Code of Ethics & Professional Practice
The ethical principles and professional responsibilities expected of IGH3P® practitioners, coaches, mentors, supervisors, trainers and other recognised professionals.
Professional Recognition Carries Responsibility
The IGH3P® Code of Ethics & Professional Practice sets out the ethical standards and expectations that support responsible, competent and trustworthy professional practice.
It applies across the professional disciplines represented by IGH3P®, including complementary practice, coaching, mentoring, supervision and training.
The Code is intended to protect the public, support professionals in making responsible decisions and maintain confidence in the standards associated with IGH3P® membership, certification and accreditation.
Supporting Ethical, Safe & Responsible Practice
The Code provides a common ethical framework for the professional community represented by IGH3P®.
Uphold Professional Standards
Establish clear expectations for ethical behaviour, professional competence and responsible practice.
Protect the Public
Promote practice that respects client wellbeing, autonomy, dignity, confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
Maintain Professional Trust
Support confidence in IGH3P® professionals through honesty, transparency, accountability and responsible conduct.
The Principles Underpinning Professional Conduct
Integrity
Professionals must act honestly and fairly, represent their qualifications and services accurately, avoid misleading claims and disclose relevant conflicts of interest.
Respect
Professionals must respect the dignity, autonomy, beliefs, culture, identity and choices of clients, colleagues and other individuals with whom they work.
Trust
Professional relationships must be transparent, non-exploitative and conducted in ways that protect confidentiality and support the legitimate interests of clients.
Standards Expected of IGH3P® Professionals
Safe and Competent Professional Practice
Maintain Professional Competence
Professionals must practise within areas for which they have appropriate knowledge, training, experience and competence, and seek further training, supervision or referral where necessary.
Fitness to Practise
Professionals are responsible for monitoring their physical and psychological fitness to practise and must take appropriate action where health or personal circumstances could impair safe professional work.
Impairing Substances
Professionals must not practise while impaired by alcohol, illegal substances, medication or any other factor that compromises judgement, safety or professional competence.
Accurate Claims
Professionals must accurately describe their services, scope of practice and qualifications and must not make misleading, exaggerated or unsupported claims of cure or effectiveness.
Respect, Clarity & Professional Boundaries
Clear Contracting
Professionals should establish clear terms before work begins, including the nature of the service, confidentiality, fees, practical arrangements and any relevant limitations.
Professional Boundaries
Professionals must establish and maintain appropriate boundaries and must not exploit the professional relationship for personal, financial, emotional or sexual advantage.
Client Autonomy
Professionals must respect the client's right to make informed choices, decline services, seek other forms of support and make decisions concerning their own care or development.
Respect for Other Treatments
Professionals must not undermine appropriate medical, psychological or other professional care and should respect clients' legitimate choices concerning other treatment or support.
Protecting Privacy and Professional Trust
Confidentiality
Professionals must protect confidential information and explain relevant limits to confidentiality where appropriate.
Responsible Communication
Communications about clients, professional work and services must be accurate, respectful and handled in a manner consistent with professional and legal responsibilities.
Appropriate Information Sharing
Where cooperation with other professionals is appropriate, information should be shared only within relevant ethical, legal and consent requirements.
Record Responsibility
Professionals should manage records and client information responsibly and in accordance with applicable legal and professional requirements.
Additional Care Where Risk or Vulnerability Exists
Vulnerable Individuals
Professionals must exercise additional care when working with children, vulnerable adults, individuals with severe health conditions or others whose circumstances may require additional safeguards.
Work Within Competence
Services must only be provided where the professional has the knowledge, training, competence and appropriate authority required for the circumstances.
Referral and Collaboration
Professionals should recognise when another qualified professional is better placed to meet the individual's needs and should refer or collaborate appropriately.
Respect Medical Roles
Professionals must not represent themselves as medical practitioners or hospital staff unless appropriately qualified and authorised to do so.
Safe, Suitable & Responsible Working Conditions
Suitable Premises
Professionals must ensure that working environments are appropriate for the services being provided and support safety, privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
Professional Insurance
Professionals must maintain appropriate and current professional indemnity or liability insurance for the services they provide.
Legal Compliance
Professional practice must comply with applicable legal, regulatory and professional obligations relevant to the location and nature of practice.
Individual Accountability
Each professional remains responsible for their own decisions, actions, professional conduct and compliance with applicable standards.
Development, Supervision & Reflection
Continuing Professional Development
Professionals are expected to maintain and develop their knowledge, skills and professional competence through appropriate continuing professional development.
Supervision & Peer Support
Professionals should engage in appropriate supervision, mentoring or peer support to encourage reflection, professional development and responsible decision-making.
Reflective Practice
Professionals should reflect on their work, respond constructively to feedback and identify areas in which their practice or competence should develop.
Ethical Decision-Making
Where ethical dilemmas arise, professionals should consider the principles of this Code and seek appropriate supervision, consultation or professional guidance.
The Code Is a Continuing Professional Obligation
Compliance with the IGH3P® Code of Ethics & Professional Practice forms part of the professional responsibilities associated with IGH3P® recognition.
Members and recognised professionals are expected to cooperate with relevant professional conduct, complaints and disciplinary procedures where concerns arise regarding their practice or behaviour.
Ethical Practice Is Fundamental to Professional Trust
IGH3P® is committed to maintaining a professional community in which competence, integrity, respect, accountability and continuing development support safe and responsible practice for the benefit of professionals, clients and the wider public.