Ethical practice

Last reviewed: 4 October 2026

TACT adopts the ethical principles and professional standards of the British Psychological Society (BPS) for its coaching psychology work and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for its coaching work. Our practitioners remain accountable to the codes and requirements of their professional memberships and credentials.

The standards we follow

British Psychological Society: the published Code of Ethics and Conduct (2021), applied to coaching psychology alongside relevant BPS practice guidance. Its four principles are respect, competence, responsibility and integrity.

International Coaching Federation: the ICF Code of Ethics effective from 1 April 2025. It sets expectations for professional conduct, agreements, confidentiality, relationships, accountability and the responsible use of technology.

These standards guide our work with individuals, teams and organisational sponsors. We follow subsequent revisions as they come into effect.

What this means in practice

Clear agreements

Before work begins, we clarify its purpose, roles, fees, responsibilities and the conditions for ending an engagement. Where an organisation sponsors coaching, we agree what may be reported and what remains confidential.

Confidentiality and informed participation

We explain confidentiality and its legal or safeguarding limits. Participants should understand the activity, its purpose and the choices available to them. Records, recordings and technology must be handled consistently with those agreements and applicable data-protection law.

Competence and evidence

We work within our knowledge, qualifications and experience, use appropriate professional development and supervision, and seek advice or referral where a need falls outside our competence. We distinguish what research supports from what remains uncertain and represent the potential benefits of our work accurately.

Dignity, culture and power

We consider how authority, culture, identity and organisational context affect participation. We attend to boundaries and unequal power, address discrimination and avoid exploiting professional relationships. Experiential activities are designed with respect for dignity, choice and the risk of harm.

Conflicts and professional boundaries

We identify and address conflicts of interest, including competing obligations to clients and sponsors. Relevant referral benefits or financial interests are disclosed. We review an engagement when its purpose, suitability or value changes.

Responsible use of technology

The same ethical responsibilities apply to digital tools and AI. Any proposed use involving client information must be assessed for confidentiality, consent, security and suitability. Technology does not remove practitioner accountability.

Raising a concern

Contact mail@tact.coach with a concern about TACT’s work. If it concerns the person receiving the message, say so and request an alternative route. We will clarify how the concern will be handled and the available next steps. You may also use the relevant professional body’s complaints process where it has jurisdiction; our internal process does not remove that option.

Source codes

This page sets out TACT’s commitments. The full professional codes remain authoritative and are maintained by their respective bodies:

• BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct
• ICF Code of Ethics

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