Standards · Boundaries · Confidentiality
My Code Of Practice
How I work — in plain language, before we start
- Mentoring And Coaching, Together. Every session combines mentoring — counsel from my experience: techniques, tools, tactics, and real situations — with life coaching to the International Coaching Federation’s standards and Code of Ethics: self-efficacy, strategy, and substantive solutions. We go wherever the session needs to go, as I judge best and as you choose; you may ask for either at any moment, and my experience is always offered without attachment, never imposed. I am ICF-trained; my ACC credential is in progress, and I claim no credential before it is awarded.
- Confidentiality. What you share remains between us — in every part of every session — within the limits set out in your agreement: a serious risk of harm to you or to someone else, a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable person, or a legal obligation to disclose. Sessions are never recorded without your written consent.
- Clear Boundaries. I am a mentor and coach — not a physician, audiologist, therapist, or legal advocate. Should anything clinical or legal arise, I will direct you to the appropriate professional. I never take a position for or against any hearing device, treatment, or communication approach: when I describe what I use, it is my experience, not a recommendation.
- Clear Fit. I work with people who communicate by listening, lip-reading, and speaking. If you or your family rely on sign language, I am not the right fit — and I will say so plainly before we begin. Your decisions remain yours, and clinical decisions remain with your clinical team.
- No Promises I Cannot Keep. Every child, every family, and every person is different — no outcome is ever guaranteed.
- In Writing, Before We Begin. Every client signs the Client Agreement & Informed Consent electronically before the first session; it sets out the service, the Inaugural Offer terms, cancellation, the limits of confidentiality, and the recording policy. For 13–17s, a parent or guardian signs too. Pro bono places are on exactly the same terms as any other.
- Honest Testimonials. A testimonial is only ever shared with your written consent. Pro bono clients under the Inaugural Offer agree, by signed agreement, to give an honest one at the end of their sessions, whatever their experience, and it is published with a first name, age, and occupation only. Some testimonials were given by clients who received their sessions without charge during the Inaugural Offer. A testimonial is never edited to change its meaning, and consent can be withdrawn at any time.
- Ages 13 And Up. For 13–17s, a parent or guardian either joins or stays nearby for each session, or signs a Parental Consent Agreement that allows sessions without them. Either way, parents are copied on every message, can join any session at any time, and sessions are never recorded without their written consent.
- A Written Recap Within 24 Hours. Every session ends with a written recap and one agreed next step, sent within 24 hours, so nothing we decide is lost.
- 24 Hours’ Notice, For Both Of Us. Sessions can be rescheduled or cancelled free of charge with at least 24 hours’ notice. A session missed with less notice counts as used; a session I cancel with less notice is rescheduled at a time that suits you.
- Not An Emergency Service. Sessions are scheduled, and WhatsApp and email are not monitored around the clock. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services first.
- Captions Available On Every Call. Live captions are available on every call, switched on if you need them; if you are unsure how, I will show you.