Accurate
Country-specific legal content
Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.
BusinessIE
Coaching / Consultancy Agreement Template — Ireland
Setting up your coaching or consultancy practice in Ireland? Our free Coaching Agreement template is built for the solo-coach reality — purpose-designed for UCD-certified coaches, ICF / EMCC Ireland chapter members, and growth-stage practitioners. The free version handles the parties, programme structure, fees, mandatory Consumer Rights Act 2022 cooling-off, and confidentiality. Expert unlocks mental-health referral + safeguarding protocols, PII insurance acknowledgement, session recording GDPR consent, AI-assisted coaching tools disclosure (AI Act 2024/1689), programme package terms, and ICF / EMCC code of ethics compliance with a complaint procedure.
Free to useInstant PDFNo account required
PDF (free) + editable Word (.docx) with Expert
COACHING / CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT
Consumer Rights Act 2022 + Sogssa 1980 — Ireland
COACH
Niamh O'Brien Coaching (Niamh O'Brien)
12 Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 R798
By: Niamh O'Brien Coaching (Niamh O'Brien), Principal Coach
CLIENT
Cathal Walsh
7 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4, D04 X3F2
cathal.walsh@example.com
cathal.walsh@example.com
By: Cathal Walsh, Coachee
Programme: Executive Leadership Coaching Programme
12 sessions × 60 mins
This Coaching / Consultancy Agreement (the "Agreement") is made between the Coach and the Client identified above. The Agreement is governed by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 (B2B and B2C implied terms), the Consumer Rights Act 2022 / SI 11/2023 (B2C cooling-off and distance-selling rights), the GDPR + Data Protection Act 2018 (where personal data is processed, including any session recordings), and (where AI-assisted tools are used) the AI Act (EU) 2024/1689. The Coach's credentials: ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC); UCD Diploma in Executive Coaching; member of ICF Ireland Chapter and EMCC Ireland..
1.
APPOINTMENT AND CLIENT TYPE
The Client engages the Coach to provide coaching services in accordance with this Agreement. The Client is: Individual consumer — subject to the Consumer Rights Act 2022 (SI 11/2023), including the 14-day cooling-off right for distance and off-premises contracts.
2.
COACHING PROGRAMME
Programme name: Executive Leadership Coaching Programme.
Focus / goals: Build the Client's capability as a newly-appointed CTO of a growth-stage technology company, with focus on: (a) strategic thinking and Board communication; (b) building and leading a technical leadership team; (c) navigating cross-functional stakeholder dynamics; (d) personal sustainability and work-life integration.
Sessions: 12 sessions, each of 60 minutes (recommended), at the frequency of Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks), delivered via video call (Zoom / Google Meet / Microsoft Teams as agreed).
Focus / goals: Build the Client's capability as a newly-appointed CTO of a growth-stage technology company, with focus on: (a) strategic thinking and Board communication; (b) building and leading a technical leadership team; (c) navigating cross-functional stakeholder dynamics; (d) personal sustainability and work-life integration.
Sessions: 12 sessions, each of 60 minutes (recommended), at the frequency of Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks), delivered via video call (Zoom / Google Meet / Microsoft Teams as agreed).
3.
FEES AND PAYMENT
Pricing model: Programme package — fixed fee for the agreed number of sessions, with validity period.
Total fee: €2400.
Payment schedule: 50% on signature (€1,200, invoice issued after the 14-day cooling-off period for B2C clients); 50% on completion of session 6. Payment by bank transfer within 14 days of invoice.
Cancellation charges: Cancellation by Client: more than 48 hours' notice = no charge; less than 48 hours = full session fee charged; no-show = full session fee charged and the session is not rescheduled within the programme. Cancellation by Coach: 24 hours' notice where possible; rescheduled at the next mutually convenient time.
Total fee: €2400.
Payment schedule: 50% on signature (€1,200, invoice issued after the 14-day cooling-off period for B2C clients); 50% on completion of session 6. Payment by bank transfer within 14 days of invoice.
Cancellation charges: Cancellation by Client: more than 48 hours' notice = no charge; less than 48 hours = full session fee charged; no-show = full session fee charged and the session is not rescheduled within the programme. Cancellation by Coach: 24 hours' notice where possible; rescheduled at the next mutually convenient time.
4.
CANCELLATION AND 14-DAY COOLING-OFF (CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2022)
The Client confirms they have been informed in writing, before entering this Agreement, of their statutory cancellation right under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 (where applicable). The 14-day cancellation period runs from the date of this Agreement. The Client may cancel without giving any reason by written notice (email is sufficient) to the Coach within the 14-day period; the Coach shall refund all sums paid within 14 days of receiving the cancellation notice. Where the Client expressly requests the Coach to begin services within the 14-day period, the Client acknowledges that the refund will be reduced proportionately for services performed before cancellation.
Cancellation notice form: To cancel this Agreement, notify the Coach in writing (email is sufficient) at niamh@nobcoaching.ie. You may use the following text: "I hereby cancel my coaching contract with Niamh O'Brien Coaching entered into on [date]." A formal cancellation form is available at SI 11/2023 Schedule, but is not required.
Cancellation notice form: To cancel this Agreement, notify the Coach in writing (email is sufficient) at niamh@nobcoaching.ie. You may use the following text: "I hereby cancel my coaching contract with Niamh O'Brien Coaching entered into on [date]." A formal cancellation form is available at SI 11/2023 Schedule, but is not required.
5.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Confidentiality: The Coach shall keep confidential all information shared by the Client in the coaching relationship (including personal, professional, business and emotional content) indefinitely after termination. Confidentiality does not apply where: (a) the Client gives express written consent to disclose; (b) the Coach receives a court order, regulatory direction or subpoena (with prior notice to the Client where lawful); (c) the Coach reasonably believes there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the Client or a third party (escalation per the safeguarding protocol).
Professional conduct: The Coach shall comply with the standards of professional conduct expected of a qualified coach, including (without limitation): maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; not engaging in any romantic, sexual or financial relationship with the Client; maintaining required continuing professional development; refraining from giving advice outside the scope of coaching expertise (medical, legal, financial); referring the Client to appropriate professionals where the Client's needs are outside the coaching scope.
Professional conduct: The Coach shall comply with the standards of professional conduct expected of a qualified coach, including (without limitation): maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; not engaging in any romantic, sexual or financial relationship with the Client; maintaining required continuing professional development; refraining from giving advice outside the scope of coaching expertise (medical, legal, financial); referring the Client to appropriate professionals where the Client's needs are outside the coaching scope.
6.
MENTAL-HEALTH REFERRAL AND SAFEGUARDING
Coaching is not therapy: the Client acknowledges that coaching addresses performance, growth and development, and is distinct from clinical mental-health treatment.
Referral criteria: The Coach shall refer the Client to a qualified mental-health professional (GP, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, accredited psychotherapist) where the Coach observes or the Client discloses: (a) signs of clinical depression, severe anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD or trauma response; (b) suicidal ideation, self-harm intent or active substance dependence; (c) any condition beyond the scope of coaching competence. The Coach's referral is a professional duty under the ICF Code of Ethics and EMCC Global Code; pursuing coaching where referral is indicated is itself a breach.
Emergency protocol (Ireland): In immediate-risk situations: Samaritans Ireland 116 123 (free, 24/7); HSE Emergency Department 999 / 112; Pieta House (suicide / self-harm) 1800 247 247; Aware (depression) 1800 80 48 48. The Coach may, where there is reasonable belief of immediate serious harm to the Client or a third party, contact emergency services notwithstanding the confidentiality obligation (this carve-out is permitted by the GDPR vital-interests basis under Article 6(1)(d)).
Referral criteria: The Coach shall refer the Client to a qualified mental-health professional (GP, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, accredited psychotherapist) where the Coach observes or the Client discloses: (a) signs of clinical depression, severe anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD or trauma response; (b) suicidal ideation, self-harm intent or active substance dependence; (c) any condition beyond the scope of coaching competence. The Coach's referral is a professional duty under the ICF Code of Ethics and EMCC Global Code; pursuing coaching where referral is indicated is itself a breach.
Emergency protocol (Ireland): In immediate-risk situations: Samaritans Ireland 116 123 (free, 24/7); HSE Emergency Department 999 / 112; Pieta House (suicide / self-harm) 1800 247 247; Aware (depression) 1800 80 48 48. The Coach may, where there is reasonable belief of immediate serious harm to the Client or a third party, contact emergency services notwithstanding the confidentiality obligation (this carve-out is permitted by the GDPR vital-interests basis under Article 6(1)(d)).
7.
PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
The Coach confirms that it holds Professional Indemnity Insurance with Towergate for a minimum aggregate limit of €2,000,000 per occurrence and in aggregate, renewed annually. A current certificate of insurance is available on request. The cover includes liability arising from professional coaching services in Ireland, the EU and (where the Client agrees) outside the EU. Provider: Towergate Coaches Insurance. A current certificate of insurance is available on request.
8.
SESSION RECORDING CONSENT (GDPR ARTICLE 6)
Purpose: The Coach may record (audio only) coaching sessions for the following purposes (and no others): (a) Client review and reflection between sessions; (b) Coach's professional supervision (anonymised excerpts only); (c) Coach's continuing professional development. The recording shall NOT be used for marketing, public demonstration, or any other purpose without separate written consent. The Client may withdraw consent at any time on written notice; future sessions will not be recorded and existing recordings shall be deleted within 30 days of the withdrawal request.
Retention: Recordings shall be retained for a maximum of 12 months from the date of the relevant session, after which they shall be deleted (unless the Client has separately requested longer retention in writing). The Client may request a copy of any recording concerning them at any time during the retention period under GDPR Article 15 (right of access). Recordings shall be stored on encrypted local storage; cloud storage is not used unless the cloud provider has executed an Article 28 DPA with the Coach.
Withdrawal: the Client may withdraw consent at any time on written notice; future sessions will not be recorded and existing recordings shall be deleted within 30 days of the withdrawal request.
Retention: Recordings shall be retained for a maximum of 12 months from the date of the relevant session, after which they shall be deleted (unless the Client has separately requested longer retention in writing). The Client may request a copy of any recording concerning them at any time during the retention period under GDPR Article 15 (right of access). Recordings shall be stored on encrypted local storage; cloud storage is not used unless the cloud provider has executed an Article 28 DPA with the Coach.
Withdrawal: the Client may withdraw consent at any time on written notice; future sessions will not be recorded and existing recordings shall be deleted within 30 days of the withdrawal request.
9.
AI-ASSISTED COACHING TOOLS DISCLOSURE (AI ACT 2024/1689)
AI tools used: The Coach uses the following AI-assisted tools in the coaching relationship: (a) Otter.ai for session transcription (with explicit Client consent per clause 8); (b) ChatGPT (OpenAI) for between-session reflection prompts (Client provides the input; AI responses reviewed by the Coach before delivery); (c) Reflectful psychometric assessment tool (AI-scored personality / strengths profile). No clinical diagnostic AI tools are used. The Client is informed when AI is involved in any output.
Data handling: The Client's personal data is not used to train any third-party AI model. Session transcripts are deleted from third-party AI services within 30 days. The Coach has reviewed the privacy policies and data processing terms of all AI tools used; tools that train on user input by default have been configured to opt out. The Client may request a list of all AI tools used in their coaching relationship at any time.
The Coach acknowledges Article 50 transparency obligations (in force 2 August 2026) and, where applicable, Article 53 GPAI obligations (in force 2 August 2025) under the AI Act (EU) 2024/1689.
Data handling: The Client's personal data is not used to train any third-party AI model. Session transcripts are deleted from third-party AI services within 30 days. The Coach has reviewed the privacy policies and data processing terms of all AI tools used; tools that train on user input by default have been configured to opt out. The Client may request a list of all AI tools used in their coaching relationship at any time.
The Coach acknowledges Article 50 transparency obligations (in force 2 August 2026) and, where applicable, Article 53 GPAI obligations (in force 2 August 2025) under the AI Act (EU) 2024/1689.
10.
PROGRAMME PACKAGE TERMS
Validity period: the Client must complete all sessions within 6 months (recommended baseline) of contract date.
Unused sessions: The Client must complete all sessions within the validity period; sessions not used by expiry are forfeited without refund (except where the Coach has been unable to deliver sessions due to illness, bereavement or other coach-side cause — in which case the validity period extends by the period of unavailability). The package is personal to the Client and cannot be transferred to another person. Mid-package refunds: the Client may cancel the remaining sessions at any time on 14 days' notice; refund is calculated pro-rata on completed sessions plus a 15% administrative charge on the unused portion.
Unused sessions: The Client must complete all sessions within the validity period; sessions not used by expiry are forfeited without refund (except where the Coach has been unable to deliver sessions due to illness, bereavement or other coach-side cause — in which case the validity period extends by the period of unavailability). The package is personal to the Client and cannot be transferred to another person. Mid-package refunds: the Client may cancel the remaining sessions at any time on 14 days' notice; refund is calculated pro-rata on completed sessions plus a 15% administrative charge on the unused portion.
11.
CODE OF ETHICS COMPLIANCE
The Coach shall comply with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics throughout the coaching relationship.
Complaint procedure: If the Client has a complaint about the Coach's conduct, the Client shall: (a) first raise the matter directly with the Coach in writing, with 14 days for the Coach to respond and (where appropriate) make amends; (b) if not satisfied, refer the matter to the Coach's professional body (ICF Ethics and Standards) under the body's complaints process; (c) court action is available but should be the last resort. This complaint process does not waive any statutory right.
Complaint procedure: If the Client has a complaint about the Coach's conduct, the Client shall: (a) first raise the matter directly with the Coach in writing, with 14 days for the Coach to respond and (where appropriate) make amends; (b) if not satisfied, refer the matter to the Coach's professional body (ICF Ethics and Standards) under the body's complaints process; (c) court action is available but should be the last resort. This complaint process does not waive any statutory right.
12.
TERMINATION
Either party may terminate at any time on 14 days' written notice (subject to the cooling-off right in clause 4 and the cancellation charges in clause 3). Either party may terminate immediately on written notice for: (a) material breach not remedied within 14 days; (b) (Client) the Coach's loss of professional accreditation or PII insurance; (c) (Coach) the Client's persistent non-payment or breach of the professional-conduct standards (e.g. abusive conduct toward the Coach). On termination, the Coach shall account for fees paid up to the termination date; the Coach's confidentiality obligations survive indefinitely.
13.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Notices: any notice shall be in writing and delivered by email (or, if preferred, post) to the addresses given above.
Variation: any variation shall be in writing and signed by both parties (email confirmation is sufficient for minor variations).
Severability: if any provision is held void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue.
Entire agreement: this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior arrangements.
Statutory rights: nothing in this Agreement limits the Client's statutory rights as a consumer (where applicable) under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980.
Variation: any variation shall be in writing and signed by both parties (email confirmation is sufficient for minor variations).
Severability: if any provision is held void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue.
Entire agreement: this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior arrangements.
Statutory rights: nothing in this Agreement limits the Client's statutory rights as a consumer (where applicable) under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980.
14.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Ireland. The courts of Ireland have non-exclusive jurisdiction; a B2C Client retains the right to bring proceedings in the courts of the EU Member State in which they are resident under the Brussels Recast Regulation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date indicated.
COACH
Niamh O'Brien Coaching (Niamh O'Brien)
Principal Coach
Date: ____________________
CLIENT
Cathal Walsh
Coachee
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is a Coaching / Consultancy Agreement?
A Coaching Agreement formalises the relationship between a coach and a client (the coachee), setting out the coaching programme, fees, cancellation terms, confidentiality and professional standards. It distinguishes the coaching engagement from clinical mental-health treatment (therapy, counselling, psychiatry) and protects both sides commercially and ethically.
In Ireland, the coaching sector is rapidly professionalising — supported by UCD's Diploma and Master's in Executive Coaching, the ICF Ireland Chapter, EMCC Ireland, and a growing pool of credentialled solo practitioners. The legal framework intersects multiple regimes: the Consumer Rights Act 2022 / SI 11/2023 (14-day cooling-off for B2C distance contracts), the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 (B2B and B2C implied terms — reasonable skill / care), GDPR (especially for session recordings and AI-assisted tools), and the AI Act (EU) 2024/1689 (Article 50 transparency from 2 August 2026 if AI tools are used).
Generic US-style coaching agreements miss most of these — particularly the mandatory 14-day cooling-off (which cannot be waived for individual consumers), the GDPR-specific consent requirements for session recording, and the AI Act disclosure obligations. The template is built specifically for the Irish regulatory and professional context.
What's Covered in This Template
The template covers the full coaching relationship with Expert unlocking the sophisticated professional protections.
Coach & Client
Identification with credentials, address, client type (B2C vs B2B).
Coaching Programme
Programme name, focus, sessions count, duration, frequency, delivery mode.
Fees & Payment
Pricing model (single / package / retainer), payment schedule, cancellation charges.
Cooling-Off (mandatory)
CRA 2022 / SI 11/2023 14-day cancellation right for B2C distance contracts.
Confidentiality & Conduct
Mutual confidentiality + standards of professional conduct.
Safeguarding (Expert)
Mental-health referral criteria + emergency protocol with Irish helplines.
PII Insurance (Expert)
Coach's Professional Indemnity Insurance cover disclosed to Client.
Session Recording (Expert)
GDPR explicit consent, retention period, withdrawal rights.
AI Tools (Expert)
Disclosure of AI-assisted coaching tools + AI Act Article 50 transparency.
Package Terms (Expert)
Validity period, unused sessions policy, refund mechanics.
Code of Ethics (Expert)
ICF / EMCC / AC adherence + complaint procedure.
Termination
Notice rights + immediate termination for material breach or loss of accreditation.
Governing Law
Irish law, non-exclusive jurisdiction; B2C consumer protections preserved.
How to Create a Coaching Agreement
Generate a professional-grade Coaching Agreement in minutes — with Irish consumer protections + AI / safeguarding built in.
- 1
Identify Coach and Client
Coach credentials, Client type (individual B2C vs business B2B).
- 2
Define the Coaching Programme
Name, focus, sessions count, duration, frequency, delivery mode.
- 3
Set Fees & Payment
Pricing model, total fee, payment schedule, session-cancellation charges.
- 4
Confirm Cooling-Off (mandatory)
B2C distance contracts have non-waivable 14-day cancellation right.
- 5
Set Confidentiality & Conduct
Confidentiality scope, professional conduct standards.
- 6
Add Safeguarding & PII (Expert)
Mental-health referral criteria, emergency protocol, PII insurance acknowledgement.
- 7
Configure Recording & AI (Expert)
GDPR consent for session recording, AI tools disclosure (Article 50).
- 8
Add Package Terms & Ethics (Expert)
Validity, unused sessions, code of ethics + complaint procedure.
Why Doxuno documents are different
Four things that make our templates more thorough than AI-generated drafts and more current than static template libraries.
Always current
Always current with the law
Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.
Free PDF
Print-ready PDF
Free to download. Vector text, embedded fonts, statute citations baked in. Print, sign, file. Ready for any signing flow including electronic signature.
Word · .docx
Editable Word (.docx)
Continue editing in Word after download. Add custom clauses, reuse the template for similar agreements, or share with a colleague for collaborative review.
Requires Expert one-time unlock or any paid Doxuno subscription.
Legal Considerations in Ireland
Coaching practice in Ireland intersects consumer law, data protection, AI regulation and professional ethics — each with specific requirements.
This template is for information only and is not legal advice. While coaching is largely unregulated as a profession in Ireland, the contractual and regulatory framework is substantial; you should engage Irish solicitors for material engagements and disputes.
Drafted for CRA 2022 + GDPR + AI Act 2024/1689
Consumer Rights Act 2022 + SI 11/2023 — 14-Day Cooling-Off (B2C)
For individual consumers contracting at distance (online, email, phone) or off-premises, the Consumer Rights Act 2022 (transposing EU Directive 2019/2161) provides a non-waivable 14-day cancellation right. The 14 days run from contract conclusion. The trader (Coach) must provide written information about the right BEFORE the consumer commits, otherwise the cancellation period extends to 12 months. Coaches should typically NOT invoice or commence service delivery until the 14 days have expired (or the consumer has expressly requested early commencement and waived part of the refund right). For B2B clients, no statutory cooling-off applies.
Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 — Reasonable Skill and Care
Sections 39-40 of the SGSSA imply that the Coach will perform the Services with reasonable skill and care expected of a competent practitioner in the same field, and within a reasonable time. These implied terms apply to both B2C and B2B engagements. In B2B, they can be excluded only to the extent fair and reasonable (section 55); in B2C, they cannot be excluded at all under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 unfair-terms regime.
GDPR + Data Protection Act 2018 — Session Data + Recording
Coaching sessions process personal data (the coachee's personal details, professional information, often special-category data — health, ethnic origin, political opinions). Lawful processing requires a GDPR Article 6 basis (typically consent or contract performance) and, for special-category data, an Article 9 lawful basis (typically explicit consent). Session recordings (audio, video, AI transcripts) are personal data; recording without explicit consent is a breach. Coach-as-controller obligations include data minimisation, purpose limitation, defined retention, and data subject rights (access, erasure, portability).
AI Act (EU) 2024/1689 — Article 50 Transparency from 2 August 2026
If the Coach uses AI-assisted tools (AI transcription, LLM-based reflection prompts, AI-powered psychometric assessment, chatbot between-session support), the AI Act imposes transparency and (for high-risk applications) extensive compliance obligations. Article 50 (in force 2 August 2026) requires the Coach to inform the Client when interacting with an AI system, and to ensure AI-generated content is identifiable. Article 53 (in force 2 August 2025) imposes General-Purpose AI model obligations on providers. As deployer of AI tools, the Coach has client-facing transparency obligations regardless of the underlying provider's obligations.
ICF / EMCC / AC Codes of Ethics
The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and the Association for Coaching (AC) maintain professional codes of ethics covering confidentiality, professional boundaries, scope of competence, mental-health referral duty, conflicts of interest, and continuing professional development. Credentialled coaches are bound by their body's code; non-credentialled coaches typically adopt one of these codes voluntarily as a quality and credibility signal. The complaint procedure (under the body's complaints process) is typically faster, cheaper and more proportionate than litigation.
Professional Indemnity Insurance — Industry Standard
PII is not statutorily required for coaches in Ireland, but is strongly recommended by ICF, EMCC and AC, and is increasingly expected by sophisticated B2B clients (especially HR-procured executive coaching). Standard Irish coach PII: €1m-€5m cover, annual premium €150-€500 via specialist providers (Towergate, Howden, Lockton, Balens). Disclosure of cover in the Agreement signals professional commitment and protects the Client (a claim against an uninsured coach is commercially worthless).
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Coaching Agreement Now
Generate a professional-grade Irish Coaching / Consultancy Agreement in minutes. Configure mental-health safeguarding, PII insurance, session recording GDPR consent, AI tools disclosure, package terms and ICF / EMCC code compliance with the Expert tier.
Free PDF · Editable Word with Expert · No account required