Cal-IF Code of ethics
Preamble:
A code of ethics is like a guidebook for professionals, helping them make better decisions in their daily work. It ensures that we're consistent in what we do and sets high standards for our actions. This code brings us together as a group, emphasizing our commitment to conducting ourselves appropriately.
Independent Facilitators play a crucial role in making collaboration and positive outcomes happen in different situations. This Code of Ethics spells out the basic principles and standards for Professional Independent Facilitators. By sticking to these principles, facilitators help create a respectful, inclusive, sustainable, and ethical way of doing their job.
code of ethics
1: Follow the 5 Principles of Self-Determination
As Independent Facilitators we will follow and support the 5 Principles of Self-Determination: Freedom, Authority, Support, Responsibility, and Confirmation.
2: Integrity
As Independent Facilitators we shall act with honesty, transparency, and sincerity in all professional interactions. We will accurately represent our qualifications, experience, and breakdown of services offered and the cost of those services.
3: Justice, Fairness & Equity
As Independent Facilitators we will promote and practice justice, fairness, and equity for the people we support and the community as a whole. We will affirm the human rights, civil rights and responsibilities of the people we support.
4: Respect
We will respect human dignity and the uniqueness of the people we support. We will recognize each person we support as valuable and help others understand their value. Independent Facilitators shall treat all members of the participant’s team with dignity and respect, valuing diversity and promoting an inclusive environment. We shall recognize and honor the perspectives, experiences, and contributions of each team member.
5: Person-Centered Focus
Our first allegiance is to the person we support as Independent Facilitators. All other activities and functions we perform flow from this allegiance. We shall respect participants' autonomy and the choices they make.
6: Responsibility & Professionalism
As Independent Facilitators we will support the mission and vitality of our profession to assist people leading self-directed lives and foster a spirit of partnership with the people we support and other professionals, and the community. We acknowledge that our interactions within the SDP systems cause lasting impressions for us as a profession. Independent Facilitators shall consider the broader social and systemic impacts of our work. As professionals, we will honor our clients by providing timely communication. We shall strive to contribute positively to the well-being of communities and promote sustainable and ethical practices.
6: Confidentiality
As Independent Facilitators we will safeguard and respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during and after working with a client, unless legally obligated to disclose such information. We will communicate clearly about the limits of confidentiality with participants and respect their right to privacy.
7: Competence & Continuous Improvement
We will continuously develop and maintain our professional competence. We will only accept assignments within our areas of expertise and skills, and will refer clients to other professionals or ask for assistance when appropriate. As Independent Facilitators we will engage in ongoing reflection, learning, and professional development to enhance our facilitation skills and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in the field.
8: Accountability
While some scenarios and outcomes are out of our hands, as Independent Facilitators will take responsibility for the impact of our facilitation efforts. We will acknowledge and learn from mistakes, seek feedback for improvement, and address any unintended consequences of our actions. In situations where we must terminate a working relationship with a participant, we are responsible for maintaining honest communication and make every effort to provide alternative options.
9: Conflict of Interest & Professional Boundaries
As Independent Facilitators we will establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants, avoiding dual relationships that could compromise our objectivity or create conflicts of interest.