Welcome to something different
At Cerestrial, we’re not just building another professional network. We’re creating a space where exceptional people can do truly remarkable things. This Code of Ethics outlines how we make that happen while maintaining the highest standards of professional practice.
Our guiding principles
Our work is guided by the four core principles that shape everything we do.
We believe in being Open. This means creating spaces where authenticity isn’t just welcomed, it’s expected. We keep our doors wide open while maintaining strong professional boundaries. We maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy, but we also always look to learn from each other. Think of it as having a house with an open-door policy, but also having clear rules that keep everyone safe and comfortable.
We commit to being Honest. In practice, this means telling it like it is, especially when it’s not what people want to hear. We believe in acknowledging both challenges and opportunities with equal clarity. When we spot a problem, we name it. When we see potential, we nurture it. This honesty extends to how we document our work – keeping clear, accurate records of all client interactions is essential to maintaining trust.
We choose to be Brave. This means challenging the status quo while maintaining professional standards. We innovate within ethical boundaries and stand firm when principles are at stake. And yes, sometimes being brave means admitting when we’ve made a mistake and fixing it properly. Our Practitioner Council helps us with this – they are the independent governance body that helps set and maintain standards.
We prioritize being Kind. This isn’t about being soft – it’s about supporting growth without causing dependency. We maintain warm professionalism in all interactions, practicing empathy without losing objectivity. Think of it as being the kind of professional you’d want in your corner when things get tough.
Maintaining professional excellence
Professional excellence isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. The Practitioner Council plays a crucial role in helping us all stay on track. Here’s how we maintain our high standards:
- Our annual review process is comprehensive but supportive. The Council examines client feedback, verifies professional development activities, and ensures all practitioners maintain current insurance and certifications. Think of it as a regular health check for your practice – preventing problems before they arise.
- Continuous monitoring happens through quarterly peer supervision sessions, where practitioners can share challenges and insights in a supportive environment. If you are a new Practitioner, or building new skills, you can ask for more frequent supervisions.
- Regular client satisfaction surveys and session audits (with client consent) help us spot areas for improvement early. We track professional development because we believe that even exceptional people never stop learning.
- We require all Practitioners to hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance, to share their qualification history and membership of professional bodies with us, and to commit to at least 15 hours of accredited CPD training per year (or whatever your professional body requires if this is higher). We understand that for some of our holistic practitioners CPD training and qualifications may be less formal – so if you have concerns about this, just let us know and we can discuss alternative pathways. Cerestrial’s own courses may be able to count towards your CPD hours.
- Quality metrics help us tell the story of our impact. We look at client progress markers, professional development hours, and how well we resolve any issues that arise. These numbers help us understand where we’re excelling and where we need to grow.
When challenges arise
Even in the best communities, things sometimes go wrong. When they do, we have clear processes to address concerns:
Anyone can raise a concern directly with Council members or use our anonymous reporting system (see our User Guidelines on Circle). We take every concern seriously, with initial reviews happening within 48 hours. For serious issues, we act immediately – some lines simply can’t be crossed.
Our resolution process is thorough but fair. We investigate fully, develop support plans where appropriate, and monitor progress regularly. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication with all affected parties while respecting confidentiality.
Growing together
Professional development isn’t just a requirement – it’s an opportunity. Every practitioner engages in quarterly ethics refreshers in peer-to-peer sessions and annual diversity training sourced from our recommended list of external providers (at the practitioner’s cost). Regular supervision ensures we’re all maintaining high standards while continuing to grow.
We encourage practitioners to participate in peer learning circles and community workshops. Cross-discipline shadowing helps us understand different perspectives and approaches. Leadership development opportunities are available for those ready to take that next step.
Learning Circles are small self-organising groups of practitioners who want to work on a development area together. They meet regularly and hold accountability to each other for their progress against their objectives. In our quarterly peer review sessions we might ask Learning Circle groups to give an overview of their progress as a team.
Documentation and review
Good documentation protects everyone. We maintain secure records of client sessions, track progress, and document our interventions and outcomes. Professional records, including supervision logs and CPD activities, help us demonstrate our commitment to excellence.
Our annual review process includes both self-assessment and Council review. This isn’t just about checking boxes – it’s an opportunity to reflect on our practice, celebrate successes, and plan for future growth.
Looking forward
This Code of Ethics is a living document that evolves as we grow. The Practitioner Council reviews and updates it annually, or more frequently when needed.
The true test of any ethical code is how it works in practice. That’s why we encourage regular discussion of ethical challenges and successes in our community. Whether through formal supervision sessions or informal peer support, we’re all in this together, helping each other maintain the highest standards while doing truly remarkable work.
This Code of Ethics represents our shared commitment to professional excellence. It’s how we ensure that every interaction in our community contributes to our mission of helping exceptional people do remarkable things.