Issue - meetings

To receive a discussion paper on Coaching.

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Coaching.

Audio recording – 33 minutes 18 seconds

The Learning and Development Manager presented the Discussion Paper entitled ‘Coaching’ and highlighted the following:

·       That coaching and mentoring skills were development techniques based on the use of one-to-one discussion and used to enhance skills.

·       Mentoring involved putting information and ideas into a person to increase their knowledge.

·       Coaching pulled out the knowledge, skills and thoughts of an individual and provided a space to assist their progress, building confidence and improving relationships.

·       Coaching was nonjudgmental and gave the individual the space to think and explore their options.

·       Coaching had been established for over 10 years at North Herts Council. The in-house coaching network were qualified through the Institute of Leadership (ILM) and were required to take part in supervision and continuing professional development.

·       Coaching was a key leadership and management tool used to support  the performance of an organisation or individual and was an alternative to traditional training methods.

·       Coaching was a development tool to support people thinking through challenges and opportunities.

·       Some examples of suitable coaching situations were highlighted in the report.

·       Coaching and mentoring provided a cost-effective method to enhance skills.

In response to questions from Councillor Claire Strong, the Learning and Development Manager stated that coaching was available to anyone who required it and that the Senior Leadership Team were great supporters of coaching.

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Coaching.