Coaching

Coaching for research and academic staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Coaching for research and academic staff at the University of Edinburgh is designed to provide targeted, short-term development opportunities at no cost. Our coaching offer caters to varied needs, ensuring personalised growth paths for every stage of an academic or research career.

Coaching for professional development: This format consists of three sessions spread over several months, aimed at fostering sustained personal and professional growth. Participants can deeply engage with their development process, observing tangible progress over time.

Coaching for leadership: Specifically for research leaders, this offering is a single, flexible session designed to address particular leadership challenges or topics succinctly. It provides targeted support tailored to the unique needs of those in or aspiring to leadership roles.

Both coaching tracks are structured to support the diverse development needs of the University of Edinburgh's staff, from those just starting their careers to seasoned leaders in research.

What is coaching?

Short description of what coaching is, and what it's not.

Who is it for? 

This coaching program is designed for University of Edinburgh research and academic staff navigating significant transitions in their professional roles. This can include changes such as:

  • starting a new position
  • finishing major projects
  • stepping into a leadership role
  • overseeing research or supervising others
  • initiating new collaborations
  • adopting different roles within your group, department, school, or college
  • other topics based on individual needs

This list is illustrative rather than comprehensive, encompassing any point where major shifts or developments occur in a professional context.


Session structure

Upon acceptance into the program, you will first have a 30-minute session to ensure compatibility with your coach. Subsequent coaching will occur online in three 1-hour sessions spread over several months, with scheduling flexibility to accommodate both parties. Sessions will be online via MS Teams. You will receive an Outlook calendar invite for the agreed times.

Scope of the program Note that this coaching is aimed at professional development, not career guidance. Research staff seeking career advice, especially those on fixed-term contracts, might find our tailored career support services more applicable.

Expectations and responsibilities

Once you are allocated a space in the coaching program, we have a few expectations to ensure the process is beneficial for all involved:

  1. Attendance and punctuality: You are expected to attend all scheduled coaching sessions on time. If you need to cancel a session, please provide as much notice as possible. Missing or cancelling sessions with very short notice twice will result in your name being moved to the bottom of the waiting list.
  2. Action between sessions: Between coaching sessions, you will be tasked with implementing specific actions or goals that you set for yourself. This is crucial as it ensures that each meeting is productive and builds upon your progress.
  3. Initial meeting and expectations: During the first coaching session, specific expectations and guidelines will be discussed and agreed upon by both you and your coach. This conversation is important to establish a clear understanding of the coaching process and what is required from both sides.
  4. Confidentiality and ethics: Our coaches adhere to the highest standards, maintaining confidentiality within legal limits and following the principles outlined in the Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors, and Supervisors.
  5. Preparation and opt-out options No specific preparation is required for the first session, but an open and engaging attitude is encouraged. If at any time the coaching does not meet your expectations, you are free to discontinue.

This approach ensures that the coaching experience is maximally effective and respects the commitment of both the participant and the coach.

Apply for coaching

Apply through the provided form, detailing your personal information and reasons for seeking coaching. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but please be aware of potential waits due to limited availability. Adjustments or recommendations for alternative support may be offered based on your specific needs.

Who is it for? 

Leadership coaching is specifically designed for University of Edinburgh research and academic staff who are currently managing or leading research projects, including those who lead or manage individuals or teams of researchers. The one-hour coaching session aims to enhance leadership skills and address specific challenges faced in these roles, whether you are new to leadership or a seasoned leader. It is most beneficial for individuals who have previous experience with leadership development programs or who have received coaching before.

Coaching topics: Participants can expect to address a variety of leadership challenges during their session, including but not limited to:

  • Balancing competing priorities
  • Effective time management
  • Enhancing confidence and assertiveness
  • Managing professional relationships
  • Strategic planning and vision setting
  • Exploring personal values and motivations
  • Managing feelings of imposter syndrome
  • Other topics tailored to individual requirements

Session Structure

  • Scheduling: Participants can book a one-hour session directly with the coach, choosing a time that best fits their schedule.
  • Format: The session will be conducted online using Microsoft Teams.
  • Pre-session communication: You will receive a pre-coaching email one day before your session, outlining the session's expectations and confidentiality agreements.
  • Post-session follow-up: After your coaching session, the coach will send an email summarising any outcomes and further support options, along with a feedback survey.
  • Initial input: Upon booking, you will have the opportunity to provide details on specific topics or challenges you wish to discuss. This helps the coach prepare for the session.

Expectations and Responsibilities

  • Attendance and punctuality: Participants are expected to be on time for their scheduled session. If rescheduling or cancellation is necessary, please adjust the meeting time via the Outlook calendar invite with as much notice as possible.
  • Preparation: Given the single-session format, having a clear topic or outcome in mind prior to the session will maximise productivity and outcome clarity.
  • Coaching methodology: The coach will primarily use open-ended questions to facilitate clarity and action on your goals, rather than direct advice-giving.
  • Session initiation: The session begins with a discussion of specific expectations and guidelines to establish a mutual understanding of the coaching process and respective commitments.
  • Confidentiality and ethics: Coaches adhere to strict ethical standards and confidentiality within legal limits, aligned with the Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors, and Supervisors.
  • Opting out: If coaching does not meet your expectations or you decide it's not right for you, you are free to end the session at any point.

Booking a Session

To book your one-hour leadership coaching session, please use the provided bookings link. Adjustments or cancellations should be made through the Outlook calendar invite at your earliest convenience. This proactive management ensures a respectful and effective use of both participant and coach time, aligning with our commitment to providing meaningful and impactful developmental opportunities.


 

You might also be interested in

If you are looking for advice, you can also book a 30 minute leadership development consultation to create a personal leadership development plan or get help navigating the available offers to find what's right for you.

Go to leadership development consultations booking page

Who are the coaches?

For those participating in our Coaching for Professional Development program, you will have the opportunity to be coached by our internal coaches, either Dr. Fiona Philippi or Dr. Emily Woollen. Both internal coaches are accredited with over two years of coaching experience and bring a wealth of knowledge from over a decade of involvement in researcher development and supporting researchers in the higher education sector.

For participants in our Coaching for Leadership, Dr. Emily Woollen will serve as your coach. Emily specialises in development and support for research leaders. Her extensive experience includes providing tailored support and training to research leaders at various stages of their careers, helping them to navigate and excel in their leadership roles effectively.

Testimonials

I recommend this to everyone standing at a crossroads or those who want to generally explore how to move forward in their professional career in the most fitting way to their character type—everyone should do it.

Coachee 2025

I highly recommend embracing the wonderful opportunity to work with a coach a the University of Edinburgh. As a Lecturer who had recently returned from parental leave and navigating priorities, I found this a really useful space. I really appreciated the space to clarify my vision and intentions for my research, to identify barriers, and to develop strategies to tackle barriers to achieve my professional and personal goals.

Coachee 2026

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