An Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring

Developing the skills to support learning, reflection and change

The Professional Development Centre’s Coaching and Mentoring programme provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use coaching and mentoring effectively in the workplace.

The programme combines theory with practical application, creating an active learning environment in which participants can explore different approaches, reflect on their own practice and develop their skills through experience.

Learning through practice

This is a five half-day, online, real-time programme designed to be active and experiential.

Alongside exploring the theory and principles that underpin effective coaching and mentoring, participants will have regular opportunities to practise their skills. Working in pairs and small groups, participants will engage in coaching and mentoring conversations, experiment with different approaches and learn through feedback and reflection.

The emphasis throughout is on taking learning into action and developing approaches that can be applied within real workplace contexts.

The programme will explore:

• The purpose and principles of coaching and mentoring
• The role of the coach and mentor
• Different approaches and models of coaching and mentoring
• Developing self-awareness and awareness of others
• Active listening and effective questioning
• Building relationships and creating the conditions for learning
• Supporting reflection, challenge and development
• Setting goals and enabling action
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Applying coaching and mentoring skills in the workplace
• Reflecting on and developing your own practice

An opportunity to practise and reflect

At the heart of the programme is the opportunity to learn by doing.
Participants will work in small groups to practise coaching and mentoring skills in a supportive environment. This provides space to try out new approaches, receive feedback, reflect on what works and consider how coaching and mentoring can become part of everyday professional practice.

As with our wider approach to professional development, the learning is in the service of action — supporting participants to make a difference in their own practice and in the development of others.

At the heart of the programme is the opportunity to learn by doing.

Participants will work in small groups to practise coaching and mentoring skills in a supportive environment. This provides space to try out new approaches, receive feedback, reflect on what works and consider how coaching and mentoring can become part of everyday professional practice.

As with our wider approach to professional development, the learning is in the service of action — supporting participants to make a difference in their own practice and in the development of others.

Recognition

Participants will have the opportunity to seek recognition through the Universal Coaching Alliance, providing an additional means of recognising their development in coaching and mentoring.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is suitable for professionals who have responsibility for, or an interest in, developing others. This may include leaders, managers, team leaders, mentors, educators and those undertaking a developmental role within their organisation.

It is particularly relevant for those who want to develop their ability to:

• Support the learning and development of colleagues
• Have more effective developmental conversations
• Use coaching approaches within their leadership practice
• Develop confidence in mentoring others
• Reflect on and improve their own practice