The network comprises of coaches from a wide range of academic and professional services roles across the University, a diversity that brings valuable perspectives and understanding to the coaching role. They take on coaching assignments in addition to their main job roles and responsibilities and, unlike mentors, do not need to have expertise in the work or discipline area of their coachee.

Our coaches will not be matched with a coachee in the same department or anyone they have a close working or personal relationship with.

All of our coaches have completed a rigorous training programme leading to Level 5 ‘Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring’ from the Institute of Leadership and Management (or equivalent). They receive supervision from an external supervisor and take part in continuing professional development events. They agree to adhere by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council's Code of Ethics.

Our internal coaching service is free.

We also maintain a register of approved executive coaches and provide a brokerage service to help people source the most suitable external coach. The costs of the coach are paid by the department or coachee and we assume that manager's permission has been gained, as meetings usually (but not always) take place during working hours.

For information about the range of fees, contact staffcoaching@bath.ac.uk.

'Unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.' John Whitmore

Coaching provides focused guidance and support to help with a particular challenge or transition. Coaches work with their coachees on a one-to-one, confidential and voluntary basis, to help them address specific work-related challenges around people or projects, or issues relating to career development.

Coaching is a confidential process which aims to help you discover how to address your challenges, develop greater self-awareness, identify goals and potential barriers, develop appropriate skills and strategies and feel empowered to take action. If you have management and/or leadership responsibilities, coaching may enhance your ability to lead and communicate with others.

Coaching can help to:

• develop talented staff
• generate ‘creative reflective space’ which fosters innovative thinking
• build resilience
• improve the ability to relate to and influence others

Coaching normally involves four 90 minute meetings, one every three to six weeks. The meetings are usually completed within six months.

• Find out more about what coaching is and is not, the difference between coaching and mentoring and what you can expect from a coaching partnership.

• Learn more about Strengthscope®.