Supervision - supporting and developing the coach

... Having developed the coach, it is important to ensure that they have the necessary support in place. Supervision is now regarded as being as important to the coach as it has been to those in the caring professions for many years.

There is a lot of confusion about the word 'supervision' in relation to coaching. Here we distinguish it from the line management function. It may be helpful to see the line manager as overseeing the work and the task, whilst supervision keeps an eye on the person, in this case the coach.

Supervision works in four key areas:-

• A forum where the coach can reflect on their work and learn from that reflection
• A forum for handling ethical and professional issues
• A forum for reviewing ongoing development - looking back over the last period and addressing identified needs
• A forum for support, where the coach can share - in confidence - ideas and experiences

OceanWave Coaching supports the CIPD's suggested definition

"... a structured, formal process for coaches, with the help of a coaching supervisor, to attend to improving the quality of their coaching, grow their coaching capacity and support themselves and their practice."

This reflects the benefits to the client as well as to the coach. Please download CIPD's research on Coaching Supervision by clicking here.   

Supervision is just as relevant for mentors and for others involved in running mentoring programmes. We have substantial experience of supporting the development of mentoring programmes in all sectors and are pleased to offer competent supervision to people involved in developing or delivering mentoring services.

OceanWave Coaching offers individual and group supervision for internal and external coaches. We can also facilitate peer supervision, although this is only seen as part of a coach's supervision framework. We work with individuals as well as with organisations in the provision of supervision. Please contact us to discuss requirements - info@oceanwave-coaching.co.uk

Also, all OceanWave coaches are in regular supervision themselves. This is a requirement of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) Code of Ethics, to which we are proud to subscribe.

... transforming potential into sustainable development

Last updated 5th July 2008