Internal Coaching Network

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. They will not be matched with a Coachee in the same department or anyone with whom they have a close working/personal relationship.

All Coaches have undertaken 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.

The service of internal Coaches is free.

External Coaches

We maintain a register of approved Executive Coaches and provide a brokerage service to help individuals 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.

Requesting coaching

If you are requesting coaching, either using our internal coaching network or requesting an external coach, please complete the request form.

Feedback from staff

‘A genuinely transformative experience - best personal development activity I've ever done’

‘I have more confidence, have reflected and changed aspects of the way I work and manage and lead others’

‘It was extremely helpful during a very difficult time at work’

‘Provided me with the confidence to return to teaching – amazing service’

‘My coach made me feel at ease and encouraged changes in my behaviour through self-reflection. It was an empowering experience’

‘It is an excellent, professional service that I feel very fortunate to have been offered free of charge by the University’

Meet our coaches

Internal coaches share their stories on what their role means for them

The essence of coaching

'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 1-1, 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

'13 Myths About Coaching' is useful for anyone considering coaching support and explains why coaching is not the right solution for everyone all of the time.

Coaching normally involves four 90 minute meetings, one every 3 - 6 weeks. The meetings are usually completed within 6 months.

We are now also offering mini coaching sessions which are flexible and tailored to support your needs - you may like to speak to a coach for a one-off 45 minute session, or to plan a series of short check-ins over a few weeks.

Determining if coaching meets your needs: further information

Review the additional information below to help determine whether coaching is suitable for your needs:

• What coaching is and is not

• Exploring some myths about coaching

Strengthscope® profiling tool

Strengthscope® is a strengths-based assessment tool designed to help people overcome challenges at work and perform at their best.