A challenging programme delivered over 12-15 months that will transform experienced coaches into exceptional executive coaches.

The programme requires substantial knowledge and experience of developing people either as a:

• business leader or senior manager with a coaching style
• consultant or trainer
• life or business coach

In addition you will be required to have four coach specific clients by the start of the programme, building up to six by the second module.

You will also be in tune with our core values, and while you are experienced in your field, you will be open to learning from any source rather than simply attending a course for a coach qualification.

Programme objectives

• create your own coaching model
• be explicit about your own style and approach
• have a strong ‘signature presence’
• attain the skill to work at a performance and developmental level

Programme benefits

• coach competently with leaders and executives within an organisational context.
• target the type of clients / business you work best with
• ensure you get the results you contract for
• feel confident to coach at a rational and intuitive level

Self responsibility and co-directed learning

There is no freedom without responsibility – a wonderful paradox which sums up the essence of co-directed learning.

You have the freedom to choose the optimum path of learning, but have to take considerable responsibility for negotiating and creating that reality with others.

This mirrors the trend that 21st century organisations are having to grapple with if they are to survive in the complexity of a rapidly changing world.

Personal coaching on the programme

Each participant will be a client and have the opportunity to address their real personal development issues.

You will have the same coach for the duration of the programme, who will coach you on each event and your progress.

A peer observer will take notes and give feedback both to the client and the coach.

Systemic approach

Coaching always happens in a context, so understanding the web of relationships and patterns of influence in the organisational system, will give you an insight into how to address the more confusing and complex client issues.

Large group work

In order to appreciate fully the interconnectedness of individuals within a system, we will be studying our own development as a small organisation.

We will be alternatively in our system and observing or analysing it. This is a hugely complex and often confusing process, but with skilled guidance from the tutor team, this becomes a very enriching and insightful experience.

The lessons learnt in the large group will be constantly transferred into the business coaching environment.

John Leary-Joyce talks about the Programme

Watch a brief overview of some of the aspects of the Advanced programme.

Watch Video

Marion Gillie talks about the Programme

Hear Marion talk about the thinking behind the Advanced Practitioner Diploma

Listen Online

Programme Structure

In order to create a vibrant learning community that parallels many of the dynamics of an organisational system, we have chosen a structure that draws on all our experience of best practice. This involves:

1. Four 3-day modules that are spaced 10 - 12 weeks apart to both maintain momentum, continuity and allow time for the integration of new material into working practice.
2. Peer groups which will meet physically or virtually between events to compound learning and share expertise.
3. Regular individual tutorials or small tutorial groups which will meet as necessary to fulfill development needs.
4. Shared responsibility for the output of the programme
5. A non-residential assessment day involving:
   Morning: Presentation of your coaching model - evaluated by self, peers and faculty.
   Afternoon: Demonstration of coaching practice - evaluated by self, peers and faculty.
   Submission of learning journal and theoretical basis of your practice - evaluated by faculty.  
6. A residential venue that is 'co-managed' to create an environment where we can live and work intensively and privately.

Programme modules

1. Core coaching - skills, performance and development coaching

The collective knowledge and experience will be harnessed to make the theory alive and practical, and highlight the inherent strengths and limitations of any model.

2. Business and leadership perspective

Depending on the group's needs we will address topics in the region of :

• leadership - vision, presence, inspiration, innovation, communication
• business acumen - strategy, corporate governance, financial management
• marketing / selling, entrepreneurial approach
• operational knowledge - specific to industry sector, technical skills, customer handling, performance measurement
• management of - teams, people, time, projects, resources

3. Psychological theory and therapeutic practices

The psychology of human development can shed great light on our motivation and self-limiting patterns of behaviour. Coaching is not therapy, however there are many overlaps, and much of the complicated coaching issues can be understood and addressed using a therapeutic theory.

A good working knowledge of these theories and practices is key to facilitating the coach, in both defining boundaries and working with the client to move beyond their 'sticking points'.

4. Skills practice

The AoEC recognises the value of experiential learning, and the importance of practising new skills in a 'safe' feedback-rich environment. About half of the programme will be devoted to practice development and supervision.

The tutor team will be constantly demonstrating their skills which participants will be critiquing, evaluating and modelling.

In client / coach/ observer triads, participants will practise the use of new skills and cognitive frameworks. Observers, clients and tutor coaches will give live feedback on performance.

5. Personal development

Through understanding yourself you are able to understand others. Being aware of and utilising your emotions and personal reactions for client interventions, is a very effective skill to master.

"The Highest goal man can achieve is the awareness of his own attitudes and ideas - knowledge of himself provides him with the means to gain intimate knowledge of the minds of others" - Goethe.

We are identifying four components to personal development:

• emotional awareness
• cognitive knowledge
• behavioural skills
• transpersonal / existential awareness

These components are inextricably linked, so change in one area affects the other three.

Accreditation

EMCC Qualification Senior Practitioner level Equivalent to PG Certificate

ICF Qualification ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Programme) 127 Coach Specific Training Hours (CSTH) towards the minimum 125 CSTH for PCC (Professional Certified Coach)

Association for Coaching AC Recognised course

Middlesex University/Professional Development Foundation  40 level 7 (formally known as Masters level) credits through Middlesex University Work Based Learning.

Entry Requirements

To ensure that the Advanced Practitioner Diploma programme is right for you, there is a very thought provoking entry process. This uses four questionnaires with a follow-up individual tutorial that will enable you to identify your strengths, development areas and then to create a personal learning plan for the programme.

Qualification

The Diploma is awarded on passing a rigorous assessment by self, peers & tutors involving:

1. Presentation of Coaching Model,
2. Demonstration of Coaching Practice,
3. Theoretical submission
4. Submission of a Learning Journal. 

The programme has received ICF (International Coach Federation) Course Accreditation (ACTP) for PCC level and EMCC accreditation at Senior Practitioner Level.

Stage 1:
Initial Selection and Application

1. Application form and CV
2. Onilne Coaching Competency Questionnaires for Self Assessment: Business & Leadership, Self Management Core Coaching and Psychological.
3. Online Learning Plan
4. Read primary text – 'Executive Coaching with Backbone Heart' by Mary Beth O’Neill

Stage 2:
In depth Personal Review and Individual Tutorial

1. Individual tutorial of 1.5 hours
2. Four Self Assessment Questionnaires review
3. Discuss draft learning journey document prepared beforehand
4. Design a Learning Plan for the programme

Stage 3:
Full AEC Participant

1. Contact details and learning objectives posted on participant only site
2. Start contacting fellow participants

Fees and location

Programme Fees

Our primary aim is to create a programme of the highest standard that also reflects value for money. This means that we make a promise to get you through to graduation or refund 50% of your course fees see Shared Responsibility.

We have costed the programme at a level commensurate with top quality trainer fees and external course assessment/supervision.

The course fees are £8,500 + vat plus, for residential courses only, there are residential costs of £130 + vat per day.

This fee includes all tutorial support but not additional personal coaching / therapy which may be a pre-requisite of enrolment.

The Entry Procedure has costs of £395 + VAT

The Entry Fee must be paid in advance. The Programme Fees (course fee + residential costs) must be paid before the start of the programme or, for an additional 5%, spread over the duration of the programme by standing order.

Venue (residential)

Our residential events take place at Salomons, a mansion house located in Kent and set in 36 acres of gardens, woodlands, rolling parklands & lakes. Salomons, part of Canterbury Christchurch University,  is an exclusive secluded conference & training venue. Residential accommodation is in a purpose built security accessed block. Rooms are en-suite and have tea and coffee making facilities.

Venue (non-residential)

Our non-residential programmes take place at Bonhill House, in central London.