Communities of Practice
Developing a coaching culture in Cheshire and Merseyside
In 2021, a Coaching Community of Practice (CoP) was created by the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership’s Organisation Development (OD) network, with support from the Coaching Academy.
The group’s goal is to mobilise, support and develop a coaching culture across Cheshire and Merseyside. Approximately 60 OD practitioners from community, mental health, and primary and secondary care come together virtually every two months to share coaching resources, access CPD, have facilitated conversations about system needs, such as career coaching and restorative practice. The mix of attendees has really enriched learning and sharing of ideas.
The CoP has since been awarded bids to continue to mobilise and develop a coaching culture across the system. The CoP is also currently developing career coaching sessions to equip coaches with skills and knowledge to support workforces impacted by organisation change.
Gill Phazey, OD and Leadership Development Associate, says: “This has been such a helpful community for coaches to connect to. The community works in a very practical way, identifying development and learning opportunities and funding to support them, which in turn better enables the coaches to support the organisations and individuals they work with. We really value having space that is inclusive and responsive to members of the CoP, and the wider health and care system, which is benefiting from this.”
