Coaching Terms and Conditions

The "Peach" Promise

These terms are here to protect our partnership, but they aren't meant to be a barrier. I’ve written them to be as clear as possible, but if any part of this document is difficult to navigate or understand due to a disability or neurodivergence, please let me know. I am happy to discuss these terms in a format that works for you.

Thomas Peach Coaching can only provide coaching services to clients in the UK. 

1. Coach-Client Relationship

   1. Thomas Peach Coaching (the "Coach") maintains the ethics and standards of the European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC): The Global Code of Ethics for coaches, mentors and supervisors

   2. Client Autonomy & Sole Responsibility: The Client is the expert in their own life and lived experience. Coaching is a relationship of peer-support, not a directive or medical service. The Client is solely and exclusively responsible for their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and for all decisions, choices, actions, and results arising from the coaching process. The Coach provides a space for curiosity and strategy, but the implementation and consequences of any action taken by the Client are the Client’s responsibility alone.

   3. Non-Clinical Nature: The Client understands that coaching is not therapy and does not substitute for the treatment of mental disorders or medical disease. Coaching does not involve diagnosing mental disorders as defined by the BPA or APA.

   4. Honest Partnership: To enhance the relationship, the Client agrees to communicate honestly and be open to feedback. The Coach acknowledges that "full participation" looks different for everyone; we will work to find a communication style that is accessible and reduces the need for masking.

   5. Scope of Responsibility: The Client acknowledges that coaching may touch upon various life areas (work, finances, health, relationships). The Client agrees that deciding how to handle these issues and incorporating coaching principles into those areas is exclusively the Client’s responsibility. The Coach does not provide legal, financial, or medical advice; the Client is responsible for seeking independent professional guidance before making significant life or business changes.

2. Services and Cancellations

   1. Punctuality: Sessions begin and end on time. If the Client arrives late, the session will still end at the agreed time to respect the Coach’s schedule. We will prioritise high-impact "Action Map" items in the remaining time.

   2. Cancellations: The notice period for cancelled sessions is 24 hours. Any session cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or missed without notification will be charged at the full agreed amount.

   3. Emergency Grace: The Coach understands that life and disability can be unpredictable. While the 24-hour notice period ensures business sustainability, one "Emergency Grace" cancellation per 6-session block may be granted at the Coach's discretion for acute health or neurodivergent-related crises.

   4. Coach Cancellation: If a session is cancelled by the Coach due to illness or unforeseen events including technical failure, the Client will be informed as soon as possible and will not be charged.

3. Fees and Refunds

   1. Agreement of Fees: Fees are agreed upon before the first session. Session fees are due in advance of each coaching session. If a session fee is unpaid, the session will not commence.

   2. Refunds: Refunds are only offered for services unable to be fulfilled or where services do not meet agreed-upon specifications. Requests must be submitted in writing.

4. Digital Procedure and Technical Requirements

   1. Platform: All sessions are conducted online via Google Meet unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Coach will provide a secure meeting link via the booking system or email prior to the session.

   2. Client Environment: To ensure the efficacy of the coaching and the protection of the Client’s privacy, the Client is solely responsible for ensuring they are in a safe, private, and quiet location for the duration of the call. The Coach reserves the right to terminate a session if the Client is in a public or unsafe environment (e.g., driving a vehicle or in a crowded space) where confidentiality cannot be maintained.

   3. Technical Responsibility: The Client is responsible for maintaining a stable internet connection and functioning hardware (camera and microphone).

   4. Technical Failure Policy: If a session is interrupted by a technical failure on the Coach’s end, the lost time will be made up or the session rescheduled at no cost to the Client. If a session is interrupted by a technical failure on the Client’s end, the Coach will remain in the meeting for 15 minutes to allow for reconnection. If reconnection is not possible, the session will be considered "completed" and the full fee will apply.

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection

   1. Ethics: The Coach abides by the EMCC Code of Ethics. While the relationship is professional, it is not "legally privileged" like that of a doctor or lawyer.

   2. Privacy: The Coach will not disclose the Client’s name or information without written consent, except where required by law or in cases of imminent risk of harm to the Client or others. I maintain a separate Privacy Notice about your data.

   3. Supervision: The Coach participates in regular professional supervision. Client identity is kept confidential during these sessions.

   4. Session Notes: Brief notes are kept securely in compliance with GDPR. These focus on strategy and progress. Upon request, these can be provided in an accessible digital format for the Client's review.

6. Accessibility and Accommodations

   1. Commitment to Justice: Thomas Peach Coaching is committed to disability justice. The Coach will provide reasonable adjustments (e.g., camera-off options, specific document formats, Coach-transcribed action maps, or sensory-friendly communication) to ensure the Client can participate fully.

   2. Ongoing Dialogue: The Client is encouraged to share any accessibility requirements or sensory needs at any point during the coaching relationship

   3. The Coach recognises that video calls can be sensory-heavy. Clients are welcome to use "camera-off" modes, utilise live captioning features within Google Meet, or request that the Coach uses specific background/lighting settings to reduce sensory overwhelm. Please communicate these needs prior to the session.

   4. Digital Recording Policy: To maintain a safe, unmasked, and confidential environment, the recording of sessions (audio or video) by either the Client or the Coach is strictly prohibited unless explicitly agreed upon in writing for a specific developmental or accessibility purpose. Other reasonable adjustments for sensory and information processing should be explored first. Unauthorised recording by the Client will result in the immediate termination of the coaching relationship.

7. Limited Liability and Disputes

   1. No Guarantees (Limitation of Liability & Indemnity): The Coach makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties concerning specific outcomes of the coaching services. In no event shall the Coach be liable to the Client for any direct, indirect, consequential, or special damages. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Coach harmless from any claims, loss, or damage arising out of the Client’s decisions or actions taken during or after the coaching relationship.

   2. Liability Cap: The Coach’s entire liability under this Agreement is limited to the amount actually paid by the Client for services rendered.

   3. Dispute Resolution: If a dispute arises, both parties agree to attempt to mediate in good faith for a period of 60 days before pursuing legal action.

8. Applicable Law

   1. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.