Code of Ethics

To be registered on the New Zealand Register of Weight Management Coaches, coaches agree to continually abide by the Code of Ethics in their professional practice.

The code stipulates that coaches:

1. Are committed to evidence-based practice. This means that:
   a. Nutritional guidance provided to clients is consistent with the current version of the New Zealand Ministry of Health’s Eating and Activity Guidelines.
   b. Guidance provided to clients regarding physical activity is consistent with the current version of the New Zealand Ministry of Health’s Eating and Activity Guidelines.
   c. Guidance and/or support provided to clients regarding behaviour and behaviour change is consistent with established psychological theory such as operant conditioning, social learning theory, behavioural economics and/or the transtheoretical model of behaviour change.
   d. Guidance and/or support provided to clients regarding the implementation of behavioural change techniques is consistent with, and limited to, established techniques such as: self-monitoring, target behaviour analyses, goal setting, stimulus control, problem solving, relapse prevention, activity scheduling, harm minimisation, self-reinforcement, and additional techniques as endorsed for use by the New Zealand Register of Weight Management Coaches.
   
   
2. Are committed to a person-centred approach when working with clients. This means that:
   a. Coaches are authentic; they practice in a way that is consistent with the coaching methodology outlined in the Diploma of Weight Management Coaching; they do not present or allow clients to perceive them to be qualified in related areas (dietetics, counselling) unless they have the qualifications (and appropriate registration) to do so.
   b. Coaches hold all clients in positive regard; rather than dictate solutions, coaches actively seek clients input into the identification of behaviours that clients wish to change and then guide and support clients in the process of behaviour change.
   c. Coaches are empathic; they attend to clients to develop an understanding of each clients unique objectives and circumstances from which clients can be helped to find solutions that are meaningful and sustainable for them.
   
   
3. Refer clients appropriately. This means that:
   a. When it becomes evident that a client needs help that is beyond the capacity and training of the coach to provide, the coach refers the client to an appropriate source of specialist help. For example, if a client is suspected to be suffering from an eating disorder, the client would be referred to their GP or referred in according to guidance provided from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand or the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand.
   b. The perceived need for, and benefits of referral would be discussed with the client prior to any referral being made.
   c. The clients consent for the referral would be requested and received before any confidential information would be passed from the coach to the specialist being referred to. Such information would be limited to information relating to the reason(s) for referral only. If the clients consent is not gained, a referral and passing of any confidential information can and should be made if the coach perceives the client to be at imminent risk of serious harm.
   
   
4. Only work with children or young people under supervision. This means that:
   a. All sessions (in-person or online) completed between a coach and client aged 16 or under will only be completed in the presence of that clients parent, parents, or legal guardian.
   b. Coaches will not accept payment from any client aged 16 or under. Payment for such services will only be accepted from a parent or legal guardian of the respective client.
   
   
5. Respect the individuality of clients. This means that:
   a. Coaches respect diversity and recognise that clients live and develop within social, cultural and community groups that may differ from the coach. This recognition requires the coach to take reasonable steps to meet the social and/or cultural needs of all clients.
   b. Coaches seek to avoid or refuse to participate in any practices that are discriminatory or disrespectful of the cultural, legal, civil, or moral rights of others.
   
   
6. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of clients. This means that in the practice of coaching:
   a. Coaches only collect and record information from clients that is directly relevant to weight management coaching.
   b. Coaches store all information (physical or virtual files, notes) collected about clients in a secure manner that minimises the risk of such information becoming available to a third party.
   c. Coaches refrain from identifying any individual client during the process of supervision.
   d. Where necessary, coaches gain the consent of clients prior to discussing confidential information regarding the client. Such cases are limited to the discussion of information with a healthcare specialist regarding treatment for the client, or for re-registration requirements for the coach. In both cases, an assurance is provided to the client that confidential information will not be provided to any party other than healthcare specialist or the New Zealand Register of Weight Management Coaches.
   e. Prior to the commencement of the initial client assessment, coaches will discuss with clients the information they will need to gain in the coaching process and how they will protect this information from third parties. Coaches will also discuss the clients right and the right to decline to provide information at any stage. Coaches must gain the clients consent to proceed with the initial consultation before confidential information is gained and inform clients that they (the client) can refuse to provide information at any stage in the coaching process.
   
   
7. Demonstrate on on-going commitment to the profession of weight management coaching. This means that:
   a. Coaches will work within the limits of their knowledge, training, and experience.
   b. Coaches will maintain their competence by periodically reviewing the consistency of their practice against the guidelines for practice as provided in the Diploma of Weight Management Coaching.
   c. Coaches will meet the requirements for re-registration as determined by the New Zealand Register of Weight Management Coaching.
   d. Where possible, coaches will engage with other Weight Management Coaches for the process of supervision to improve their professional practice.
   
   
8. Are transparent with fees. This means that:
   a. Coaches will disclose and discuss all fees, including fees for ongoing services, and methods of payment, with clients at the beginning of the coach-client relationship and no later than the completion of the initial assessment.
   b. Coaches will ensure that fees are reasonable and commensurate with the service provided to clients.
   c. Coaches will not undertake any chargeable activity until a signed agreement is in place with the client, such agreement referencing this code, and identifying clearly and in plain language the rights and obligations of the client and coach in relation to matters dealt with by this code.