EduLead Solutions
Code of Ethics
The Ethical Code of EduLead Solutions FZC LLC consists of five main parts:
- Introduction
- Basic Definitions
- Key Values and Ethical Principles of EduLead
- Ethical Standards
- Oath
1. Introduction
The ethical code of EduLead Solutions FZC LLC (hereinafter, “EduLead”) is founded upon the core values espoused by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNESCO's Education 2030 Framework for Action, and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators. Additionally, it reflects the input and feedback from all stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, and community members.
The ethical code of EduLead is designed to uphold the reputation and integrity of our services by:
- Setting clear standards of conduct that align with the core values and ethical principles we've outlined.
- Offering ethical guidance to support reflective practice, learning, and decision-making processes.
- Addressing disputes and ensuring adherence to standards through a transparent Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process.
The Ethical Code of EduLead is applicable to all engagements involving stakeholders. This code remains in effect regardless of the establishment of client relationships. It delineates the ethical obligations of EduLead professionals across diverse roles, including coaches, mentors, teachers, exam trainers, program participants, and supporting staff members.
The Ethical Code of EduLead serves as a cornerstone in our commitment to integrity, transparency, and the well-being of all individuals within our community. By drawing upon internationally recognized standards and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, we have crafted a robust framework that guides our actions and interactions. Upholding these ethical standards is not just a responsibility but a fundamental aspect of our identity as an educational institution. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace these principles wholeheartedly, ensuring that EduLead remains a beacon of ethical conduct and excellence in education.
2. Basic Definitions
- Client - an individual or team/group to whom educational counseling and educational services are provided, including coaching, teaching and other preparational programs.
- Counseling Services - a partnership between a trained counselor and a client to explore and address personal, social, academic, and emotional concerns. The goal is to help clients develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and achieve personal growth and academic success.
- Educational services – a partnership between an educational provider and client to facilitate learning, growth, and development. Educational services specifically focus on addressing academic challenges, career exploration, college and career readiness, study skills, time management, and other issues relevant to the educational experience.
- Professional Relationships - relationships established between an EduLead Professional and Client(s)/Sponsor(s) within the framework of an agreement or contract defining the responsibilities and expectations of each party. Educational counselors establish clear and appropriate boundaries in their professional relationships with clients, maintaining a therapeutic alliance characterized by respect, trust, and ethical conduct.
- Code - EduLead Ethical Code.
- Confidentiality - the protection of information obtained within the counseling and educational interaction, except in cases of consent for disclosure.
- Conflict of Interest - a situation in which an EduLead Professional is involved in the interests of different parties, where following the interests of one party may conflict with or be in conflict with another. These may be financial, legal, personal, or other issues.
- Equality - a situation in which all individuals experience a sense of inclusion, access to resources and opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, migration status, mental or physical limitations, and other aspects of personal differences.
- EduLead Professional - a person representing themselves as an EduLead member in the role of conselor, supervisor, mentor, trainer, participant in preparation programs, and others.
- Informed Consent - Educational counselors obtain informed consent from clients before initiating counseling services, ensuring that clients understand the nature of the counseling process, their rights, and the potential risks and benefits involved.
- Systemic equality – denotes the integration of gender, racial, and other forms of equality within the ethical framework, core values, policies, organizational structure, and cultural ethos of communities, institutions, nations, and societies.
3. Key Values and Ethical Principles of EduLead
The ethical code of EduLead is based on core values espoused by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNESCO’s Education 2030 Framework for Action, and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators, and the actions stemming from them. All values are equally important and support each other. These values serve as a guide and should be used as an approach for understanding and interpreting standards. Each IEduLead Professional is expected to demonstrate and promote these Values in every interaction.
4. Ethical Standards
Each EduLead Professional is expected to integrate these core values into their daily practices and interactions. This includes:
- Demonstrating respect for the rights and well-being of children in all educational contexts.
- Striving for excellence and inclusivity in educational initiatives and programs.
- Using technology responsibly and ethically to support learning and innovation.
- Upholding the principles of equality, integrity, and collaboration in professional relationships.
- Continuously reflecting on and refining one’s practices to align with the ethical code of EduLead.
Section I – Responsibility to Clients:
As an EduLead professional, I:
- Explain, either before or during our initial meeting, and strive to ensure that my counseling or educational clients and sponsors understand the nature and potential benefits of the counseling or educational process, the boundaries and limitations of confidentiality, financial arrangements, as well as any other terms of our counseling or educational agreement.
- Craft an agreement or contract that takes into account the roles, responsibilities, and rights of all parties involved in engaging with my clients and sponsors before commencing services.
- Maintain the utmost confidentiality with all parties in accordance with prior agreements. I am well-versed in all relevant laws governing the handling of personal information and communication content and commit to adhering to them.
- Possess a clear understanding of how information is exchanged among all parties throughout the counseling or educational interaction.
- Establish a clear understanding with clients, sponsors, or other stakeholders regarding circumstances where confidentiality may not be maintained (e.g., illegal activities, legal obligations, compliance with legal orders, unavoidable or high-risk situations for oneself or others, etc.). If I reasonably suspect any of these circumstances, I will need to inform the appropriate authorities.
- As an Internal Counselor or Educator, address conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest with my counseling clients and sponsors through counseling agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue. This includes clarifying roles within the educational institution, responsibilities, relationships, record-keeping, confidentiality, and other reporting requirements.
- Safeguard, store, and appropriately dispose of all records, including electronic files, and communication content generated during professional interactions to ensure confidentiality, security, and compliance with relevant laws and agreements. Additionally, I strive to ethically utilize emerging technologies in counseling or educational services and understand the ethical standards applicable to them.
- Remain vigilant for any indications of changes in the value received by the client from our counseling or educational interactions. Should such changes occur, I adjust our relationship accordingly or suggest alternative resources or professionals.
- Respect the right of each party to terminate counseling or educational relationships at any time and for any reason, adhering to the terms of our agreement.
- Carefully consider the ramifications of multiple simultaneous agreements and relationships with the same client and sponsor to prevent conflicts of interest.
- Recognize and actively manage any disparities in power or status between the client and myself that may arise from cultural, psychological, contextual, or relational dynamics.
- Disclose to my clients the conditions under which I may receive potential compensation or other benefits resulting from referring clients to third parties.
- Ensure consistent quality in counseling or educational services in all relationships, regardless of the agreed-upon compensation structure or format.
Section II – Responsibility to Practice and Profession
As an EduLead professional, I:
- Act in accordance with the EduLead Ethical Code in all my interactions. When I become aware of a potential violation of the Code by myself or observe unethical behavior by another EduLead professional, I respectfully raise the issue with all involved parties. If the situation is not resolved, I escalate the matter to formal bodies for resolution.
- Require all my associates to adhere to the EduLead Ethical Code.
- Strive for the highest quality of my educational and counseling services through continuous learning, professional, and ethical development.
- Acknowledge my own limitations or external circumstances that may hinder the effectiveness of my educational or counseling relationships, contradict them, or diminish their quality. I will seek support in clarifying the actions to take and, if necessary, promptly seek appropriate professional assistance. These actions may include suspending or terminating my educational or counseling relationships.
- Resolve any conflict of interest situation or potential conflict of interest by discussing the situation with the involved parties, seeking professional assistance if necessary, and suspending or terminating professional relationships if needed.
Section III – Responsibility to the Profession
As an EduLead professional, I:
- Clearly define my career counseling and teaching qualifications, level of competence, expertise, experience, training, and certification overall, including my level of teaching certification.
- Communicate orally and in writing honestly and accurately about what I offer as an EduLead Professional, what EduLead offers and the potential value of counselling services.
- Educate others about the ethical responsibilities established by this Code and raise awareness among those who need to be informed.
- Take responsibility for understanding and establishing clear, culturally sensitive boundaries regulating physical and any other interactions.
- Do not engage in any sexual or romantic relationships with the Client(s) or Sponsor(s). I will always be mindful of the appropriate level of intimacy in these relationships and take appropriate action to resolve the situation or terminate the relationship.
Section IV – Responsibility to Society
As an EduLead professional, I:
- Avoid discrimination, adhering to principles of fairness and equality in all my actions, respecting rules and cultural nuances. This includes refraining from discrimination based on age, race, gender expression, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, or military status, among other factors.
- Acknowledge and value the contributions and intellectual property of others, asserting ownership rights only over my personal materials. I understand that violating this standard may lead to legal consequences from third parties.
- When conducting research and publishing results, adhere to recognized scientific standards and recommendations applicable to the subject of study, and strictly operate within the bounds of my own competence.
- Recognize my own influence and the influence of my clients on society. I adhere to the philosophy of "doing good" rather than "avoiding harm."
5. Ethical Oath of EduLead Professional:
As an EduLead Professional, I recognize and commit to honoring my ethical and legal responsibilities to my coaching and educating clients, sponsors, colleagues, and the broader society. Should I breach any aspect of the EduLead Ethical Code, I acknowledge that EduLead reserves the right to hold me accountable for my conduct. Furthermore, I understand that my accountability to EduLead for any infractions may result in consequences such as mandatory additional training in teaching and coaching skills or other educational interventions, as well as potential suspension from my position.
Adopted by the board of directors of EduLead Solutions FZC LLC on April 18, 2024.