Here is the COMENSA Pledge verbatim as published in the official COMENSA document (word‑for‑word):

COMENSA PLEDGE

As a professional coach/mentor¹, I acknowledge and agree that the strength of COMENSA lies in the support, commitment and loyalty of its members and their commitment to upholding the professional standards and ethics of the profession.
I pledge to:
a. Familiarise myself with the Memorandum of Incorporation, the Code of Ethics and the Supervision Framework as well as any other regulations as may be stipulated by COMENSA from time to time;
b. Support the leadership and fellow members by participating² in the affairs of COMENSA and to hold leaders and fellow members to account, openly and transparently;
c. Honour my commitment and ethical obligations to my clients, colleagues and the public at large;
d. Comply with the prevailing COMENSA Code of Ethics, to treat people with dignity and respect, and to embody and live these standards as part of who I am;
e. Comply with the recommendations of the COMENSA Supervision Framework.
I agree that COMENSA, in its sole discretion, may hold me accountable should I breach this Pledge, the Memorandum of Incorporation or any of the regulations, including the prevailing Code of Ethics.
I am aware and agree that censure for any breach by COMENSA could include loss of my membership of COMENSA and my COMENSA credentials.
I agree to sign and recommit to the COMENSA Pledge on the annual renewal of my membership of COMENSA.
Signature: ________________________ Date: __________
Name (Please Print) ______________________
Organisation: _____________________

¹ If an organisation signs this Pledge, it commits on behalf of the individual members of the organisation and vouches that s/he is duly authorised to do so. The individual members of the organisation are then held as fully accountable and bound to the contents of this Pledge.
² Including but not limited to, participating in National and Chapter Annual General Meetings either in person or by proxy, attending and participating in Chapter meetings when possible, and voicing suggestions and concerns to the appropriate National/Chapter/Committee members.

Here’s a clear explanation of each item in the COMENSA Pledge, so you can understand what it means in practice and how it applies to you as a coach. I’ll break it down clause by clause.

COMENSA Pledge Explained

Opening Statement

“As a professional coach/mentor, I acknowledge and agree that the strength of COMENSA lies in the support, commitment and loyalty of its members and their commitment to upholding the professional standards and ethics of the profession.”

Explanation:

• You are recognizing that COMENSA works because members uphold ethics, standards, and professionalism.
  
  

• It’s about collective responsibility: your commitment strengthens the profession and protects clients.
  
  

Pledge Items

a. Familiarise with documents

“Familiarise myself with the Memorandum of Incorporation, the Code of Ethics and the Supervision Framework as well as any other regulations as may be stipulated by COMENSA from time to time.”

Explanation:

• You commit to knowing all rules, ethical codes, and frameworks COMENSA sets.
  
  

• This ensures you are aware of your obligations, rights, and professional responsibilities.
  
  

b. Support leadership and members

“Support the leadership and fellow members by participating in the affairs of COMENSA and to hold leaders and fellow members to account, openly and transparently.”

Explanation:

• Be active in COMENSA activities: meetings, discussions, feedback opportunities.
  
  

• Hold leaders and members accountable respectfully if actions don’t align with ethics or standards.
  
  

• Encourages a culture of transparency and collective integrity.
  
  

c. Honour commitment to clients, colleagues, and public

“Honour my commitment and ethical obligations to my clients, colleagues and the public at large.”

Explanation:

• Uphold professional responsibility toward clients and peers.
  
  

• Act ethically in all interactions, maintaining trust and credibility.
  
  

d. Comply with Code of Ethics and embody standards

“Comply with the prevailing COMENSA Code of Ethics, to treat people with dignity and respect, and to embody and live these standards as part of who I am.”

Explanation:

• Ethics isn’t just about compliance—it’s about internalizing professional values.
  
  

• Treat all people respectfully, consistently modeling ethical behavior in everyday practice.
  
  

e. Comply with Supervision Framework

“Comply with the recommendations of the COMENSA Supervision Framework.”

Explanation:

• Engage in coaching supervision, mentorship, or peer review as required.
  
  

• This ensures your practice is reviewed, supported, and aligned with professional standards.
  
  

Accountability

“I agree that COMENSA, in its sole discretion, may hold me accountable should I breach this Pledge, the Memorandum of Incorporation or any of the regulations, including the prevailing Code of Ethics. I am aware and agree that censure for any breach by COMENSA could include loss of my membership of COMENSA and my COMENSA credentials.”

Explanation:

• You understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including losing membership or credentials.
  
  

• Accountability is a key part of professionalism in coaching.
  
  

Annual Recommitment

“I agree to sign and recommit to the COMENSA Pledge on the annual renewal of my membership of COMENSA.”

Explanation:

• Membership is continuous and active: you confirm commitment every year.
  
  

• Encourages ongoing reflection and adherence to professional standards.
  
  

Footnotes / Notes

1. Organizational signing: If your employer signs, each member is still personally accountable.
   
   

2. Participation includes: Meetings, chapters, suggestions, and feedback.
   
   

Explanation:

• COMENSA emphasizes active engagement—you can’t just hold membership passively.
  
  

• Participation strengthens professional learning and community support.
  
  

 Summary:

The COMENSA Pledge is about:

• Professional ethics and responsibility
  
  

• Respect and dignity for clients and peers
  
  

• Active participation in the coaching community
  
  

• Ongoing learning, supervision, and reflection
  
  

• Personal accountability and recommitment
  
  

It’s not just a signature—it reflects a commitment to embody coaching as a professional practice.

Here’s a one-page COMENSA Pledge Cheat Sheet that translates the pledge into practical, actionable points you can use in coaching practice, assignments, or reflection.

COMENSA Pledge – Actionable Cheat Sheet

Pledge Item

What It Means for You as a Coach

Practical Action / Reflection

Familiarise with COMENSA documents

Know your obligations and professional standards.

Read and review the Memorandum of Incorporation, Code of Ethics, and Supervision Framework; keep updated with any COMENSA updates.

Support leadership and fellow members

Engage in the community, contribute, and maintain accountability.

Attend chapter meetings, give constructive feedback, participate in discussions, and support fellow coaches ethically.

Honour commitment to clients, colleagues, and public

Act ethically and responsibly at all times.

Maintain professionalism in sessions, deliver on promises, keep confidentiality, and respect client autonomy.

Comply with Code of Ethics and embody standards

Ethics is a lived practice, not just rules.

Model dignity, respect, and integrity; reflect daily on ethical behavior; make decisions aligned with coaching values.

Comply with Supervision Framework

Continuous learning and accountability through supervision.

Attend regular supervision sessions or peer reviews; seek guidance on challenging situations; reflect on feedback.

Be accountable for breaches

Understand consequences for unethical or non-compliant behavior.

Take responsibility for mistakes, correct them, and learn from them; maintain a log of ethical dilemmas and resolutions.

Recommit annually

Coaching is ongoing and reflective practice.

Sign the pledge each year; review your professional growth; set goals for improvement; track your development in a journal.

Organizational accountability (if applicable)

Even if your organization signs, your personal responsibility is maintained.

Ensure you personally comply with the pledge; don’t assume organizational endorsement removes your accountability.

Active participation in COMENSA

Membership requires engagement, not passive affiliation.

Attend AGMs, participate in committees, provide feedback, and contribute to community initiatives.

How to Use This Cheat Sheet

1. Before Sessions: Review your values and commitment points to enter a professional, ethical mindset.
   
   

2. During Sessions: Keep reminders of client autonomy, respect, and ethical decision-making front of mind.
   
   

3. After Sessions: Reflect on adherence to the pledge and identify lessons for improvement.
   
   

4. Ongoing Development: Use the cheat sheet to guide supervision, peer review, and reflective journaling.