Ethics and accountability
Code of Conduct
The commitments every GCEN applicant, member and credential holder is expected to uphold.
Human dignity
Treat every person with respect, protect client agency and reject harassment, exploitation and discrimination.
Integrity
Represent qualifications, experience, credentials and outcomes truthfully, and never guarantee results.
Competence
Work within demonstrated competence, seek supervision and development, and refer when another professional is better placed to assist.
Clear contracting
Agree roles, scope, confidentiality, fees, records, review points and endings before substantive work begins.
Confidentiality and privacy
Protect personal and confidential information, explain lawful limits and use secure, proportionate record-keeping.
Boundaries and conflicts
Maintain professional boundaries, disclose relevant conflicts and manage multiple relationships transparently.
Inclusion and cultural intelligence
Remain attentive to identity, culture, context, power and systemic conditions without stereotyping.
Digital and AI responsibility
Use technology transparently, lawfully and with informed consent; do not enter confidential client material into tools without authority and safeguards.
Accountability
Cooperate with fair complaints and conduct processes, preserve relevant evidence and comply with proportionate outcomes.
Client welfare and safeguarding
Prioritise client welfare, recognise signs of harm or vulnerability, take proportionate protective action and follow lawful safeguarding and referral duties.
Professional relationships
Avoid coercion, sexual or exploitative relationships, improper financial influence and any misuse of trust, status or confidential knowledge.
Records and evidence
Create accurate, necessary and secure records; do not fabricate coaching, education, supervision, CPD, payment or assessment evidence.
Public statements and marketing
Make substantiated claims, distinguish membership from credentials, respect others’ intellectual property and never imply an endorsement that has not been granted.
Supervision and continuing development
Maintain reflective practice, appropriate supervision or peer review and continuing development proportionate to role, competence and renewal obligations.
Concerns and non-retaliation
Raise serious ethical or safety concerns in good faith and do not retaliate against complainants, witnesses, assessors or people seeking support.
Applicant and member commitment
By signing an application or continuing in GCEN membership, the person confirms that they have read this Code, will comply with it, will disclose relevant matters honestly and understand that an alleged breach may be investigated. A fair process includes notice, an opportunity to respond, impartial decision-making, proportionate outcomes and access to the published appeal route.