Coaches call for better regulation of industry

Most coaches would prefer to see self-regulation rather than government intervention to tackle fears that burgeoning numbers of unqualified people entering the profession could damage its reputation.

Although the coalition government has no current plans to regulate the industry, training body, the Coaching Academy, has taken a first step in this direction by sponsoring The National Occupation Standards in Coaching and Mentoring framework for future NVQs to provide a benchmark for employers to judge quality.

But according to a survey undertaken by industry magazine Coaching at Work, respondents would like to see the industry do more. Some 84% of the 529 coaches questioned said they want to see professional bodies develop a cross-industry code of ethics, while 76% would welcome the introduction of common complaints procedures. About 56% also said they would also advocate the creation of a coaching register.