You cannot turn on the radio, television or open a newspaper these days without the phrase ‘credit crunch’ leaping out at you. In these times of supposed doom and gloom consumers become ever more discerning about how and where they spend their money and this means that businesses have to pay even more attention to the quality of goods and services.
Last month the Association for Coaching held their 3rd annual International Conference in London.
The Association is a UK body that set up in 2002 to represent and aid the development of the growing UK coaching community. The conference title this year was ‘Embracing Excellence’ and what I found interesting this year was how much the coaching community has grown. The key theme of the event appeared to be the professionalism of coaching and a large number of delegates from outside of the UK were present.
The coaching community appears to have come of age, with more and more organisations adopting a ‘coaching culture’ and a greater understanding and acceptance of the important role coaches can have in helping individuals and therefore businesses achieve their goals.
Katherine Tulpa, chair of the Association of Coaching opened the conference with a rousing speech. This was shortly followed by the first keynote speaker, Lynne Franks, PR guru and Jungle Celebrity TV star who spoke of how coaching is so much needed in the current times we find ourselves in globally. This was echoed on day two by keynote speaker, Sir John Whitmore, who provoked a massive response when he spoke about global issues such as sustainability and how the ethos of coaching was so relevant to the current challenges for the planet.
The highlight of day two for many delegates was the keynote speech by Laura Berman-Fortgang, who is always an inspiration.I was impressed by the presentation from Alan Jones, CEO for the four star Somerset Council who made a strong case for the impact of coaching in a large public sector organisation.
The atmosphere of ‘Professionalism’ continued throughout several of the workshops over the two days where there were discussions and presentations on the area of accreditation and qualification. It was clear that there is significant confusion in the community about which qualifications to consider, how to become accredited as a coach and which organisations to link to. The cost of training and delivery was naturally of great concern as it was felt that some organisations were delivering very expensive programmes.
Looking around at many of the exhibitors who were promoting their training programmes, including some Universities, I was able to establish that the ILM qualifications in Coaching & Mentoring offer an excellent option for those in the business sector who wish to access high quality, accessible and affordable programmes. As the coaching community moves more towards improving standards and professionalism I look forward to seeing many more candidates choosing ILM qualifications as their route to certification.
Our next open programme for the ILM level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Management commences on Thursday 19th June in the London/SE Area.
(Venue to be confirmed).
Dates for days 2 and 3 will be agreed by the group on day 1.
This programme is an ideal opportunity for individuals to attain a recognised coaching accreditation.
Our blended learning programme consists of: Classroom training and online learning.
3 days in the classroom
Online learning module with tasks to complete
One-to-one tutorials throughout programme
Buddy coaching activities
Course materials and course book
Assessment, verification and certification
Inclusive costs are £1250 plus VAT per candidate.
To reserve your place please email us at mail@qedcoaching.co.uk or call us on free phone 0800 093 8419.
Just recently I was asked to attend the lunchtime presentation of certificates at Kent Council (KCC) in Maidstone for the fourth successful group of managers achieving their ILM Diploma in Management Coaching & Mentoring.
It is always an honour to see those who have worked so hard and come so far receive the recognition they deserve from key people in the organisation, but at KCC these events are particularly special. As well as the successful candidates attending, those they have coached to get through their assessments are invited along with all relevant line managers.
Short speeches from the head of HR, the manager of Learning & Development and myself as programme leader were followed by presentations from on this occasion two of the candidates.
One candidate spoke of her trepidation as she chose to coach the CEO outside of KCC at a local company for her assessment and how it had increased her confidence and self belief. The second talked of her personal journey to reach her certificate which had been interrupted by ill health and an unexpected pregnancy but nevertheless had kept her focused throughout the ups and downs of her journey.
Whenever I attend these events I am touched by what coaching can and does bring to people’s lives, often in surprising ways, in addition to what was expected from the outset. As well as being an incredible skill in the manager’s toolkit it has the ability to add real depth and meaning to peoples lives whether they be learning to coach or being on the receiving end of trainee coachee practical assessments.
I am looking forward to the next KCC event which takes place in just a few weeks. With group 5 hot on the heels of groups 4 and groups 6 and 7 now underway KCC is really embracing coaching in their organisation and reaping the results.
Julia Miles.
This is the latest update on funding available to employers for training their staff through Train to Gain, Skills South East.
If you are a business in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, or Isle of Wight and are looking to access funding to train your staff you can now apply for:
Business Leaders 4.5 – Available from April to July 2008 - For businesses with 10 employees +
Funding is available up to the sum of £1000.
The first £500 does not need to be matched by the employer and is available for key owners or key directors of the business.
The 2nd £500 needs to be matched – but this can be for any key member of the management team
The employer receives a free Personal Development Plan completed by the Skills Broker.
There is also
Employers Match Funding - For Businesses with 1-10 employees
The funding of 50% of training costs for junior/middle management – Up to the sum of £500
QED is a registered training provider with Train to Gain South East. We will be happy to discuss your training and development needs in more detail and put you in touch directly with your local Skills Broker.
Call us today on Free phone 0800 093 8419 to find out more.
“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain”
Julia Miles, MD QED LTD
Having spoken to Learning and Skills Councils, Business Links and Train2Gain representatives I am keen to share my new found knowledge regarding government funding that is on offer for management development and training.
Team Leaders, Line Managers, Senior Managers through to Chief Executives can access funding throughout Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire via Train to Gain.
There are a number of sources of government funding available in the South of England for businesses to tap into. However, the reason I found very little on the web to promote this funding is because each case is treated on an individual basis. Sometimes an organisation may fit into more than one criterion and could potentially apply for funding through more than one avenue, resulting in a difference in value to the overall funding offered.
This is where your local SKILLS BROKER can advise you further. The broker will assess your business skills needs, draw up a plan and put you in touch with suitable local skills providers offering high quality, flexible training that meets the needs of your business.
If your organisation has between 10 and 5000 employees and you are looking to develop your management team you can apply for up to 60% or a maximum of £1200 per person for senior management training through the “Business Leaders” programme. Alternatively, for junior/middle management training, you can apply for 50% funding up to a maximum of £500 through the “Employer Match Funding” scheme, if you have between 1 and 5000 employees. There is also funding available for NVQs at all levels.
So, if you are looking to develop your own management skills or those of your staff I’d strongly recommend that you take a look at the management training services we can offer you and then contact us to find how to take this opportunity and make it work for you.
Business Leaders (4) funding finishes at the end of March 08 and BL 5 commences in April 08. I understand that even if you have received funding in the past you can still apply for BL 4. So don’t delay time is of the essence if you want to secure some funding to up skill yourself and/or your workforce!
“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain” so call Skills South East on
0845 751 2288 and set the ball rolling!
Once you have secured your funding QED LTD can help you meet your training and development needs.
Coaching is a unique service that is designed to help individuals accomplish their professional and personal aims. In today’s busy world change is a constant factor and companies expect consistent, high performance from all their staff. People are expected to adapt to a changing, challenging and fast moving working environment and achieve huge goals and targets.
We provide coaching for individuals who want to improve, develop or change the way they work and perform. We work with company owners, business leaders, executives, managers, supervisors and team members.
Coaching Options
There are many different ways for coaching to be delivered: – face-to-face, by phone or a combination of the two. We negotiate arrangements with each individual and/or company based on their specific needs.
We also provide packages:
BRONZE COACHING PACKAGE
Suitable for a short intervention to work on one or two areas by phone
2 telephone sessions of 45 minutes
Price £175 + VAT
SILVER COACHING PACKAGE
Suitable for those who want a combination of face to face and phone coaching over a longer period
4 sessions - 2 by telephone, 2 face-to-face (2hrs)
Price £545 + VAT
GOLD COACHING PACKAGE
Suitable for those who want an extended face to face coaching experience over time
5 face-to-face sessions
Price £875 + VAT
QED offer a no obligation initial consultation meeting to all clients.
NEW ILM LEVEL 5 COACHING AND MENTORING IN MANAGEMENT
BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAMME STARTING EARLY MARCH IN SURREY
You get an all inclusive package including: -
3 classroom days March, May and June (Croydon area)
Online learning module
Materials and course book
Regular tutorials and ongoing support
Assessment, verification and certification
At a very affordable fee of £1175 per head plus Vat
Email us now at mail@qedcoaching.co.uk to request an application form
JULIA’S TOP TEN TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
1. TAKE STOCK – REVIEW THE YEAR, BOTH HIGHS AND LOWS
Time to be honest! You need to do a full analysis of how last year was for you and your business. You’ll need to review any of your business plans, your sales forecasts your marketing goals and yes – look at the bank statements and your accounts! Only by looking honestly at what happened can you decide what to keep, change or ditch, be it people products or customers.
2. DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
Having a clear vision of where you want to be at the end of the year is vital. Michel Gerber says “Start with the end in mind” and he’s right so it’s time to plan your business and your life for the next year.
3. SET PERSONAL AND BUSINESS GOALS
Once you become clear about where you want to be then you can develop your business and your personal goals. Try to make them specific, consider how you will measure them but don’t make them all safe realistic goals! Dare to dream, push yourself a bit harder and create goals that truly inspire you to keep going through the dark winter months. (If you can’t do it on your own get a coach – we will be happy to provide you with one-off or regular coaching to help you stay on track).
4. MAKE THE TIME TO WORK ON YOUR BUSINESS – PUT IT IN THE DIARY NOW!
Okay you’ve set the goals but how will you achieve them? We all need time to plan, time to break down goals into clear, simple steps and link them to our diaries/calendars. Remember the quote ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’ therefore get out your diaries now and put aside weekly and monthly planning slots throughout the year.
5. BUILD IN YOUR HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
If you are self-employed the chances are you miss out on holidays… unless you plan them into your diary in January for the rest of the year. So now’s the time to block out sufficient time to get those breaks in to keep you healthy, relaxed and stress free.
6. DRAW UP A PERSONAL AND A BUSINESS BUDGET – REVIEW IT MONTHLY AT YOUR PLANNING MEETINGS
No avoiding the tricky subject of money if you want to be successful! Make an annual budget both personally and for your business so you know exactly what your expenses are and how much income you need to generate. Then, as the bills roll in update your spreadsheet to keep on track and to recognise when you need to take action (cut back, increase sales etc). Remember ‘Knowledge is power!
7. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO THAT WILL ADD VALUE TO YOUR EXISTING CLIENTS
Do ALL your customers know about ALL your products and services? Often people know about just one aspects of a business so find innovative ways to introduce your existing customers to the full range of what you have to offer…. Maybe it’s time to create some more great services you can offer them too?
8. DECIDE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS
No standing still, we all need to develop. Review your own skills and knowledge… anything lacking? Do you need to get some training? Read a Book? Attend a conference? What about your staff – do they need something to help them deliver a better service to your customers? Plan some ‘learning’ it will pay dividends.
9. BUILD A GREAT SYSTEM THAT ANYONE CAN FOLLOW
‘The system is the secret’… so says many a business guru but is it true? We usually find out when a key member of staff goes sick and no one else knows how to complete a task. Building a clear systems manual even for a small business is a really important investment – make this the year you commit to doing so!
10. TAKE A GOOD BREAK NEXT CHRISTMAS
If you do all the above you will have earned a good break next Christmas – no time like the present to plan for a well earned rest.
Have a successful year!
Julia
In the last ten years we have seen an explosion in interest in coaching and mentoring across all business sectors. It is now widely accepted that managers should have coaching and mentoring skills in their ‘manager’s toolkit’ and many organisations are seriously developing a coaching culture which supports this style of leadership. Significant research now exists to validate the use of coaching and mentoring in improving the performance of both individuals and organisations and as the drive towards ‘wellness of workers’ gathers pace it is likely the emphasis will continue.
Over the decade many coaching courses have been designed, delivered and attended by employees and freelancers alike yet frequently those attending have not received any formal recognition for their learning and in some cases, have not had the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge into practice in the learning environment.
It is not always easy or economic for individuals to take time out to learn, develop and to gain accreditation but increasingly the use of flexible blended learning programmes is enabling those who wish to qualify to do so in a timely and cost-effective way.
Three years ago the ILM (Institute for Leadership and Management) developed their first set of coaching and mentoring qualifications and they have already proved to be very popular and extremely thorough in developing coaches and mentors so they are ready to make a significant contribution to their workplace.
The ILM coaching and mentoring qualifications have just be revised and unitised to fit into the national framework of qualifications. They provide accreditation options (at levels 3, 5 and 7) for those who operate at supervisory, middle management and executive management levels to gain accreditation. They are equally suitable for internal or external/freelance individuals and provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
We have found the ILM level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Management to be particularly in demand. Historically, the qualification has been offered to groups of candidates; however we are now seeing a healthy interest from individuals, some who have previous coaching experience and some who are working in a role that will enable them to put their newly acquired coaching skills into practice.
This is where the flexibility of a blended learning approach comes into its own because individuals need only to attend a minimum of ‘classroom’ based learning but can study for the most part using a combination of online learning and tutorials delivered by phone or in their location.
Thus the benefit of this option for both candidates and employers is that the candidate spends less time away from the workplace and is able to study at a time to suit them. Equally the freelance coach/mentor wishing to acquire a recognised certificate can integrate the qualification into their client schedule with minimal loss of earnings.
Potential candidates come from all types of business and organisations across the sectors. They include business managers and HR professionals as you would expect but also school teachers, social workers, IT consultants and project managers, many of whom have been working in a coaching environment for some time and are now looking for a formal qualification through a respected and recognised awarding body.
Previous clients have commented that the qualification has enabled them to deal with staffing issues more effectively, implement changes/policies, improve staff moral, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism as well as introducing a consistent approach towards coaching within their organisations.
Blended learning is now opening up qualifications to individuals who have not had the opportunity to access them in the past and this can only be a good thing for them and the coaching and mentoring profession as whole.
Julia Miles
MD, QED LTD
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