Coaches who are trained psychologists could soon be represented by a special sub-group of the British Psychological Society.

The Coaching Psychology Forum has successfully lobbied the British Psychological Society to consider forming a 'Special Group in Coaching Psychology' to recognise the important role of psychologists within the coaching marketplace.

The British Psychological Society's (BPS) Board of Trustees has approved a proposal that marks the first step towards the formation of a Special Group in Coaching Psychology.

Pauline Willis, Chair of the Coaching Psychology Forum (CPF), said: "With a formal sub-system within BPS to perform this role it will be possible to provide more services both for psychologists and the wider community."

On the importance for the coaching industry to recognise the value of psychology within coaching practice, Pauline Willis said: "A psychologist is an expert in human behaviour and most psychologists help mentally healthy people to find ways of functioning better, which is why psychological theories and methods form the foundation of coaching practice.

"Whether a practitioner is a fully qualified 'coaching psychologist' or non-psychologist coach, all coaching practice is underpinned by a number of core psychological principles. A professional coach should be able to articulate, for example, how they believe adults learn, the process of change and how they believe that coaching supports adult development."

As coaching in the United Kingdom achieves professional status BPS' Special Group in Coaching Psychology aims to be a powerful force in raising ethical standards in coaching by promoting appropriate application of psychological theory and methods of coaching practice.