Background
Independent Coaching
A particular feature of IC is the integration of high-level professional skills learning with Masters-level work on the key leadership themes of identity, complexity and ambiguity. This results in a synergy of learning, which you can integrate immediately into your own professional practice.
You will notice the difference the next day.
Leadership, without doubt, is the
single most important master skill for success. Given that schools are by nature and purpose ‘people organisations’, it is clear that the particular emphasis needed is the leadership of people.
Dr Paul Simmons, FRSA
Independent Coaching is founded on my experience of working with leaders in education over the past thirty years, work which has included leadership development, leading Ofsted inspection teams, postgraduate teaching and doctoral supervision. This has felt like a huge privilege, and in terms of the challenges and complexities faced, both absorbing and humbling.
Leadership, without doubt, is the single most important master skill for success. Given that schools are by nature and purpose ‘people organisations’, it is clear that the particular emphasis needed is the leadership of people.
At the University of Manchester, I was fortunate enough to head up the research and development in coaching for leaders in education. IC thus has its roots in over seven years of such research and development with heads and schools and with a highly experienced and remarkably talented team of colleagues. This was followed by a further six years at the Institute for Work-based Learning at Middlesex University, London, also the base for the International Centre for the Study of Coaching.
IC was founded in 2011 and over the last ten years we have continued with research and evidence-based approaches, focusing on the live, contextual issues of leaders in education.
The capacity of IC to deepen and accelerate professional learning stems enormously, and with huge gratitude to all involved, from this academic genesis, the power of which comes from our positioning and experience across what is sometimes seen as the academic-professional ‘divide’.
“Prior to meeting Paul I had already been persuaded of the benefits of coaching and had completed the extensive Executive Level 7 course validated by ILM. However, I wasn’t satisfied with the practical applications to a school-based culture. I was Headteacher of a large primary school at the time. Meeting and working with Paul was the catalyst that transformed my learning and application of coaching to professional life.”
Mike Jones, former Head, South Failsworth Primary, Oldham and Executive Coach
“This was one of the most stimulating and rewarding courses I have ever undertaken. Its impact has been immeasurable.”
Avril Palmer-Fye, Managing Director, Magis Supplies Ltd, Manchester and Executive Coach
