The BIY Code of Ethics is, at a minimum, a set of basic principles to guide the behaviour of its members. But just as it can set forth minimum thresholds of acceptable behaviour, it can also – and arguably must – establish a higher bar. While the Code that follows is more the former than the latter, it is firmly rooted in the belief that at our best we have accepted a sacred trust of our stakeholders. In addition, all our coaches also follow the ICF code of conduct for coaching.

 

Commitment to all stakeholders

 

1. We will serve clients with integrity, honesty, competence, independence, objectivity, and professionalism, helping them to build their philanthropic expertise and capacity.

 

2. We will only accept assignments for which we possess the requisite experience and competence to perform and will only assign staff or engage colleagues with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve our clients effectively.

 

3. We will charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services to be delivered.

 

4. We will establish a mutual understanding with clients about the objectives, scope of work, and work plan as well as realistic expectations about the results of the services to be rendered before accepting any assignment. If changes in the scope of work arise during the course of the assignment, negotiate adjustments in good faith.

 

5. We will treat all client information that is not public knowledge with confidentiality, take reasonable steps to prevent its access by unauthorized parties, and refrain from taking advantage of proprietary or privileged information without the client’s permission.

 

6. We will avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof and immediately disclose to the clients any circumstances that may influence the consultant’s judgment or objectivity.

 

7. We will respect the intellectual rights of professional peers and not use their copyrighted information, materials, or methodology without permission. Refrain from misrepresenting or denigrating professional peers.

 

8. We will refrain from unlawful discrimination in occupational activities, including age, race, gender orientation, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability.