IMC Code of Ethics

A. Contract

1. Prior to working with a client, IMC professionals will make the principles available and explain thoroughly their commitment to adhere to it.
2. Before working with a client, IMC professionals will clarify and ensure that the client and sponsor fully understand the nature, terms, and conditions outlined, including financial, logistical, and confidentiality agreements.
3. IMC professionals will take into account and understand the expectations and goals of their clients and sponsors and establish an agreement on how they intend to fulfill them.
4. IMC professionals will uphold transparency by openly discussing the methodologies employed and being ready to provide clients and sponsors with information regarding the procedures and standards implicated.
5. IMC professionals will verify that the contract’s timeframe aligns with achieving the goals of both the client and sponsor, actively striving to foster the client’s independence, self-sufficiency, and empowerment.
6. Members will ensure that the environment for mentoring and supervision is conducive to learning and reflection, thereby increasing the probability of attaining the goals outlined in the contract.
7. IMC professionals will prioritize their client’s interests while also promoting awareness and responsibility to ensure that these interests do not negatively impact those of sponsors, stakeholders, the broader society, or the natural environment.

B. Confidentiality

1. IMC professionals have the primary obligation to maintain the strictest level of confidentiality with respect to their client and sponsor information unless mandated by law.
2. IMC professionals will explicitly communicate to clients and sponsors the scope of confidentiality specifying instances where confidentiality may be breached (such as illegal activities or threats to self and others), as well as the potential disclosure of information if mandated by law.
3. Members will maintain, store, and appropriately dispose of all client-related data and records, including digital files and communications, in a manner that guarantees confidentiality, security, and privacy.

C. Conflict of Interest

1. Members will openly and honestly discuss any potential conflicts of interest, personal biases, prior knowledge of the organization, or any other factors that could potentially manipulate the partnership.
2. Members will abstain from exploiting clients and avoid leveraging their position to obtain unfair or inappropriate privileges, gains, or benefits.
3. Members will strictly uphold a professional relationship with clients, ensuring clear separation from any other types of relationships.
4. Members will disengage from the client relationship if a conflict cannot be effectively addressed or managed.

D. Professional Relationship and Expectations

1. Members will establish clear boundaries with clients, maintain a professional relationship, and avoid any actions that may be perceived as crossing personal or professional boundaries.
2. Members will establish clear goals and expectations for the mentoring relationship and regularly communicate and review progress towards these goals.
3. IMC professionals will provide constructive feedback to their clients, guiding them to identify areas for improvement and supporting growth and development.
4. Members will address any conflicts or disagreements that may arise in the mentoring relationship in a respectful and timely manner, seeking to establish agreeable solutions.
5. Members will clearly communicate concluding the mentoring relationship, allowing the clients to transition smoothly and offering assistance as required.

1. IMC professionals will work with their chosen client and present their relevant experience, professional credentials, memberships, certifications, and accreditations to clients, sponsors, and fellow members.
2. Members will verify that no false or misleading representations are made or implied regarding their professional competence or qualifications.
3. Members will properly acknowledge the originator of any work, ideas, or materials utilized in the mentoring relationship and avoid claiming them as their own.

A. Effective Communication

1. Members will clearly, openly and honestly communicate goals, expectations, and boundaries with the clients.
2. Members will carefully and intently listen to the concerns, questions, and feedback of clients and provide thoughtful responses.
3. Members will use clear and understandable language to effectively communicate information, instructions and feedback to their clients.

B. Subject Matter Expertise

1. IMC professionals will maintain the highest standard of guidance for their clients, leveraging their extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields to provide effective and relevant mentoring.
2. IMC professionals will offer practical solutions, effectively solve problems within their area of expertise, and provide insights tailored to the client’s goals.
3. IMC professionals will uphold ethical considerations and principles when faced with dilemmas and complex situations within their area of expertise to guide clients in making ethical decisions and navigating ethical challenges effectively.

C. Cultural Competence

1. Members will act in a way that exhibits and fosters respect for other people’s customs, habits, culture, and personal beliefs, recognizing differences as a strength.
2. Members will acknowledge, respect, and value diverse cultural differences and Members will acknowledge, respect, and value diverse cultural differences and backgrounds, values, and perspectives of clients.
3. Members will understand cultural nuances and adapt to the clients’ communication style and approach to effectively communicate information and establish rapport.
4. Members will recognize and challenge their own biases and stereotypes, refraining from making assumptions based on cultural stereotypes, and treating each client as an individual without prejudice.
5. Members will create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel valued and respected, irrespective of their cultural background.

D. Feedback and Evaluation

1. IMC professionals will provide constructive feedback that allows their clients to identify their strengths and areas for improvement through ongoing evaluation, track progress and development and facilitate continuous growth and learning.
2. IMC professionals will their hold the clients accountable for their roles and responsibilities within the mentoring relationship and ensure to implement feedback when necessary.

A. Trust

1. Members will foster an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing thoughts, concerns, and feedback openly to facilitate honest discussions and constructive dialogue.
2. Members will establish trust within the mentoring relationship to enable clients to take risks, step out of their comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and learn from mistakes without fear of judgment.
3. Members will establish trust as the foundation for an effective, strong, and enduring mentoring relationship.

B. Empathy

1. Members will foster empathy to understand the clients’ emotions, experiences, and challenges from their perspective.
2. Members will create an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes diversity and equity.
3. Members will offer emotional support, empowerment and encouragement to clients, essential for their personal and professional growth.

C. Respect

1. Members will ensure that they and the clients acknowledge each other’s inherent worth and treat each other with dignity and consideration.
2. IMC professionals will foster mutual understanding with their clients to learn from each other and grow personally and professionally.

D. Accountability

1. IMC professionals will exemplify accountability for their decisions and actions, fostering the development of responsible leadership qualities in their clients.
2. IMC professionals will conduct regular check-in meetings or sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and assess accountability towards achieving the goals.
3. IMC professionals will work with clients to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to help clients develop action plans.

E. Self-awareness and Reflection

1. IMC professionals will ask thought-provoking questions that encourage clients to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
2. IMC professionals will explore their core values, beliefs, and motivations to understand and deepen clients’ self-awareness and clarify their personal and professional priorities.

1. IMC professionals will enhance their mentoring and supervision skills through relevant training and proactive engagements geared towards future professional growth.
2. Members will actively participate in networking opportunities in their field and engage with relevant professional associations or groups to gain valuable insights.
3. IMC professionals will assess the effectiveness of their mentoring strategies and techniques by reflecting on the feedback from their clients to effectively refine their approaches.

Implementing Code of Ethics in mentoring programs is imperative for maintaining stringent ethical standards, instilling confidence, and guaranteeing favorable interactions. By adhering to these principles, mentoring programs can proficiently establish and enforce Code of Ethics that cultivates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

1. Warning – written once or twice
2. Training or Education – undergo additional training or education on ethical principles and professional conduct
3. Probation – close monitoring and may be required to demonstrate improved adherence to the Code of Ethics
4. Suspension – for specified period
5. Revoke of IMC Membership and Credentials -removal of any affiliations with the organization and withdrawal of associated privileges
6. Legal Action -may be referred to legal authorities for further investigation and potential legal action.

As an IMC professional and member, I commit to upholding the ethical standards outlined in the IMC Code of Ethics. I acknowledge my responsibilities to my mentoring clients, sponsors, colleagues, and the general public, both legally and ethically.

In the event that I violate any aspect of the IMC Code of Ethics, I consent to the IMC’s authority to hold me accountable at its discretion. I understand that this accountability may result in sanctions, such as requiring further training or education, or even the cancellation of my IMC Membership and/or Credential.