Press release

Increasing Number of Coaches are Using Coach Supervision as part of their Practice.

Association for Coaching announces its second survey findings into Coach Mentor Supervision

Association for Coaching, London: Monday, 21 July 2008: The Association for Coaching (AC) has published the results of its second survey into the area of Coach/Mentor Supervision (CMS). Findings from the research show an increase in the number of coaches adopting some kind of coaching supervision. In the AC’s first survey in 2005, only 48% of respondents had supervision in place. In 2008, this has increased to 71% of respondents.

The research is a useful indication of how the coaching profession is evolving in terms of credibility and professionalism. Katherine Tulpa, Chair of the Association for Coaching comments: “The AC is totally committed to raising the standards of the coaching profession and we have a number of initiatives which lead coaches towards coaching supervision, including our accreditation scheme and coach/mentor supervision phone-ins. However, it’s not just the AC that takes this issue seriously. Coach Mentor Supervision is deemed to be so important as part of coaching best practice, that all the coaching bodies have come together at a roundtable to discuss guidance and to establish the principles of best practice in supervision.”

Although coaches increasingly recognise the need for coaching supervision and actively embrace the concept, the research shows that the principal barriers to supervision are finding the right supervisor and cost. Gladeana McMahon, Founding Member of the Association for Coaching comments: “If coaches are to be recognised as a profession, they need to take seriously the issue of coaching supervision and invest in it. Similar professions, such as psychology and counselling went through the same issues a long time ago, yet today, all they are expected to have some sort of supervision to ensure quality and sound judgement. Coaching is undoubtedly moving in the same direction.”

The questionnaire-based survey was carried out in March 2008 and has been analysed by Professor Marilyn McDougall on behalf of the AC. The database for distribution comprised 1800 members, and 300 responded, a response rate of 17%. The analysis is presented in three sections to reflect the key areas explored within the survey and some of the key points listed under each section include:

1. General views about the ‘activity’ of Coach/Mentor Supervision (CMS) – finding a name, the benefits, competences and qualities of a deliverer of CMS, barriers to CMS

2. Direct experience of those in CMS – involvement in this process and how it works

3. CMS views and experiences – models used and the structure of sessions
Benita Treanor, Chair of the AC Coach Mentoring Supervision Working Party commented, “The survey provides a number of key indicators for CMS, including general views about its terminology, the benefits of CMS, the skills and qualities required to carry out this activity, the current barriers for CMS and thoughts on where the industry would like to see progression in the future.”

The full version of the findings can be found on the AC Website

Download: PDF Word   Press Release index