Coaching Terms of engagement

Coach - Luisa Edwards

This Document

1.  This document is intended to set out the Terms of Engagement (these Terms) agreed between the Client and Luisa Edwards (Luisa) and will set out key commitments and expectations as well as providing a practical framework for coaching sessions (the Sessions) between them.

What is Coaching

2.  In advance of or during her first session with the Client, Luisa will clarify the strategic purpose of coaching and how it differs from mentoring and counselling. She will also explain the theoretical basis of coaching, notably the premise that we have capability within ourselves to fulfil our expectations and how a coach aims to facilitate that through a process of active listening and reflective questioning.

3.  There are several models of coaching and will explain her approach and what this means in terms of establishing goals, progress in relation to those goals, objective setting and commitment to a timeframe.

Coaching sessions

4.  There will be a mutually agreed framework for the sessions covering logistics such as the number and duration of sessions as well as cost, timing, availability and communication boundaries.

5.  Luisa may take notes during her sessions with the Client but these would only be used for the purposes of supporting the Client.

Confidentiality and ethical standards

6.  In advance of or during her first session with the Client, Luisa will explain confidentiality obligations and parameters for coaching.  It is worth highlighting in these Terms that whatever is discussed between a coach and client will remain confidential save for very few defined exceptions. By way of example, a coach may be obliged to "breach" the confidentiality in circumstances where: i) they believe a client could cause themselves harm and/or harm others; and ii) in the event of a conflict between a coach and client and/or a coach and a third party such as the client’s employer.  In circumstances where Luisa considers that she may need to breach confidentiality, she will use all reasonable endeavours to let the Client know first.

7.  There is no sole, common industry standard for coaching.  However, t is good and accepted practice to subscribe to a code of ethics. As part of the coaching service that Luisa provides, she subscribes to the Association of Coaching Code of Ethics (linked below) (the Code).  The Code is user friendly and clearly sets out and provides guidance on key matters of ethical conduct.

8.  The Sessions are for the Client’s benefit and development, and Luisa hopes they find them a positive and enjoyable experience.  The Client should feel free at any time to raise any questions or concerns with Luisa about the conduct of the sessions and/or their direction.

Cancellation, Postponement and Termination

9.  Either Luisa or the Client is free to terminate at any time and Sessions may also be postponed or cancelled at any time, though a full charge will be payable for cancellations made by the Client with less than 24 hours’ notice.  Sessions cancelled by Luisa will not be charged.