Session 27 Practice Foundational Agreement

The foundational agreement and contracting session sets the tone for the entire coaching relationship. The coach's role is to create clarity, trust, psychological safety, and partnership—not to diagnose, persuade, sell, or solve the client's problems.

Here are common things to avoid saying during the foundational agreement and contracting session.

1. Don't Promise Results

Avoid statements like:

• "I guarantee you'll achieve your goals."

• "I know I can fix this."

• "You'll definitely get promoted."

• "You'll double your income."

• "You'll be a completely different person."

Instead:

• "We'll work together to maximize your chances of achieving your goals."

2. Don't Become the Expert

Avoid:

• "Here's what you should do."

• "If I were you..."

• "Let me tell you how to solve this."

• "I know exactly what you need."

• "Trust me—I know the answer."

Instead:

• "My role is to help you discover what works best for you."

3. Don't Diagnose

Avoid:

• "You have imposter syndrome."

• "You're clearly burned out."

• "You have anxiety."

• "You're a perfectionist."

• "Your manager is toxic."

Instead:

• "Tell me more about what you're experiencing."

4. Don't Judge

Avoid:

• "You shouldn't feel that way."

• "That's the wrong decision."

• "You're overreacting."

• "You just need more confidence."

• "You need to toughen up."

Instead:

• "Help me understand what's important to you."

5. Don't Minimize Feelings

Avoid:

• "It's not that bad."

• "Everyone goes through this."

• "You'll get over it."

• "Just stay positive."

• "Don't worry."

Instead:

• "That sounds significant. Tell me more."

6. Don't Make the Session About You

Avoid:

• "When I had the same problem..."

• "I coached someone exactly like you."

• "Here's my story."

• "This reminds me of another client."

Instead:

• Keep the focus on the client's experience.

7. Don't Oversell Yourself

Avoid:

• "I'm the best coach."

• "I've coached hundreds of executives."

• "Everyone gets amazing results."

• "My coaching always works."

Instead:

• Briefly explain your approach and invite partnership.

8. Don't Assume the Goal

Avoid:

• "So you want a promotion?"

• "Your goal is leadership?"

• "You want better work-life balance."

Instead:

• "What would make coaching valuable for you?"

9. Don't Rush into Coaching

Avoid:

• "Let's jump into solving the problem."

• "What's your action plan?"

• "Let's start fixing this."

Instead:

• Spend time establishing the coaching agreement first.

10. Don't Ignore Confidentiality

Avoid:

• Skipping the discussion altogether.

• Assuming the client already understands.

Also avoid saying:

• "Everything you tell me is completely secret."

This may be inaccurate depending on legal, ethical, or organizational obligations.

Instead:

• Clearly explain confidentiality and any limits.

11. Don't Blur Professional Boundaries

Avoid:

• "You can message me anytime."

• "Call me day or night."

• "I'm always available."

Instead:

• Clearly explain communication boundaries and availability.

12. Don't Act Like a Therapist

Avoid:

• "Let's unpack your childhood."

• "Tell me about your parents."

• "Let's heal your trauma."

Unless you are qualified and contracted to provide therapy, coaching should remain within its scope.

13. Don't Give Legal, Medical, or Financial Advice

Avoid:

• "You should quit your job."

• "You should divorce."

• "Invest your money here."

• "Stop taking your medication."

Instead:

• Encourage consultation with the appropriate professional where needed.

14. Don't Make the Client Responsible for Your Success

Avoid:

• "I need you to complete every assignment."

• "Please give me a good testimonial."

• "I need your feedback for my accreditation."

The coaching relationship is about the client's agenda.

15. Don't Create Dependency

Avoid:

• "You'll need me for a long time."

• "Don't make big decisions without talking to me."

• "You'll always need coaching."

Instead:

• Emphasize the client's autonomy and capability.

16. Don't Use Leading Questions

Avoid:

• "Don't you think..."

• "Wouldn't it be better if..."

• "Surely you agree..."

• "Isn't the real issue your boss?"

Instead:

• Ask open, non-leading questions.

17. Don't Ask "Why?" Too Early

Avoid:

• "Why did you do that?"

• "Why didn't you...?"

• "Why are you like that?"

These can feel accusatory.

Instead:

• "What was happening for you at that moment?"

• "What influenced that decision?"

18. Don't Assume Commitment

Avoid:

• "You'll obviously do the work."

• "You'll complete every action."

Instead:

• Explore the client's readiness and commitment.

19. Don't Ignore Expectations

Avoid:

• Assuming the client understands:

  • your role,

  • their role,

  • session structure,

  • cancellation policy,

  • payment,

  • confidentiality,

  • communication methods.

Discuss these explicitly.

20. Don't Use Coaching Jargon

Avoid:

• "We're going to leverage transformational awareness."

• "Let's activate your authentic self."

• "We'll increase your meta-awareness."

Use simple, clear language.

21. Don't Rescue the Client

Avoid:

• "I'll help you fix everything."

• "Leave it to me."

• "I've got you."

Instead:

• Reinforce partnership and shared responsibility.

22. Don't Make Assumptions About Identity or Experience

Avoid:

• "People your age..."

• "As a woman..."

• "As a manager..."

• "Since you're an introvert..."

Instead:

• Ask rather than assume.

23. Don't Skip Consent

Avoid:

• "Let's explore something sensitive."

Instead:

• "Would it be okay if we explored that together?"

24. Don't Promise Absolute Confidentiality in Organizational Coaching

If an employer sponsors the coaching, avoid saying:

• "Your employer will never know anything."

Instead:

• Explain exactly what information, if any, may be shared (for example, attendance or agreed progress updates), and what remains confidential.

25. Don't End Without Confirming the Agreement

Avoid ending with:

• "Okay, let's start."

Instead, confirm shared understanding by asking questions such as:

• "What would make this coaching partnership successful for you?"

• "What agreements have we made today?"

• "What would you like me to hold you accountable for?"

• "Is there anything about our coaching agreement you'd like to clarify before we begin?"

Golden Rule

A foundational agreement and contracting session should not sound like:

• A sales pitch

• A consulting engagement

• A therapy session

• A mentoring conversation

• A performance review

• An interrogation

• A lecture

Instead, it should communicate:

• Partnership

• Curiosity

• Transparency

• Psychological safety

• Mutual expectations

• Ethical boundaries

• Client autonomy

These practices are closely aligned with the expectations of the International Coaching Federation Core Competencies (particularly competency 3: Establishes and Maintains Agreements) and the Coaches and Mentors of South Africa Code of Ethics and professional standards

The foundational agreement and contracting session sets the tone for the entire coaching relationship. The coach's role is to create clarity, trust, psychological safety, and partnership—not to diagnose, persuade, sell, or solve the client's problems.

Here are common things to avoid saying during the foundational agreement and contracting session.

1. Don't Promise Results

Avoid statements like:

• "I guarantee you'll achieve your goals."

• "I know I can fix this."

• "You'll definitely get promoted."

• "You'll double your income."

• "You'll be a completely different person."

Instead:

• "We'll work together to maximize your chances of achieving your goals."

2. Don't Become the Expert

Avoid:

• "Here's what you should do."

• "If I were you..."

• "Let me tell you how to solve this."

• "I know exactly what you need."

• "Trust me—I know the answer."

Instead:

• "My role is to help you discover what works best for you."

3. Don't Diagnose

Avoid:

• "You have imposter syndrome."

• "You're clearly burned out."

• "You have anxiety."

• "You're a perfectionist."

• "Your manager is toxic."

Instead:

• "Tell me more about what you're experiencing."

4. Don't Judge

Avoid:

• "You shouldn't feel that way."

• "That's the wrong decision."

• "You're overreacting."

• "You just need more confidence."

• "You need to toughen up."

Instead:

• "Help me understand what's important to you."

5. Don't Minimize Feelings

Avoid:

• "It's not that bad."

• "Everyone goes through this."

• "You'll get over it."

• "Just stay positive."

• "Don't worry."

Instead:

• "That sounds significant. Tell me more."

6. Don't Make the Session About You

Avoid:

• "When I had the same problem..."

• "I coached someone exactly like you."

• "Here's my story."

• "This reminds me of another client."

Instead:

• Keep the focus on the client's experience.

7. Don't Oversell Yourself

Avoid:

• "I'm the best coach."

• "I've coached hundreds of executives."

• "Everyone gets amazing results."

• "My coaching always works."

Instead:

• Briefly explain your approach and invite partnership.

8. Don't Assume the Goal

Avoid:

• "So you want a promotion?"

• "Your goal is leadership?"

• "You want better work-life balance."

Instead:

• "What would make coaching valuable for you?"

9. Don't Rush into Coaching

Avoid:

• "Let's jump into solving the problem."

• "What's your action plan?"

• "Let's start fixing this."

Instead:

• Spend time establishing the coaching agreement first.

10. Don't Ignore Confidentiality

Avoid:

• Skipping the discussion altogether.

• Assuming the client already understands.

Also avoid saying:

• "Everything you tell me is completely secret."

This may be inaccurate depending on legal, ethical, or organizational obligations.

Instead:

• Clearly explain confidentiality and any limits.

11. Don't Blur Professional Boundaries

Avoid:

• "You can message me anytime."

• "Call me day or night."

• "I'm always available."

Instead:

• Clearly explain communication boundaries and availability.

12. Don't Act Like a Therapist

Avoid:

• "Let's unpack your childhood."

• "Tell me about your parents."

• "Let's heal your trauma."

Unless you are qualified and contracted to provide therapy, coaching should remain within its scope.

13. Don't Give Legal, Medical, or Financial Advice

Avoid:

• "You should quit your job."

• "You should divorce."

• "Invest your money here."

• "Stop taking your medication."

Instead:

• Encourage consultation with the appropriate professional where needed.

14. Don't Make the Client Responsible for Your Success

Avoid:

• "I need you to complete every assignment."

• "Please give me a good testimonial."

• "I need your feedback for my accreditation."

The coaching relationship is about the client's agenda.

15. Don't Create Dependency

Avoid:

• "You'll need me for a long time."

• "Don't make big decisions without talking to me."

• "You'll always need coaching."

Instead:

• Emphasize the client's autonomy and capability.

16. Don't Use Leading Questions

Avoid:

• "Don't you think..."

• "Wouldn't it be better if..."

• "Surely you agree..."

• "Isn't the real issue your boss?"

Instead:

• Ask open, non-leading questions.

17. Don't Ask "Why?" Too Early

Avoid:

• "Why did you do that?"

• "Why didn't you...?"

• "Why are you like that?"

These can feel accusatory.

Instead:

• "What was happening for you at that moment?"

• "What influenced that decision?"

18. Don't Assume Commitment

Avoid:

• "You'll obviously do the work."

• "You'll complete every action."

Instead:

• Explore the client's readiness and commitment.

19. Don't Ignore Expectations

Avoid:

• Assuming the client understands:

  • your role,

  • their role,

  • session structure,

  • cancellation policy,

  • payment,

  • confidentiality,

  • communication methods.

Discuss these explicitly.

20. Don't Use Coaching Jargon

Avoid:

• "We're going to leverage transformational awareness."

• "Let's activate your authentic self."

• "We'll increase your meta-awareness."

Use simple, clear language.

21. Don't Rescue the Client

Avoid:

• "I'll help you fix everything."

• "Leave it to me."

• "I've got you."

Instead:

• Reinforce partnership and shared responsibility.

22. Don't Make Assumptions About Identity or Experience

Avoid:

• "People your age..."

• "As a woman..."

• "As a manager..."

• "Since you're an introvert..."

Instead:

• Ask rather than assume.

23. Don't Skip Consent

Avoid:

• "Let's explore something sensitive."

Instead:

• "Would it be okay if we explored that together?"

24. Don't Promise Absolute Confidentiality in Organizational Coaching

If an employer sponsors the coaching, avoid saying:

• "Your employer will never know anything."

Instead:

• Explain exactly what information, if any, may be shared (for example, attendance or agreed progress updates), and what remains confidential.

25. Don't End Without Confirming the Agreement

Avoid ending with:

• "Okay, let's start."

Instead, confirm shared understanding by asking questions such as:

• "What would make this coaching partnership successful for you?"

• "What agreements have we made today?"

• "What would you like me to hold you accountable for?"

• "Is there anything about our coaching agreement you'd like to clarify before we begin?"

Golden Rule

A foundational agreement and contracting session should not sound like:

• A sales pitch

• A consulting engagement

• A therapy session

• A mentoring conversation

• A performance review

• An interrogation

• A lecture

Instead, it should communicate:

• Partnership

• Curiosity

• Transparency

• Psychological safety

• Mutual expectations

• Ethical boundaries

• Client autonomy

These practices are closely aligned with the expectations of the International Coaching Federation Core Competencies (particularly competency 3: Establishes and Maintains Agreements) and the Coaches and Mentors of South Africa Code of Ethics and professional standards.

things to say in the foundational session

A strong foundational session creates clarity, trust, safety, and partnership before you begin coaching. The aim is not to coach the issue immediately, but to establish a coaching relationship where the client understands the process, owns the agenda, and feels psychologically safe.

Here are phrases you can confidently use throughout a foundational agreement and contracting session.

1. Welcome and Set the Tone

• "Welcome. I'm glad you're here."

• "Thank you for choosing to work with me."

• "Today is about getting to know each other and creating a coaching partnership that best supports you."

• "This session is about laying the foundation for our work together."

2. Explain What Coaching Is

• "Coaching is a partnership."

• "You are the expert on your life."

• "My role is to help you think, reflect, and discover your own solutions."

• "I'm here to facilitate your learning and growth rather than provide advice."

• "We'll work together to help you move toward the outcomes that matter most to you."

3. Explain the Client's Role

• "You set the agenda."

• "You choose the topics we explore."

• "You decide what actions to take."

• "You are responsible for your decisions and the actions you choose."

• "You can always choose not to answer a question."

4. Explain the Coach's Role

• "I'll ask questions that encourage reflection."

• "I'll listen carefully for what is said—and sometimes for what isn't said."

• "I'll challenge you respectfully when it serves your goals."

• "I'll support you without judging you."

• "I'll help you stay accountable to the commitments you choose."

5. Discuss Confidentiality

• "Everything we discuss is confidential within the limits we've agreed upon."

• "If there are any legal or ethical limits to confidentiality, I'll explain those clearly."

• "Creating a safe space is important to me."

6. Obtain Consent

• "Is it okay if I ask questions that may challenge your thinking?"

• "Would it be alright if I reflected back what I'm hearing?"

• "Would you like me to challenge you when appropriate, or would you prefer a gentler approach?"

• "Please let me know if at any point you'd like to pause or change direction."

7. Explore Expectations

• "What would make this coaching experience valuable for you?"

• "What are you hoping coaching will help you achieve?"

• "How will you know coaching is working?"

• "What would success look like six months from now?"

• "What do you want to be different because of our work together?"

8. Discuss Goals

• "What would you like to accomplish through coaching?"

• "What's most important for us to focus on?"

• "What outcome are you hoping for?"

• "What matters most to you right now?"

• "If our coaching is successful, what will be different?"

9. Explore Motivation

• "Why is this important to you now?"

• "What makes this the right time?"

• "What is driving your desire for change?"

• "What would happen if nothing changed?"

10. Establish Partnership

• "We're partners in this process."

• "I won't tell you what to do, but I'll walk alongside you."

• "We'll learn together."

• "Your feedback is always welcome."

• "If something isn't working, let's talk about it."

11. Set Boundaries

• "Let's agree on how we'll communicate between sessions."

• "Let's discuss scheduling and cancellations."

• "Let's agree on how accountability will work."

• "Let's talk about what support looks like between sessions."

12. Build Psychological Safety

• "There are no right or wrong answers."

• "This is a judgement-free space."

• "You don't need to have everything figured out."

• "You can be completely honest."

• "Take your time."

13. Invite Reflection

• "What would you like me to know about you before we begin?"

• "What strengths do you already bring?"

• "What has helped you succeed in the past?"

• "What challenges might get in your way?"

• "How do you learn best?"

14. Discuss Accountability

• "How would you like me to hold you accountable?"

• "What kind of support works best for you?"

• "How will we know you've made progress?"

• "What would meaningful progress look like between sessions?"

15. Invite Feedback

• "If something I say doesn't land well, please tell me."

• "I welcome your feedback throughout our coaching relationship."

• "Our coaching partnership works best when we communicate openly."

• "What do you need from me to feel supported?"

16. Establish the Coaching Agreement

• "What would you like to accomplish today?"

• "By the end of today's conversation, what outcome would make this session worthwhile?"

• "How would you like us to work together?"

• "What agreements would help you feel supported?"

17. Clarify Success Measures

• "How will you know you've achieved your goal?"

• "What will you notice?"

• "What will others notice?"

• "What would success feel like?"

• "What evidence will tell you that you've made progress?"

18. Close the Contracting Conversation

• "Let me summarize what we've agreed."

• "Have I captured this accurately?"

• "Is there anything you'd like to add or change?"

• "Do you feel ready to begin coaching?"

• "What would you like to focus on first?"

19. Powerful Closing Statement

A concise way to transition from contracting into coaching:

"Thank you for taking the time to establish this foundation together. We've agreed on what coaching is, how we'll work together, your goals, our boundaries, and what success looks like. My commitment is to provide a respectful, supportive, and appropriately challenging coaching space where you remain in the lead. With that foundation in place, what would you like to explore today?"

Golden Principles to Communicate

Throughout the session, aim to consistently reinforce these messages:

• You are the expert on your own life.

• This is a partnership, not a hierarchy.

• You own the agenda, goals, decisions, and actions.

• My role is to facilitate your thinking, not solve your problems.

• Everything we do is guided by your values and aspirations.

• Psychological safety, trust, and confidentiality are essential to our work together.

• Feedback and open communication strengthen our coaching relationship.

These themes align closely with the expectations of the International Coaching Federation Core Competency 3 (Establishes and Maintains Agreements) and the ethical and professional standards of Coaches and Mentors of South Africa.

Coaching Agreement

Between

Coach: _______________________________________

Business Name: __________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________

and

Client: ______________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

1. Purpose of Coaching

Coaching is a professional partnership designed to help the client clarify goals, increase self-awareness, develop new perspectives, make informed decisions, and take meaningful action toward desired outcomes.

The coaching relationship is based on collaboration, trust, mutual respect, and the belief that the client is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole.

The purpose of coaching is not to diagnose, treat, or cure mental illness, provide legal, medical, psychological, financial, or other professional advice, or replace professional counselling or therapy.

2. Coaching Relationship

The client understands and agrees that:

• Coaching is a collaborative partnership.

• The client is responsible for their own decisions, choices, and actions.

• The coach facilitates learning through questions, reflection, feedback, and accountability.

• The coach does not direct, instruct, or make decisions on behalf of the client.

• The client determines the agenda for each coaching session.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Coach Responsibilities

The coach agrees to:

• Maintain professional and ethical standards.

• Create a respectful, confidential, and psychologically safe environment.

• Listen actively and without judgement.

• Ask thought-provoking questions.

• Support the client's learning and growth.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Respect the client's autonomy.

• Obtain consent before exploring sensitive topics or introducing new approaches.

• Refer the client to another professional if coaching is no longer appropriate.

Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to:

• Attend sessions on time.

• Participate openly and honestly.

• Take responsibility for decisions and actions.

• Complete any self-selected actions between sessions.

• Inform the coach if coaching is no longer meeting their needs.

• Provide feedback regarding the coaching relationship.

4. Coaching Goals

The client wishes to work towards the following outcomes:

These goals may evolve throughout the coaching engagement.

5. Session Structure

Length of each session:

☐ 45 minutes

☐ 60 minutes

☐ 90 minutes

Number of sessions:

Session frequency:

Coaching will be conducted:

☐ Online

☐ Telephone

☐ Face-to-face

☐ Hybrid

6. Confidentiality

All information shared during coaching sessions will remain confidential except where:

• disclosure is required by law;

• there is a serious risk of harm to the client or another person;

• the client provides written permission to share information.

Where coaching is sponsored by an employer or another organisation, only information agreed in advance with the client will be shared. Personal coaching conversations remain confidential unless otherwise agreed.

The coach will store client information securely and in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Client records will be securely maintained and used solely for coaching purposes.

The coach will comply with applicable data protection and privacy legislation.

Client information will not be shared with third parties without consent unless legally required.

8. Professional Boundaries

The client understands that coaching is not:

• counselling

• psychotherapy

• psychiatric treatment

• legal advice

• financial advice

• medical treatment

• consulting

• mentoring (unless specifically agreed)

If the coach believes another professional service would better support the client, this will be discussed openly.

9. Client Well-being

Should the client disclose circumstances indicating significant risk of harm to themselves or others, the coach may take appropriate action consistent with applicable laws, ethical obligations, and safeguarding responsibilities.

10. Communication Between Sessions

Communication between sessions may occur via:

☐ Email

☐ WhatsApp

☐ Telephone

Purpose of communication:

• scheduling

• brief accountability check-ins

• administrative matters

The coach does not provide unlimited coaching between scheduled sessions unless separately agreed.

11. Cancellation Policy

Sessions cancelled with at least ______ hours' notice may be rescheduled.

Sessions cancelled with less than ______ hours' notice may be charged in full unless exceptional circumstances apply.

If the coach needs to cancel, an alternative appointment will be arranged.

12. Fees and Payment

Coaching Fee:

Payment Schedule:

Payment Method:

Invoices are payable within ______ days.

13. Review of Progress

Progress will be reviewed regularly.

The client and coach may revise goals, session frequency, or coaching outcomes by mutual agreement.

The client may end coaching at any time by providing reasonable notice.

The coach may terminate the coaching relationship if:

• coaching is no longer appropriate;

• ethical concerns arise;

• fees remain unpaid;

• mutual trust can no longer be maintained.

14. Consent

The client confirms that:

• coaching has been explained;

• the purpose of coaching is understood;

• confidentiality has been explained;

• limitations of confidentiality have been explained;

• questions have been answered;

• participation is voluntary;

• responsibility for decisions remains with the client.

15. Agreement

By signing below, both parties agree to the terms of this coaching agreement.

Coach

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Client

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Coaching Partnership Statement

We agree to work together in a relationship built on trust, respect, openness, curiosity, accountability, and mutual learning. The client remains the expert in their own life and retains responsibility for all decisions and actions. The coach commits to providing a professional, ethical, confidential, and supportive environment that encourages reflection, growth, and sustainable change.

Appendix A – Coaching Terms and Conditions

This Appendix forms part of the Coaching Agreement between Level123Coaching ("the Coach") and the Client.

1. Scheduling

• Coaching sessions are booked in advance by mutual agreement.

• Sessions begin and end at the agreed time.

• If the client arrives late, the session will still end at the scheduled time unless otherwise agreed.

• Sessions may be conducted online, in person or by telephone.

2. Technology Requirements

For online coaching the client agrees to:

• Have a stable internet connection.

• Join the meeting from a quiet and private location where confidentiality can be maintained.

• Test their microphone and camera before the session.

• Ensure the device used has sufficient battery life or power.

Should technical problems occur, both parties will make reasonable efforts to reconnect. If this is not possible, the session may be rescheduled.

3. Communication Between Sessions

Communication between sessions is intended for:

• Scheduling appointments

• Administrative matters

• Sharing agreed resources

• Brief accountability check-ins

The Coach does not provide unlimited coaching support via email, WhatsApp or telephone between scheduled sessions unless this forms part of the agreed coaching package.

Normal response time is within one to two business days.

4. Fees and Payment

Payment is due before the coaching session unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Accepted payment methods include:

• EFT

• Credit/Debit Card

• Other approved payment methods

Invoices are payable within the agreed payment terms.

Failure to make payment may result in suspension of future coaching sessions.

5. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Clients may reschedule appointments by providing at least 24 hours' notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be forfeited unless exceptional circumstances apply.

If the Coach needs to cancel a session, an alternative appointment will be arranged as soon as reasonably possible.

6. Refund Policy

Where coaching has been purchased as an individual session:

• Refund requests will be considered before the coaching session commences.

For coaching programmes:

• Unused sessions may be refunded only where required by law or where specifically stated in the programme terms.

• Completed coaching sessions are non-refundable.

Where a money-back guarantee has been advertised, the published guarantee terms will apply.

7. Session Recordings

Sessions will not be recorded without the client's prior written consent.

Where recording is agreed:

Recordings may be used only for one or more of the following purposes:

• Client review

• Coach supervision

• Mentor coaching

• Accreditation purposes

• Quality assurance

Recordings remain confidential and will be securely stored.

The client may withdraw consent for future recordings at any time.

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Level123Coaching may use secure AI-assisted tools to support administrative tasks such as:

• Producing session summaries

• Generating coaching notes

• Preparing action plans

• Identifying themes and patterns

AI tools will not replace professional coaching judgement.

Personally identifiable information will not be shared with AI services unless the client has provided informed consent or appropriate safeguards are in place.

The client may request that AI tools are not used in connection with their coaching engagement.

9. Coach Supervision

To maintain professional standards, the Coach may discuss coaching cases with an accredited coaching supervisor.

Any discussion will:

• Protect the client's identity.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Focus on improving coaching effectiveness.

No identifying information will be disclosed without the client's permission unless legally required.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

Client information will be stored securely.

Information will only be retained for as long as reasonably necessary for professional, legal or accreditation purposes.

Reasonable measures will be taken to protect electronic and physical records from unauthorized access.

11. Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to:

• Attend coaching prepared and ready to participate.

• Complete agreed actions between sessions where appropriate.

• Inform the Coach if coaching is no longer meeting their needs.

• Provide honest feedback throughout the coaching relationship.

• Respect agreed boundaries and appointment times.

12. Coach Responsibilities

The Coach agrees to:

• Work within professional ethical standards.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Respect diversity, inclusion and cultural differences.

• Maintain competence through ongoing professional development.

• Seek supervision where appropriate.

• Refer the client to another professional if coaching is no longer appropriate.

13. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Level123Coaching welcomes clients from all backgrounds.

The Coach is committed to:

• Respecting diversity.

• Avoiding discrimination.

• Using inclusive language.

• Creating a psychologically safe coaching environment.

• Remaining aware of personal biases and actively managing them.

14. Complaints Procedure

If the client has concerns regarding the coaching relationship, they are encouraged to discuss these directly with the Coach in the first instance.

If the concern cannot be resolved informally, a written complaint may be submitted.

Where appropriate, clients may also use the published complaints processes of relevant professional coaching bodies where the Coach is a member.

15. Limitation of Coaching

The client understands that coaching:

• Is not therapy.

• Is not counselling.

• Is not consulting.

• Is not mentoring unless specifically agreed.

• Does not guarantee specific personal, financial or business outcomes.

• Does not replace legal, financial, medical or psychological advice.

The client remains responsible for all decisions and actions taken during and after the coaching engagement.

16. Intellectual Property

All coaching materials, workbooks, assessments, templates, presentations, and training resources remain the intellectual property of Level123Coaching unless otherwise stated.

These materials are provided for the client's personal use only and may not be reproduced, distributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.

17. Governing Law

This Coaching Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Client Acknowledgement

I confirm that I have read and understood this Appendix and agree to its contents.