Press release

Professional Coaching Body Emerges in UK – At Last!

On the 1st of July 2002 the Association for Coaching (AC) was launched - the UK’s first independent professional body for professional coaches. With the popularity of coaching growing daily and no regulation in place the AC aims to provide an ethical framework and standards for coaches to work to as well as being a voice for coaching excellence.

Professor Cary Cooper, CBE, of the University of Manchester’s Institute of Science & Technology and Vice President of the AC believes that "the mobility of most people and the decline in social support systems together with the lack of balance between work and home life means there is an increasing need for individual support systems such as coaching and mentoring. This new Association will set the necessary standards needed to professionalize these approaches."

Katherine Tulpa, Chair of the AC and Director of Urban Calm, a consultancy providing well-being and Coaching services to the professional sector sees the AC “as providing the means for professional Coaches to expand their client base, increase their knowledge of best practice, learn about the latest trends within the Coaching industry and enhance their practices through the creditability gained from being involved with a body committed to the highest standards.”

As an effective Coaching Strategy can assist in increasing profitability, gaining competitor advantage and reducing staff turnover, it is vital that decision makers have access to the best coaches as well as up-to- date Coaching methodologies and proven tools to maximise these efforts.

Gladeana McMahon, Head of Media Relations for the AC, author of “Confidence Works – learn to be your own Life Coach” and GMTV’s Life Coach believes “that the AC fills a very real need. The potential to bring together the best is a very exciting prospect"

The AC is also able to provide those in the media with access to a range of coaches able to talk about a variety of personal development issues. A Code of Ethics and Constitution are available.