For those with even a remote interest in Coaching and Mentoring, the news today of a convergence by the main coaching bodies will be read with interest. 

The newly formed Global Coaching & Mentoring Alliance sees the three main bodies the EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council), the ICF (The International Coaching Federation) and the AC (The Association for Coaching) forming a close alliance to…

“ …advance the professional coaching and mentoring industry.”

Whilst trying to explain the myriad coaching umbrella bodies, associations and councils recently to a colleague he quipped…

“It’s a bit like the ‘Judean People’s’ front and the ‘People’s Front of Judea”’– a reference to ‘The Life of Brian’ where warring factions have the same basic name and principles, yet fail to unite against a common oppressor, but instead choose to fight between each other.

Whilst the analogy is flawed in many ways, it was also pretty funny and well observed.

So what might the new Alliance bring, and how will that affect coaches, buyers of coaching and standards?

My guess is that we will see a convergence of the codes of these three organisations in several areas:

·      Individual accreditation – the ways in which coaches are endorsed.

·      Codes of ethics.

·      Guides and recommendations (such as CPD, supervision, and qualification)

·      Definitions, aims and objectives

I can see a long road ahead as we move towards what ultimately may be unification – but I also think it is worth the trouble, effort and commitment that will be required. 

The present situation is confusing for not just buyers and commissioners of coaching – but for coaches as well!

My hope for the Alliance is that power and politics can be kept to a minimum – that clarity for buyers and practitioners is increased, and that transparency and credibility is high on the agenda.

The Alliance is reviewing other coaching and mentoring bodies and professional organisations with a view to widening inclusion.

My initial reaction – it’s a very good move for all of us, with the proviso that we don’t lose the flavour of any one organisation and just end up tasting vanilla.