20 things to include in your macro coaching contract:

Parties to the agreement (coach & client)

Purpose of coaching

Scope of engagement

Coaching process

Roles & responsibilities

Confidentiality clause

Ethics & code of conduct (ICF & COMENSA)

Session logistics (length, frequency, format)

Fees & payment terms

Cancellation & rescheduling policy

Duration & termination terms

Client commitment & accountability

Limitation of liability

Data protection & privacy (POPIA)

Agreement & consent (signatures & dates)

Recording consent (if sessions are recorded)

Intellectual property of materials

Referral clause (when to refer to therapist)

Emergency contact clause (if applicable)

Dispute resolution process

What a Proper Coaching Contract Should Include

Coaching is often described as a powerful, transformative conversation.

But before the first breakthrough ever happens…
before the first powerful question is asked…
before trust is built between coach and client…

There should be a properly constructed coaching agreement.

Professional coaching is not an informal chat. It is a structured professional relationship with ethical, legal, and psychological responsibilities.

A well-designed coaching contract protects both the client and the coach, and it creates the foundation for real results.

Here are the core elements that should be present in a professional coaching agreement.

1. Scope of Coaching

The contract should clearly define what coaching is — and what it is not.

It should explain that coaching focuses on:

• Goal achievement
  
  

• Personal or professional development
  
  

• Self-awareness
  
  

• Behavioural change
  
  

It should also clarify that coaching is not therapy, consulting, or medical advice.

This distinction protects both parties and manages expectations.

2. Client Responsibility

Coaching only works if the client participates fully.

A professional contract should state that the client is responsible for:

• Their own decisions
  
  

• Their own actions
  
  

• The results they achieve
  
  

The coach facilitates thinking — the client creates the change.

3. Confidentiality

Trust is the foundation of coaching.

A coaching agreement should clearly outline:

• What information remains confidential
  
  

• The limits of confidentiality
  
  

• Any legal or ethical exceptions
  
  

Clients need to know that the space is safe for honest reflection.

4. Session Structure

The agreement should define the practical details of the coaching engagement:

• Length of sessions
  
  

• Frequency of sessions
  
  

• Duration of the coaching programme
  
  

• Format (online, in person, phone)
  
  

Clarity here avoids misunderstandings later.

5. Payment Terms

Professional coaching is a paid service.

The contract should specify:

• Fees
  
  

• Payment schedule
  
  

• Accepted payment methods
  
  

• Late payment policies
  
  

• Refund policies
  
  

Transparent financial agreements maintain professionalism.

6. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Life happens.

A coaching agreement should clearly define:

• Cancellation notice period
  
  

• Rescheduling rules
  
  

• Missed session policies
  
  

This protects the coach's time while remaining fair to the client.

7. Boundaries and Professional Conduct

A coaching relationship is professional, not social.

The contract should outline:

• Appropriate communication channels
  
  

• Contact between sessions
  
  

• Professional boundaries
  
  

Clear boundaries actually strengthen the coaching relationship.

8. Termination of the Agreement

Both parties should have the right to end the coaching relationship.

A proper contract explains:

• How termination works
  
  

• Notice periods
  
  

• Financial implications if coaching ends early
  
  

Healthy professional relationships include a clear exit path.

9. Ethical Standards

Professional coaches operate within ethical frameworks.

Many contracts reference recognised standards such as:

• Ethical coaching practices
  
  

• Professional conduct guidelines
  
  

• Client wellbeing and autonomy
  
  

Ethics are what separate professional coaching from casual advice.

10. Informed Consent

Finally, the client must agree that they understand the nature of coaching and willingly enter the process.

This is known as informed consent, and it is essential in any professional helping relationship.

Coaching Starts With Clarity

Great coaching is built on trust.

And trust starts with clear agreements.

When expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries are defined upfront, both coach and client can focus on what really matters:

Growth. Learning. Transformation.

A strong contract doesn't make coaching rigid.

It makes coaching safe, ethical, and powerful.

Question for coaches and clients:

What is one clause you believe every coaching contract should include?

Let’s discuss.

Assignment 2 Week 1 Hour 2 - Training Cohort 1

1. Come up with your own Coaching Contract that meets all the criteria of a great coaching contract according to your research and understanding

2. Video yourself going through the contract and explaining it to a pretend 'client'. Upload the video to YouTube and send the link on the written copy of the contract to proactive.projects@gmail.com.  Remember to save a copy in your Portfolio of Evidence, update your training log with the  hour taken to complete the exercise.