In the process of learning and practicing to become a coach, peer coaching (practicing coaching with fellow learners) is an essential part of developing skills and building confidence. However, even though it’s a “peer” relationship — unpaid and not fully professional — it is still a real coaching relationship, and therefore, it must be grounded in ethics, safety, and clarity from the start.
Creates emotional and ethical safety
The Coachee can share more deeply when they know their information is confidential and not stored or misused.
Clarifies roles and boundaries between both parties
The Coach avoids unconsciously slipping into mentoring, advising, or personal sharing. The Coachee also understands they are fully responsible for their own journey.
Supports practicing coaching in the spirit of ICF
Even in peer coaching, you are engaging in a professional craft that requires adherence to standards — which helps build both competence and a professional coaching identity.
Prevents misunderstanding, conflict, or ethical violations
Many ethical breaches in coaching are unintentional — they arise from a lack of clarity. An agreement creates a shared safe container where growth can happen.
Several key provisions of the ICF Code of Ethics (ICE) are addressed directly by having a Peer Coaching Agreement, such as:
1.1 – Clearly explaining the nature, potential value, and boundaries of coaching
1.2 – Establishing agreements about roles and responsibilities before coaching begins
2.1 – Being honest and transparent about purpose and roles
2.2 – Clarifying how information is exchanged and kept confidential throughout the coaching relationship
1.15 & 1.16 – Avoiding inappropriate use of coaching session content, and obtaining explicit consent when using it for learning or research
The Coach may unintentionally slip into other roles, turning the session into a casual chat, advice-giving, or guidance — deviating from the purpose of coaching development.
The Coachee may feel unsafe and hesitant to share deeply because they’re unsure how their information will be handled.
The Coach may violate ethics without realizing it (even without charging fees), if there’s no clear agreement about confidentiality, purpose, or content usage.
In case of conflict or misunderstanding, there’s no foundation to refer back to, which can damage the relationship or hinder professional growth.
Even if it's peer-to-peer — even if it's just practice — when you sit in the seat of the Coach, you are stepping into a noble profession that requires clarity, honesty, and integrity. A coaching agreement is not just a piece of paper — it is a commitment to safety and maturity on your coaching journey.
???? Download the bilingual agreement template here.
