Ethics Forum International (EFI) provides a structured pathway for receiving and responding to concerns relating to its own initiatives and activities.

These pathways are designed to support clarity, proportionality, and ethical discernment in how concerns are understood and addressed.

EFI does not act as an accrediting body and does not investigate or adjudicate complaints relating to external organisations or individual practitioners.

Scope

These pathways apply to concerns relating to:

• Ethics Forum International (EFI)
• Academy of Ethicality (AoE)
• Coaching Ethics Forum (CEF)
• Ethical Edge Insights (EEI)
• Journal of Coaching Ethics (JoCE)
• Champions of Courage Awards (CoCA)

Concerns are submitted via the Ethics Forum International concerns form.

Pathways Overview

1. External Professional Concerns

Where a concern relates to the conduct of an individual practitioner, coach, or professional body, the appropriate route is the formal complaints or governance process of the relevant organisation.

EFI does not intervene in such matters but may support clarity by directing individuals to appropriate external pathways.

2. Organisational and Operational Concerns

Concerns relating to EFI initiatives, activities, contributors, volunteers, coordinators, team members, or processes are received through the EFI concerns pathway.

These concerns may be reviewed by the Founder, or where the concern relates to a volunteer, coordinator, team member, or role-holder, may be referred to the Ethics Advisory Council Chair for reflective consideration.

Where appropriate, the Founder and/or Chair may seek reflective input from the Ethics Advisory Council and/or the CEF Advisory Team.

3. Founder-Related Concerns

Concerns relating to the leadership or conduct of the Founder are directed for independent consideration through the Ethics Advisory Council Chair.

The Founder is notified of such concerns but does not lead their initial review.

Council Engagement

Where a matter is referred to the Ethics Advisory Council:

• The Chair convenes the Council as needed
• Relevant information is shared to support informed reflection
• The Council engages in discussion to identify key ethical considerations
• The Chair provides a summary of the Council’s reflections, including considerations and possible next steps

The Ethics Advisory Council provides independent advice and recommendations. Responsibility for determining and implementing any organisational response rests with Ethics Forum International. Where a different course of action is taken from that recommended by the Council, the reasons for doing so will normally be documented. The Council’s role is advisory and intended to support ethical discernment rather than organisational decision-making.

Approach to Handling Concerns

EFI approaches concerns as part of an ongoing commitment to ethicality as a lived and evolving practice.

Responses may include:

• clarification or communication
• reflection and internal review
• adjustment or correction where appropriate

EFI does not guarantee specific outcomes or actions in response to concerns.

Guiding Principles

This work is guided by the Ethics Forum International (EFI) Principles of Ethicality.

View the Principles of Ethicality

Confidentiality and Proportionality

Concerns are handled with care and confidentiality. Information is shared only where necessary to support appropriate consideration.

All responses are guided by proportionality, context, and the nature of the concern raised.

EFI seeks to ensure that concerns are considered fairly, respectfully, and with appropriate opportunity for relevant information to be taken into account.

Global Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC)

• Chair: Hugh Breakey
• Council Member: Paul Stokes
• Council Member: Tithi Bhatnagar
• Council Member: Travis Kemp