The Association for Coaching has launched an international accreditation scheme for coaches.

The association says it has spent months analysing the needs of coaching clients and its members to come up with the scheme.

Spearheaded by Gladeana McMahon, together with Professors Cary Cooper of Lancaster University and Stephen Palmer of City University, Lynn Macwhinnie and Katherine Tulpa were also part of the think tank that pioneered the process.

Lynn Macwhinnie, Head of Accreditation said: "Coaching is a relatively new industry in the UK, yet has grown rapidly into a recognized profession. It is really important to address the issue of accreditation and validate the considerable experience held by many of our members; coaches who are working across the continuum of coaching. Accreditation enhances the reputation of coaching and encourages client confidence in the professionalism of AC members."

Accreditation is to be open to all disciplines, including executive, personal and speciality coaching.

Professor Stephen Palmer PhD, Honorary President of the Association said that he hoped the scheme would become the "UK's gold standard in coaching" and offer those who use coaches "a kite mark for quality".

Now that the AC has launched a scheme for individual coaches it will be turning its attention to establishing a system for accrediting coaching supervisors and training courses.