Group Programmes: Terms That Protect Everyone

Group Coaching Is Different in Ways You Will Not Expect

One-to-one coaching is a two-person relationship with a clear agreement between them. Group coaching adds a dimension that most coaches underestimate: the participants are not just clients of yours — they are also in relationship with each other.

What happens if one participant's disclosure affects another? What if group dynamics become difficult? What if someone drops out after the first session and wants a refund? Your agreement needs to account for all of this.

What to Add for Group Programmes

Group confidentiality. Unlike one-to-one work, confidentiality in a group setting has to extend to all participants. Your terms should ask each participant to keep group discussions confidential — and note that while you can hold this expectation, you cannot guarantee it.

Code of conduct. A short, clear statement of expected behaviour: respectful language, no recording without consent, engagement norms, and what happens if someone breaches the standards. This does not need to be heavy-handed — just clear.

Individual versus group content. If one participant shares something personal in the group, that context belongs to the group session. If they then come to you for one-to-one support, is that in or out of scope? Define it explicitly.

Refund policy for group programmes. Group programmes often run to a fixed schedule — if a participant drops out, their place may not be replaceable. Be clear about what happens with fees paid: often either non-refundable beyond a short cooling-off period, or partially refundable up to a set point in the programme.

Intellectual property. The frameworks, worksheets, and programme content you have developed belong to you. Participants can use them for their own development — they cannot repurpose or redistribute them commercially.

One Practical Addition

A short participant agreement, separate from your main terms, signed by each participant, makes the group standards explicit to everyone — and means each person has actively agreed rather than simply being subject to your general terms.

Coaching agreement templates for group programmes and one-to-one work — from £29/yr.