Personalised development

Find out about coaching and mentoring for researchers (staff only) at the University of Edinburgh.

Coaching

Personalised support through 1:1 coaching 

The IAD's researcher development team offers limited coaching sessions to University of Edinburgh researchers (staff only) who would benefit from some short-term personalised development through coaching. This is focused on those who are at a transitional stage of their research journey. Your coach is trained to listen and will not be giving you advice, rather they will facilitate you to think deeply around your own development through the use of questions and observation. If you are offered a place on our coaching programme, you will have three sessions of an hour each with a qualified coach. These will probably take place over several months. 

What is coaching?  

Short video explaining what coaching is.

For further information on other forms of one-to-one support and mentoring, please visit the IAD's mentoring for researchers webpages. 

What do you mean by a transitional stage in my research journey?  

This can refer to a range of different situations often encountered by researchers. It is a time when something significant has or is about to change. Some examples are starting a new post, finishing a large project, becoming a team leader, becoming a research supervisor, leading a new collaboration or taking on a different role in your research group or in your department/ School/ College. This is a non-exhaustive list.  

How can I apply?  

You should apply by completing this short form which asks you to give some information about yourself and why you feel you would benefit from coaching at this time. We will review all applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch. Please note that you may have to wait for a place to be available due to staff capacity, and in some cases we may ask for further information or suggest that another form of support may be more appropriate at this time.   

What is required from me?  

If you are given a coaching space we expect you to show up to the agreed sessions on time or give as much notice as possible. If you fail to meet at the agreed time or give very short notice on two occasions we will move you to the bottom of the waiting list to allow others a chance to benefit from coaching. Between sessions you will be expected to implement the actions you have set for yourself, so that meetings can be as productive as possible. Specific expectations from both parties will be discussed at the first meeting. Our coaches are committed to best practice and will maintain confidentiality within the law and adhere to the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors. 

Coaching - Frequently Asked Questions

In the first session with your coach, you can expect to discuss what you want to get out of coaching, and your coach will take you through an exercise to assess where you are now and where you would like to be. You will then discuss what you can expect of your coach and how you will work together. 


You do not need to do anything in particular in advance of having your first coaching session. You are most likely to benefit from coaching if you come to it with an open mind and willingness to explore and think through your development.


You will be coached by Dr Fiona Philippi or Dr Emily Woollen who are accredited coaches.


That is absolutely fine, if coaching is not working for you then you can opt out of the sessions. Please do let us know if this is the case.


 

Other coaching opportunities 

For other coaching opportunities for University of Edinburgh staff you can also explore HR’s coaching offer.

Mentoring 

Mentoring opportunities: If you are interested in becoming a mentor, developing your skills in mentoring, need guidance on developing local mentoring schemes, or want to explore what 1:1 mentoring opportunities there are both internally and externally, then please visit our mentoring webpages.