Professional Standards
A framework for ethical, competent and accountable professional practice across coaching, mentoring and recognised professional development.
Standards That Support Responsible Professional Practice
IGH3P® professional standards provide a framework for responsible, ethical and competent professional practice. They establish clear expectations for professional behaviour, client relationships, competence, continuing development and accountability.
The framework supports both professionals and the people they serve by making the principles and expectations associated with IGH3P® professional recognition clear and accessible.
These standards operate alongside the specific requirements associated with membership, accreditation, certification and other forms of recognised professional status.
Three Core Areas
The IGH3P® standards framework brings together professional practice, ethical responsibility and the continuing requirements and procedures that support accountability.
Professional Standards
The professional expectations that underpin competent, responsible and client-centred practice.
- Professional competence
- Client-centred practice
- Appropriate professional boundaries
- Evidence-informed practice
- Professional accountability
- Continuing development
Code of Ethics
The ethical principles and responsibilities that guide professional judgement, conduct and relationships with clients and others.
- Integrity and professional responsibility
- Client welfare and autonomy
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Informed consent
- Conflicts of interest
- Ethical professional conduct
Professional Requirements & Procedures
Continuing professional obligations and the formal procedures used to support fair, transparent and accountable professional recognition.
- Member conduct
- CPD requirements
- Supervision & reflective practice
- Complaints
- Review & appeals
- Disciplinary and recognition procedures
How the Standards Fit Together
Each part of the framework answers a different professional question, while together they support responsible practice and meaningful professional recognition.
Ethics
How should I act?The Code of Ethics establishes the principles that guide ethical judgement, professional relationships and responsible conduct.
Professional Standards
What standard of practice is expected?Professional Standards describe expectations for competence, boundaries, responsible practice and professional accountability.
Ongoing Requirements
What must I continue to maintain?Continuing requirements address professional conduct, development, reflective practice and supervision where applicable.
Accountability
What happens when concerns arise?Formal procedures provide mechanisms for complaints, review, appeals, disciplinary matters and decisions concerning professional recognition.
Standards Across the Professional Lifecycle
Professional standards do not end when recognition is awarded. They support entry into recognised practice, continuing professional work, development and accountability.
Entry
Education, training, experience and supporting evidence are considered when professional recognition is sought.
Practice
Recognised professionals are expected to practise responsibly, ethically and within the boundaries of their competence.
Development
Continuing professional development, reflection and supervision support the maintenance and development of professional competence.
Accountability
Review, complaints and other formal procedures provide mechanisms for addressing concerns and maintaining confidence in professional recognition.
Standards Supported by Independent Accountability
IGH3P® recognises the importance of transparency, independent accountability and clearly defined professional expectations within coaching and mentoring.
Further information about the external professional frameworks and independent accountability mechanisms recognised by IGH3P® is available on our dedicated Recognition & Accountability page.
Explore Recognition & Accountability →Who the Standards Apply To
IGH3P® standards support the different forms of professional recognition and participation within the organisation.
Members
Accredited Coaches
Accredited Mentors
Certified Professionals
Recognised Training Organisations
The precise requirements and obligations that apply depend on the individual's or organisation's membership, accreditation, certification or recognition status and the requirements applicable to that status.
Looking for IGH3P® Governance & Policies?
Professional standards describe expectations for recognised practice. IGH3P® institutional, accreditation and governance policies are maintained separately within Governance & Policies →
Professional Recognition Begins With Professional Standards
Explore the standards, ethical principles and continuing responsibilities that support responsible professional practice and IGH3P® recognition.