Ethical Standards
Core Values Recovery
Organizational Ethical Standards
Effective Date: February 2026
Purpose
This document establishes the ethical, integrity, and transparency standards that govern Core Values Recovery (CVR) as an organization and guide all aspects of our ICF Level 1 Accredited Coach Training Program.
Our Ethical Foundation
Core Values Recovery exists to professionalize peer recovery coaching through evidence-based training, professional tools, and ongoing supervision. Everything we do—from curriculum design to student support to alumni engagement—is guided by three commitments:
- We serve the field of recovery coaching, not just our business.
- We tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- We hold ourselves to the same standards we teach.
These aren’t marketing slogans. They’re operating principles.
Standards of Integrity
Curriculum Integrity
What we promise:
- Our curriculum is evidence-based, drawing from established coaching methodologies, behavioral science, and recovery research.
- We cite our sources. We acknowledge what works and what we don’t know.
- We update our content when new evidence emerges.
How we ensure it:
- All curriculum content is reviewed by our Director of Education (PCC-credentialed).
- We track client outcomes from CVR-trained coaches and adjust methodology accordingly.
- We don’t claim success rates we can’t document.
Accountability:
- If we discover errors or outdated content, we correct it immediately and notify current students.
- Alumni receive updated materials at no charge.
Business Integrity
What we promise:
- We operate as a legitimate business with proper incorporation, licensing, and tax compliance.
- We maintain transparent financial practices and clear contracts.
- We don’t make promises we can’t keep.
How we ensure it:
- Business license and incorporation documents are current and available upon request.
- All financial agreements (payment plans, refunds, fees) are documented in writing before enrollment.
- No verbal promises override written policies.
Accountability:
- Students receive copies of all signed agreements.
- Financial records are maintained according to applicable laws and ICF requirements.
ICF Compliance Integrity
What we promise:
- We maintain ICF Level 1 Accredited Coach Training Program standards in every cohort.
- We don’t cut corners to increase profit or enrollment.
- We represent ICF requirements accurately to prospective students.
How we ensure it:
- All faculty meet ICF credential requirements (ACC/PCC/MCC).
- We deliver the required 80 hours of training, with 60% synchronous learning.
- We provide all required observed sessions, mentor coaching, and performance evaluations.
Accountability:
- We submit to ICF’s annual compliance reviews and address any findings immediately.
- We maintain records for all students for 2+ years per ICF requirements.
- If we lose accreditation, we notify all enrolled students within 48 hours and offer full refunds.
Standards of Transparency
Marketing Transparency
What we promise:
- We tell the truth about outcomes, success rates, and job prospects.
- We don’t manipulate testimonials or cherry-pick data.
- We disclose costs clearly, including all fees and optional add-ons.
How we ensure it:
- All success rate claims are documented and available for review.
- Testimonials include both positive outcomes and challenges students faced.
- Pricing page shows total cost, payment plan options, and any additional fees.
Accountability:
- See our Ethical Marketing Agreement for detailed standards.
- Students may request documentation for any claims we make.
Student Data Transparency
What we promise:
- We collect only the data necessary to run the program and comply with ICF requirements.
- We never sell or share student data without explicit consent.
- Students can access, correct, or delete their data at any time.
How we ensure it:
- GDPR-compliant consent process for all data collection.
- Secure storage of all student records (encrypted, access-controlled).
- Clear documentation of what data we collect and why.
Accountability:
- See our Data Privacy & GDPR Consent policy for full details.
- Annual security audits of our data practices.
- Breach notification within 72 hours if security is compromised.
Instructional Transparency
What we promise:
- Students know exactly what they’re getting: 80 hours over 20 weeks, with specific deliverables.
- Grading criteria for observed sessions and performance evaluations are clear and documented.
- If we make changes to curriculum mid-cohort, we notify students and explain why.
How we ensure it:
- Detailed curriculum architecture is publicly available.
- Rubrics for all graded work are shared at the start of the program.
- Course calendar shows all synchronous session dates and async deadlines.
Accountability:
- Students receive a program handbook outlining all requirements.
- Any mid-cohort changes require written notification and student acknowledgment.
Ethical Practices in Organizational Culture
How We Work Internally
Faculty & Staff Standards:
- All faculty sign agreements committing to ICF Code of Ethics and CVR standards.
- Faculty are evaluated by students and reviewed annually by the Director of Education.
- We provide ongoing professional development for instructors, mentors, and observers.
Decision-Making Framework: When we face difficult decisions, we ask:
- Does this serve the student’s development as a coach?
- Does this maintain ICF standards?
- Would we be comfortable defending this publicly?
If the answer to any question is “no,” we don’t do it.
Conflicts of Interest:
- If a CVR staff member has a financial or personal relationship with a student, they recuse themselves from grading/evaluation.
- We don’t accept gifts or payments from students beyond tuition.
- We disclose any partnerships or affiliations that could influence curriculum content.
How We Handle Mistakes
When we get it wrong:
- We acknowledge the mistake publicly.
- We explain what happened and why.
- We outline how we’ll prevent it from happening again.
- We make it right for affected students (refunds, retakes, additional support).
Recent examples:
- [To be populated with actual incidents as they occur]
This section will remain empty until we have a mistake to document. When we do, we’ll list it here.
Accountability Framework
Who Enforces These Standards?
Internal Oversight:
- Director of Education (Clay Johnson, PCC): Reviews all curriculum, faculty performance, and student outcomes.
- Student Advisory Board: 3 current students + 2 alumni review policies and raise concerns.
- Annual Self-Assessment: We complete ICF’s compliance survey and address any gaps.
External Oversight:
- ICF Accreditation Review: Annual compliance audit by ICF.
- Student Feedback: Anonymous end-of-program surveys with results published.
- Complaint Process: See Complaint & Grievance Policy for formal process.
What Happens if We Violate These Standards?
Minor Violations (e.g., administrative errors, curriculum typos):
- Immediate correction
- Notification to affected students
- Process improvement to prevent recurrence
Moderate Violations (e.g., missed session, faculty conflict of interest):
- Formal investigation
- Public acknowledgment
- Corrective action (makeup session, faculty removal, etc.)
- Report to ICF if applicable
Major Violations (e.g., fraud, data breach, ICF non-compliance):
- Immediate halt of affected operations
- Full investigation with external review if needed
- Public disclosure
- Remediation for all affected students
- Notification to ICF and relevant authorities
Student Rights Under These Standards
As a CVR student, you have the right to:
- Question anything. If we claim something, you can ask for evidence.
- Hold us accountable. If we violate these standards, use the complaint process.
- Know what you’re paying for. Clear contracts, no hidden fees, transparent policies.
- Access your data. Request, correct, or delete your records at any time.
- Expect competent instruction. Faculty who meet ICF standards and know the material.
- Learn in a safe environment. Free from discrimination, harassment, or coercion.
- Graduate with legitimate credentials. ICF-recognized training that meets stated standards.
Living Document Commitment
These standards are not static. We review and update them annually, and whenever we identify a gap or learn something new about ethical practice.
Last reviewed: February 2026
Next review: February 2027
How to suggest improvements: Email ethics@bearecoverycoach.com with subject line “Ethical Standards Suggestion.”
Signature
By enrolling in the CVR Level 1 ACC program, you acknowledge:
- You have read and understand these ethical standards.
- You will hold CVR accountable to these commitments.
- You agree to report any violations you observe.
Clay Johnson, PCC
Director of Education
Core Values Recovery
This document meets ICF Standard Three requirements for accredited training programs: written statement of ethical, integrity, and transparency standards with accountability framework.