What is Coaching?
Coaching is a voluntary, confidential, one to one relationship in which an individual is supported by someone experienced and trained in coaching who helps them to learn and unlock their potential. It can operate outside the line management structure perhaps using skilled coaches from within or beyond the organisation, and line managers can adopt a coaching approach as part of their management and leadership style. Coaching is an interaction where the coach helps the coachee to achieve a mutually identified set of goals. It can develop self awareness, skills, knowledge and change behaviour; it can contribute to improved performance, motivation and work life balance.
How Can the WLGA Help?
The Association believes that Coaching provides invaluable support to managers when and how they need it. Local authorities will benefit from introducing coaching as part of their wider people or organisational development strategies. Managers wishing to add coaching skills to their approach to leadership will benefit from training in coaching skills. Individuals providing coaching outside line management or organisational structures will benefit from professional training such as that provided by the ILM, supervision and adherence to European standards.
From 2007 to date the WLGA have provided advice, guidance and financial support to authorities working together or individually to implement organisational coaching strategies and commission training. The Association works closely with PSMW to ensure that these approaches fit with the National approach to coaching and mentoring and encourages coaches to participate in the Coaching Collaborative and supervision arrangements facilitated by PSMW.
The Association is able to
- Provide support to authorities wishing to introduce individual or regional coaching strategies
- Help in the commissioning of training for coaches
- Help local authority managers source coaches
For more information contact: Sarah Titcombe