Businesses in North Wales are gaining a competitive advantage from being part of Coachwales, an ESF/Welsh Government-funded coaching and mentoring initiative aimed at accelerating a coaching culture in business and third sector organisations across Wales.
“How I run my business has changed as a result of the programme. I was bogged down with the things that don’t make money – now I focus on my business strategy,” said Caroline Evans, owner/manager of Plas Gwyfryn Country House, and Coachwales participant.
The Welsh Government is offering all private and third-sector organisations, with 10 or more employees in Wales, one free place on an ILM-accredited Level 3 or 5 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring or ILM Level 7 Certificate/Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring through the Coachwales programme, with the intention of developing coaching skills in the workforce.
“We know from research we completed in 2012, ‘Coaching in Context’, that coaching makes a real difference to businesses; from how they manage change, to motivation, to increasing employee well-being,” states Sara Lodge, programme facilitator. Sara, and Mark Sykes from local business Beehive Coaching and Leadership Development Ltd, are delivering the programmes in North Wales on behalf of Worth Consulting, a consultancy based in Monmouthshire and the largest provider of ILM-accredited coaching and mentoring training in Wales.
The programme also adds value to third-sector organisations staffed by volunteers. “The coaching and mentoring model is great for helping third sector and voluntary organisations become more professional, giving a structure to management processes,” states Sandy Williams, Social Enterprise Officer for Denbighshire Volunteer Services Council. “Developing our volunteers’ coaching skills is a way of showing our appreciation and giving something back to them,” added Melanie Sinclair, Director of West Flintshire Community Enterprise, ILM cohort.
As an integral part of the fully funded package, the programme includes trainer training so participants have the skills and confidence to share coaching and mentoring skills through their business and organisation.
The course and available funding information is available online at www.coachwales.com. The next Coachwales programme starts in Bangor on February 28th. Other courses are available in North Wales later in 2013 and applicants will be considered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Discounts are also available, ranging from 25% to 100% for additional places.
