Phoenix Fortitude, LLC Code of Ethics

Financial Coaching

Rev. 11.9.2022

Phoenix Fortitude, LLC (PF) Code of Ethics is composed of five (5) main parts:

1. Introduction

2. Key Definitions

3. PF Core Values and Ethical Principles

4. Ethical Standards

5. Pledge

1. Introduction

The PF Code of Ethics describes the core values of Phoenix Fortitude, LLC Financial Coaching, ethical standards of behavior for all PF Professionals. Meeting these PF ethical standards of behavior is the first of PF core coaching competencies.

The PF Code of Ethics serves to uphold the integrity of PF and the coaching profession by:

• Setting standards of conduct consistent with PF Core Values and ethical principles
• Guiding ethical reflection, education and decision-making
• Adjudicating and preserving PF coach standards through the PF Ethical Conduct Review process
• Providing the basis for PF ethics training

The PF Code of Ethics applies when PF professionals represent themselves as such, in any kind of coaching-related interaction. This is regardless of whether a coaching relationship has been established. This code articulates the ethical obligations of PF Professionals wo are acting in their different roles as coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, trainer, or student coach-in-training, or serving in an PF Leadership role, as well as Support Personnel.

Although the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process is only applicable to PF Professionals, as is the Pledge, the PF Staff are also committed to ethical conduct and the Core Values and Ethical Principles that underpin this PF code of ethics.

The challenge of working ethically means that member will inevitably encounter situations that require responses to unexpected issues, resolution of dilemmas and solutions to problems. This Code of Ethics is intended to assist those persons subject to the Code by directing them to the variety of ethical factors that may need to be taken into consideration and helping to identify alternative ways of approaching ethical behavior.

PF Professionals who accept the Code of Ethics Strive to be ethical, even when doing so involves making difficult decisions or acting courageously.

2. Key Definitions

• Client- the individual or team/group being coached, the coach being mentored or supervised, or the coach of the student coach being trained.
• Coaching- partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential
• Coaching Relationship- a relationship that is established by the PF Professional and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party
• Code- PF Code of Ethics
• Confidentiality- protection of any information obtained around the coaching engagement unless consent to release is given
• Equality- a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human differences.
• Internal Coach- an individual who is employed within an organization and coaches either part-time or full-time the employees of that organization
• PF Professional- individuals who represent themselves as a PF Member or PF Credential-holder, in roles including but not limited to Coach, Coach Supervisor, Mentor Coach, Coach Trainer and Student of Coaching
• PF Staff- The PF support personnel who are contracted by the managing company that provides professional management and administrative services on behalf of PF
• Sponsor- the entity (including its representatives) paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided
• Support Personnel- the people who work for PF Professionals in support of their clients
• Systemic Equality- gender equality, race equality and other forms of equality that are institutionalized in the ethics, core values, policies, structures, and cultures of communities, organizations, nations and society.

3. PF Core Values and Ethical Principles

The PF Code of Ethics is based on the PF Core Values and the actions that
flow from them. All values are equally important and support one another. These
values are aspirational and should be used as a way to understand and interpret
the standards. All ICF Professionals are expected to showcase and propagate these
Values in all their interactions.

4. Ethical Standards

The following ethical standards are applied to the professional activities of ICF
Professionals:
Section I – Responsibility to Clients
As an PF Professional, I:

1. Explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, my coaching
   Client(s) and Sponsor(s) understand the nature and potential value of
   coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements,
   and any other terms of the coaching agreement.
2. Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed
   upon. I am aware of and agree to comply with all applicable laws that
   pertain to personal data and communications.
3. Have a clear understanding about how information is exchanged among all
   parties involved during all coaching interactions.
4. Have a clear understanding with both Clients and Sponsors or interested
   parties about the conditions under which information will not be kept
   confidential (e.g., illegal activity, if required by law, pursuant to valid court
   order or subpoena; imminent of likely risk of danger to self or others; etc.).
   Where I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I
   may need to inform appropriate authorities.
5. When working as an Internal Coach, manage conflicts of interest or
   potential conflicts of interest with my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s)
   through coaching agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue. This should include
   addressing organizational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records,
   confidentiality and other reporting requirements.
6. Maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and
   communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner
   that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy, and complies with any
   applicable laws and agreements. Furthermore, I see to make proper use of
   emerging and growing technological developments that are being used in
   coaching services (technology-assisted coaching services) and to be aware
   of how various ethical standards apply to them.
7. Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received
   from the coaching relationship. If so, make a change in the relationship or
   encourage the Client(s) / Sponsor(s) to seek another coach, seek another
   professional or use a different resource.
8. Respect all parties’ right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point
   for any reason during the coaching process subject to the provisions of the
   agreement.
9. Am sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and
   relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time in
   order to avoid conflict of interest situations.
10. Am aware of and actively manage any power or status difference between
    the Client and me that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological
    or contextual issues.
11. Disclose to my Clients the potential receipt of compensation and other
    benefits I may receive for referring my clients to third parties.
12. Assure consistent quality of coaching regardless of the amount or form of
    agreed compensation in any relationship

Section II – Responsibility to Practice and Performance

As an ICF Professional, I:

1. Adhere to the PF Code of Ethics in all my interactions. When I become
   aware of a possible breach of the Code by myself or I recognize unethical
   behavior in another PF Professional, I respectfully raise the matter with
   those involved. If this does not resolve the matter, I refer to a formal
   authority (e.g., PF Staff) for resolution.
2. Require adherence to the PF Code of Ethics by all Support Personnel.
3. Commit to excellence through continued personal, professional and ethical
   development.
4. Recognize my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair,
   conflict with or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional
   coaching relationships. I will reach out for support to determine the action
   to be taken and, if necessary, promptly seek relevant professional guidance.
   This may include suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).
5. Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working
   through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or
   suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.
6. Maintain the privacy of PF Members and use the PF Member contact
   information (email addresses, telephone numbers, and so on) only as
   authorized by PF or the PF Member.

Section III – Responsibility to Professionalism

As an ICF Professional, I:

1. Identify accurately my coaching qualifications, my level of coaching
   competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications and PF
   Credentials.
2. Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I
   offer as an PF Professional, what is offered by PF, the coaching profession
   and the potential value of coaching.
3. Communicate and create awareness with those who need to be informed
   of the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.
4. Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate and
   culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or
   otherwise.
5. Do not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or
   Sponsor(s). I will be ever mindful of the level of intimacy appropriate for the
   relationship. I take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the
   engagement.

Section IV – Responsibility to Society

As an ICF Professional, I:

1. Avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities
   and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This
   includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of age, race,
   gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin,
   disability or military status.
2. Recognize and honor the contributions and intellectual property of others,
   only claiming ownership of my own material. I understand that a breach of
   this standard may subject me to legal remedy by a third party.
3. Am honest and work within recognized scientific standards, applicable
   subject guidelines and boundaries of my competence when conducting
   and reporting research.
4. Am aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the
   philosophy of “doing good” versus “avoiding bad.”

5. The Pledge of Ethics of the PF Professional

As a PF Professional, in accordance with the Standards of the PF Code of Ethics,
I acknowledge and agree to fulfill my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching
Client(s), Sponsor(s), colleagues and to the public at large.
If I breach any part of the PF Code of Ethics, I agree that PF in its sole discretion
may hold me accountable for so doing. I further agree that my accountability to
PF for any breach may include sanctions, such as mandatory additional coach
training or other education, or loss of contract with PF.