These questions relate to the accreditation programme information available to Basic Members. To receive the full information pack, register as a member to the left of this screen and follow the opt-in process.
Who are The Institute of Educational Coaching (IEC)?
The IEC is the accreditation arm of Vision for Learning. Vision for Learning is the company which provides high quality coach training to the education sector, other public sector organisations and selected private sector companies.
Why accredit courses through The University of Worcester?
The University has built an enviable reputation for excellence in the field of Education Coaching and Mentoring, it is therefore fitting that it should work in partnership with The IEC and Vision for Learning to support a rounded practical and theoretical programme.
Who is involved in the assessment process?
You will be allocated an IEC coach to support your practical assessment. The University will provide support for your reflective practice essay and the arrangements for this are covered on your Accreditation Seminar. It is always our aim to support you to succeed and therefore the practical coaching assessment is a formative and developmental process as well as an assessment of skills.
How will I be supported throughout the accreditation programme?
Our programme supports you with email contact and you will receive a coach to support your development through four telephone contact calls. With workplaces being so busy, and particularly when public sector work can be so time-limited, the most effective way to get your queries answered is to send over your queries as an email, along with your telephone numbers and times you can be contacted.
What are the future plans for The IEC?
In the future, The IEC plans to expand its resources to include video content, podcasts and telephone conferences. These will eventually be available through the Full membership option and will further support your development beyond the course. It is our intention to release new tools and materials into the members’ area in mid 2008. There will be inter-active elements within the website too which will enable you to network with other coaches.
You talk on your website about building a business as a coach or developing a second income stream.Can you really make a living out of coaching?
Yes you can, I am doing it and have been for the last seven years. Full or partial self employment is tremendously rewarding and the self-direction it affords is deeply inspiring. It’s hard work, but we provide you with tools, support and advice to get started if that is a direction you want to go.
Do I need to want to go into business to do the accreditation?
No you don’t, and for many people they will simply wish to gain the training and accreditation to function more effectively in their employed role. There is no business aspect to the assessment of the accreditation, but if you are looking to build a business there are plenty of tools and support available within the members area and in the course materials.
Can I use my accreditation outside of the public sector?
Yes you can. Although there is an education/public sector bias to the courses, the actual overall accreditation is not limited to use in this area. The skills you will develop through the programme can be used just about anywhere. There are lots of coaching courses in the market, but few are as versatile or as practically based as ours. It is your skill level as a coach that is critical in getting your recognition, as well as the accreditation, and our programme with its practical and theoretical blend gives you all that you need.
Can I use coach training from providers other than Will Thomas for this accreditation?
Regrettably you cannot use other training. The reason for this is that we have carefully developed the programme to meet the needs of the accreditation process. Back accreditation is a key feature of this course making it very flexible. Because the IEC exists to develop the highest standards of coaching it needs to know the nature of the training that supports it. The whole accreditation process is tied into the frameworks and models from the Coaching Solutions books. We may offer a conversion course in future, but there are no immediate plans to do so.
Can I use NLP training to count towards the accreditation?
Regrettably for the same reasons as in the previous question this is not possible. In addition, it is important to point out that whilst coaching can include elements of NLP, they are different in their basis, philosophy and approach. You will however find any previous NLP training tremendously helpful within your coach development.
Can I still get accreditation if I don’t have a first degree such as a BA or BSc?
Yes you can. The process is very similar, except that you won’t gain the post-graduate credits. You’ll do an essay of shorter length and this will be accredited by the IEC. You will still gain the overall certification by the IEC but without the University of Worcester stamp. You will still have access to all of the other resources and membership features of The IEC once you have gained accreditation.
What if I don’t work with people at the moment that I can coach? How can I do the practice log?
You will need to create an opportunity to coach others. Offering your services voluntarily is the best way to do this. Schools, hospitals, and even neighbours can oblige. Be aware that in some settings checks may need to be made on you before you start and so making arrangements in good time is advised.
What if I can’t get release time from work for training?
The training is an essential part of the accreditation process. We offer at least one course per year which is at weekends. This will usually be a Saturday for the introductory course and a full Saturday and Sunday for the advanced course. Accreditation Seminars are always on a Saturday.