The Journal of Coaching Ethics (JoCE) is an open-access international peer-reviewed journal is committed to fostering ethical discourse within coaching practice, supervision, research and the coaching profession more broadly. The JoCE is also interested in the development of coaching theory, ethical theory and philosophy and how it applies to coaching practice. Learn more >>
Behind JoCE
The Journal of Coaching Ethics (JoCE) was founded by Wendy-Ann Smith and published its inaugural issue in 2024, to address a critical gap in the academic landscape. While ethics is central to professional practice, there has been no dedicated scholarly space focused specifically on ethicality in coaching and mentoring.
JoCE was created to offer a rigorous, reflective platform for ethical inquiry, grounded in research and real-world practice. The inclusion of leadership reflects the growing relevance of ethicality within leader–coach and mentor–leader relationships, where professional boundaries, responsibility, and influence often intersect.
Since its founding, the journal has expanded to reflect the growing relevance of ethical practice across a broader range of professional contexts, including supervision, education, and allied disciplines. This expansion recognises that ethicality is not confined to a single profession, but is lived and enacted across complex, relational systems.
JoCE sits within a wider ecosystem of initiatives established by Wendy-Ann Smith, all committed to advancing ethical practice, dialogue, and scholarship.
These include:
- Ethics Forum International (EFI) – An international platform supporting cross-disciplinary ethical dialogue, recognition, and professional engagement.
- Coaching Ethics Forum (CEF) – A global platform advancing ethics through dialogue, education, and reflective practice.
- Ethical EDGE Insights (EEi) – A forward-thinking, reflective, practice-based magazine featuring diverse voices and sections across professional practice, personal insight, cultural context, and ethical exploration.
- Academy of Ethicality (AoE) - A global centre supporting learning, research, scholarship, and the development of ethical capability, ethicality, and responsible professional practice.
- ChangeMakers in Conversation – A video podcast series engaging scholars, practitioners, and leaders in reflective dialogue across disciplines.
- Champions of Courage Awards (CoCA) – An annual celebration recognising ethical leadership, integrity, and courageous action in real-world contexts.
Sources of Support
JoCE is supported by AETHIC – The Association for Ethics in Coaching, a 1901 French non-profit association (Le Numéro: W381026036), which provides core infrastructure for the journal, including domain registration, hosting, and production support.
Additional support is generated through aligned initiatives across the ecosystem, contributing to the ongoing development and accessibility of the journal.
JoCE maintains full editorial independence. Financial or in-kind support does not influence editorial decisions, peer review processes, or publication outcomes.
The journal is further sustained through the voluntary contributions of reviewers, editors, and those committed to advancing ethical scholarship.
