) Maintain personal boundaries, including:
i) Keeping appropriate professional distance from clients.
ii) Avoiding any type of harassment.
iii) Avoiding exploitation and conflicts of interest. In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should:
— Be aware of conflicts that may occur from multiple relationships, such as seeing those with whom they already have a personal relationship for professional services.
— Refrain from abusing professional relationships for their own interests.
— Be aware that power imbalances in the relationship with former clients may remain even after the professional relationship has been terminated.
j) Work within the law.
k) Avoid bringing the EHCA into disrepute. This includes but is not limited to:
i) Never using their association with the EHCA as any form of accreditation for any commercial activity other than the establishment of a bona fide private practice in applied psychology and emotional health.
ii) Never using association with the EHCA as any form of accreditation for the teaching of psychotherapeutic techniques, unless all details of such teaching have been submitted to and approved by the EHCA.
l) Maintain professional indemnity insurance (minimum £2,000,000 cover for UK-based coaches) and only conduct a private practice upon receipt of clear evidence that they are covered by such a policy.

6. Standards of Competence
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Recognise the limits to their competence and operate within these limits. In relation to this, EHCA Coaches should:
i) Be aware of the potential effects of their own physical and mental health on their ability to help others.
ii) Seek to develop self-awareness, including insights into their own personality and an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.
b) Keep abreast of current knowledge and best practices and engage in continuing professional development.
c) Engage in professional supervision and personal support. In relation to this:
i) Professional supervision relates to EHCA Coaches engaging in a professional relationship with an experienced EHCA Coach, with whom consultation aims to provide discussion and advice on working with clients as well as addressing any problems or concerns arising in relation to their professional interactions.
ii) Personal support relates to EHCA Coaches engaging in a professional relationship with an experienced EHCA Coach, with the purpose of addressing self-development and any personal matters that could impact upon their ability to help others.
d) Have an awareness of ethics and a familiarity with this Code of Ethics and Conduct.
e) Promote this Code of Ethics and Conduct and integrate it within their professional work.
f) Attempt to resolve ethical dilemmas in accordance with this code and be able to justify their ethical decision making.

7. The Promotion of Clarity and Integrity
EHCA Coaches should:
a) Be honest as to their level of competence.
b) Be willing to explain the reasoning behind their decisions relating to ethics and practice.
c) Avoid deception, misrepresentation and withholding information, other than in exceptional circumstances.
d) In respect of their advertising and promotional material:
i) Adhere to the rules laid down by the Committee of Advertising Practice.
ii) Ensure that they do not make any false or misleading claims about their experience, success rates or qualifications.
iii) Ensure that they do not copy or plagiarise any promotional material without express prior permission.
e) Ensure that all testimonials are genuine and:
i) Used with the client's prior consent and permission.
ii) Not taken out of context or edited in any way that gives a misleading impression.
iii) Not obtained through coercion at the end of the programme.
f) Address ethical misconduct and make it known if they believe that any other member is acting against the ethical guidelines.

Complaints Procedure

Making a Complaint
A complaint may be brought by any member of the public who is using the services of an EHCA Member, or by an EHCA Member in respect of another Member.

The complaint should be made in writing to hello@emotionalhealthcoachacademy.com and marked for the attention of the Complaints and Discipline Officer.

The Complaints and Discipline Officer will acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing within 14 days and will endeavour to investigate and resolve the matter within 28 days, confirming the outcome in writing to the complainant.
In the unlikely event that the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, they have 28 days in which to ask for the complaint to be referred to the Complaints and Disciplinary Committee of the EHCA.

The Complaints and Disciplinary Committee will review all information relating to the complaint. Potential outcomes include a decision to undertake further investigation, a meeting with the complainant and/or coach in person, or a formal hearing.

Complaints Committee
The Committee will be made up of three Members of the EHCA and a professional who is external to the organisation, thereby enabling the Committee to have an independent and impartial element. The external committee member will be a professional such as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, or professional of similar standing.

The inclusion of an external professional reflects EHCA's commitment to independent and impartial oversight. It does not imply that EHCA provides clinical, therapeutic, or medical services. The Emotional Health Coach Academy provides psychoeducation, coaching education and personal development training only.

Standards for Handling Complaints and Disciplinary Matters
All decisions and investigations will be conducted in a manner which shows due regard for the gravity of the situation and respects both parties' rights to confidentiality. All enquiries and interviews shall be fully documented and all material, including notes, messages, and audio and video recordings, shall be preserved and held on file.

This procedure does not take precedence over criminal investigations or child protection investigations. In situations where the seriousness of the complaint has warranted those processes to be initiated, this procedure will be placed on hold until after their conclusion.

All decisions will be recorded in writing and held on file. Throughout the second stage of the complaints process, both the complainant and the coach must be informed of their right to have a friend present.

The Emotional Health Coach Academy 2018-2026

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