Coaching Agreement

What is a coaching agreement?

A coaching agreement is the shared understanding between coach and client about how the coaching will work: its purpose, goals, boundaries, confidentiality, logistics, and each party’s responsibilities. It can be a formal document or a clearly discussed set of expectations, and establishing it is one of the ICF Core Competencies.

It is agreed at the start and revisited as needed, giving both people a clear frame for the work.

Why it matters

Clarity up front prevents confusion later. A good agreement aligns expectations, protects confidentiality, and creates the safety a client needs to be open. Without one, coaching can drift, boundaries blur, and trust suffers. It is the foundation the whole relationship rests on.

What it covers

Purpose and goals. What the coaching is for and what success looks like, often framed as SMART goals.
Confidentiality. What stays private and any limits.
Logistics. Frequency, length, format, and duration.
Responsibilities. What each party commits to.

When an organisation sponsors the coaching, this becomes a three-way tripartite agreement.

Coaching set up to succeed

Coachello builds clear agreements into every engagement, so expectations and confidentiality are set from the first session and the coaching rests on solid ground.

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FAQs

What should a coaching agreement include?

Purpose and goals, confidentiality, logistics such as frequency and duration, and each party’s responsibilities.

Is a coaching agreement legally binding?

It can be a formal contract or a clearly agreed understanding. Its main job is clarity and trust rather than legal enforcement, though sponsored coaching often has a contract too.

What is the difference between a coaching agreement and a tripartite agreement?

A coaching agreement is between coach and client. A tripartite agreement adds the sponsoring organisation as a third party.