T
HE COACHING AGREEMENTSample 1
The purpose of a coaching agreement
This coaching agreement aims to set out clear definitions and expectations from both the coach and coachee prior to any coaching sessions taking place so that both parties are aware of their individual responsibilities which foster an effective coaching relationship. This coaching agreement is intended as a guide and may, if necessary, be renegotiated by the coach during the course of the coaching relationship if in the best interests of the coachee. Coaching works well when you:
& Are open and willing to consider change where this is necessary to aid development.
& Are open to new ways of learning and working which might challenge your thoughts and ideas.
& Are honest with your coach and yourself, particularly if you do not feel that something is working for you.
& Are ready to commit to your development by the giving and receiving of honest feedback.
& Recognise the investment being made in your development.
& Accept that commitment must first come from you before you can reap the benefits.
As your coach, I will endeavour to:
& Be focused on you and your best interests, which include your goals and your outcomes.
& Support and encourage you while you develop to your full potential.
& Be open, objective and non-judgemental, enabling you to set and work towards your own goals and achievements.
& Ask you questions that might challenge your ideas and thoughts as you progress and develop.
& Arrange a comfortable, private venue for our face-to-face discussions.
Confidentiality
As a coach, I will observe confidentiality at all times, including the content and nature of our discussions, as this builds mutual trust and rapport. This rule of confidentiality, however, may be compromised if there is risk or potential risk, as follows:
& Where there is unacceptable risk to people and/or services.
& Where there is a breach, or potential breach, of law or contract.
& Where the organisation’s policies and procedures are put at risk or potential risk.
& Where the coach and coachee agree that the issues raised cannot be appropriately managed or dealt with through a coaching relationship.
& If the coach feels that the coachee’s progress needs to be discussed with their line manager, which would be agreed prior to any sessions with the coachee.
As a coachee, however, you may decide that you wish to share your experiences with others, if you feel this is appropriate. It is important to remember, however, that your experiences are personal to you, and you should consider the impact your values and beliefs may have on others by the sharing of such information.
Feedback
Every couple of coaching sessions you will be provided with a feedback sheet which I will ask you to complete, to ensure that the coaching sessions continue to meet your needs. This is your opportunity to be honest about how you feel the sessions are assisting you to reach your goals and outcomes.
Records
I confirm that all records and feedback sheets will be kept confidential and secure during the course of the coaching sessions and that, at the end of the coaching relationship, these records will be destroyed confidentially.
Cancellation
In the event you wish to change the coaching session, for whatever reason, I request at least 24 hours’ notice (except in an emergency) and, unless you have notified me otherwise, I will assume you will be attending the session.
This coaching agreement is not an open-ended contract and I propose that the number of sessions offered will initially be six, of 90 minutes each, although this will be assessed and renegotiated, as appropriate, throughout the coaching relationship and depend- ing on your goals and outcomes. A separate one-hourly session will be held to get to know you and to discuss this coaching agreement.
You may, if you wish, end the coaching sessions at any time, giving me one week’s notice.
Acceptance
As an indication of your acceptance of this coaching agreement and the terms mentioned within it, please sign and date below where appropriate and return this agreement to me.
Coach: Date: Coachee: Date:
Sample 2
The purpose of a coaching agreement
This coaching agreement aims to set out clear definitions and expectations from both the coach and coachee prior to any coaching sessions taking place, so that both parties are aware of their individual responsibilities which foster an effective coaching relationship. This coaching agreement is intended as a guide and
may, if necessary, be renegotiated by the coach during the course of the coaching relationship if in the best interests of the coachee. Coaching works well when you:
& Are open and willing to consider change where this is necessary to aid development.
& Are open to new ways of learning and working which might challenge your thoughts and ideas.
& Are honest with your coach and yourself, particularly if you do not feel that something is working for you.
& Are ready to commit to your development by the giving and receiving of honest feedback.
& Recognise the investment being made in your development.
& Accept that commitment must first come from you before you can reap the benefits.
As your coach, I will endeavour to:
& Be focused on you and your best interests, which include your goals and your outcomes.
& Support and encourage you while you develop to your full potential.
& Be open, objective and non-judgemental, enabling you to set and work towards your own goals and achievements.
& Ask you questions that might challenge your ideas and thoughts as you progress and develop.
& Arrange a comfortable, private venue for our face-to-face discussions.
I look forward to coaching you and want you to be familiar with the following policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact me.
& Procedure: we will meet at the agreed time/date/location.
& Coaching: our agreement includes x hours of face-to-face coaching per calendar month.
& Changes: if you need to reschedule a meeting, please give me at least one week’s notice, if possible. If you have an emergency, we will work around it.
& Extra time: you may call or email me between our meetings if you need advice, have a problem or can’t wait to share a success with me. This is included in your fee and is part of the support I offer. All I ask is that you keep the calls to 5–10 minutes each.
& Records: I usually ask that my coachees complete a prep form and send this via email 24 hours before each planned meeting/ call. This saves time and focuses our contact time but is optional.
& Problems: please use open and honest communication with me if you are not getting what you need from our coaching relationship. I will put your needs first every time.
& Boundaries: please note that coaching is not mentoring, counselling or therapy, and I will explain these differences if requested. If issues arise that we feel are not appropriate, I will be happy to refer you to a suitable professional.
& Requests: from time to time, I may challenge your thinking or behaviour. You are free to accept or decline these challenges. The purpose will always be to forward the action and deepen the learning.
& Confidentiality: all our sessions will remain totally confiden- tial (unless otherwise agreed with the sponsor in consultation with the coach and coachee when contracting).
I am a member of the following professional organisations and adhere to their codes, standards and ethics: (Complete as appropriate.)
I confirm that I have read and agree to these client policies and procedures: Client’s signature: Date: Coach’s signature: Date: