Ethics & Good Causes
Our aim is to enable good things to happen in the world. As well as constantly developing excellence in what we do to enable clients to do their good things, we also take action in more direct ways. Here are a few things we commit to, that we’ve recently been involved in, and that we continue to do.
Helping "at risk" and unemployed managers Neil, Richard and Alister are all involved in a project managed by the University of Surrey School of Management, that provides coaching free to managers affected by the current economic climate. These are challenging times. Enabling good managers to turn around difficult situations and get back into employment is good for them, the businesses they join or start and the wider community and economy.
Helping those who help others
Many business leaders want to give something back to society, as well as run successful businesses. And around 70 business leaders are supporting a Surrey Chambers of Commerce initiative that provides mentoring to students at school. The students selected might otherwise fall into the category NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). To help the business leaders successfully support the progress and achievement of the students in the best possible way, we are providing free training and support to these leaders. This training will enable them to build strong, trusting and productive relationships with the students they are mentoring. It will create positive and powerful conversations that will truly help the students. And it will help the leaders gain a real sense of satisfaction fro their contribution to society, whilst equipping them with tools that will help them at work and home too.
Supporting those working for the Environment
Working together with Sussex Wildlife Trust and supported by Business Link Sussex our latest initiative brings together a wide range of businesses committed and active in Green business. Focussing on the question "How do we create business success in a way that is good for people and the planet?" the "pioneers" (each leaders in business) are meeting and exploring what is important for each of them and how to take this forward and make a real impact in their own businesses, and in the region. It's leading to sharing best practices, ideas and knowledge, by inspiring each other (and maybe a little competitive edge :-)). Click here for details of the event. Call or email info@coachingprofessionals.com if you are interested in joining in. This is for players, not spectators.
Coaching Professionals also gives time to members of Sussex Wildlife Trust. This can be used to help the members either with an environmental initiative, or on any subject they choose. Our philosophy is the more we can help them do what they want, the better they can give their support to the environment and the Wildlife Trust in the way that’s appropriate for them.
To support businesses in achieving sustainable change, and in recognition of what they have given to Sussex Wildlife Trust, we also provide free inter-active seminars. The recent ones include "Sustainability and Innovation in business - naturally" and "Sustainability - Getting buy-in from senior management".
Our latest initiative brings together a wide range of businesses committed and active in Green business, working together with Sussex Wildlife Trust and Business Link Sussex. Focussing on the question "How do we create business success in a way that is good for people and the planet?" the "pioneers" are meeting and exploring what is important for each of them and how to take this forward and make a real impact in their own businesses, and in the region. It's leading to sharing best practices, ideas and knowledge, by inspiring each other (and maybe a little competitive edge :-)). Call or write to us if you are interested in joining in. This is for players, not spectators.
Making a Difference
Neil Scotton, in his role as President of the International Coach Federation in the UK 2008, played a key role in organising "Coaching as an Integral Part of Society - Making a Difference NOW!" This major event brought together 130+ people from the UK and Europe and we were joined by webcast from 17 locations across the planet. Attendees included coaches, professionals, those with corporate social responsibility agendas and leaders of good causes. Held on October 23rd in London, it was kindly sponsored by BT (who provided their conference venue and interactive web broadcast), the London Coaching Group and The Forton Group. Our recent joint survey with Coaching at Work magazine found work being done by coaches and organisations in such areas as:
• Integrating CSR into leadership development • Helping children at school and working as a role model for them • Sponsorship of female survivors of war • Working with disaffected students/unemployed • Mentoring for women in enterprise • Inner-city regeneration • Working with people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction • Working with developing countries • Working with people in mental distress • Working with leaders of not-for-profit organisations.
Neil opened the event, and introduced Sir John Whitmore, the world's best selling coaching author and very provocative speaker. We focussed on 4 areas - local communities, the global community, the education sector and sustainability issues. The event combined showcase speakers on each of these themes with a bringing together of committed like minded people that inspired further action.
You can see the first presentations, including the extrordinarily provocative and moving presentation by Sir John Whitmore
Raising money for Good Causes
In June 2009 we sponsored the Gala Evening for the Redhill and Reigate Carnival, looking after the dignitaries and helping to raise money for 5 local charities.
28/10/08 We have just sponsored Mick Ford in his charity motor bike ride across Rajastan in India, raising money for Scope (helping people with cerebal palsy and their carers). Go Mick Go!
Neil and Karen delivered a seminar to raise money for the Redhill Carnival. Called “Making problem solving easier and enabling you to be a more effective business leader” it attracted nearly 50 local business leaders. Over £2K was raised. This went to 5 local charities.
We also give ‘Charity Taster Sessions'. In these, potential clients get their ‘free’ coaching session on the condition that at the end of the session they write a cheque for charity. They choose which charity, and they choose how much they give. It's entirely up to them. But something is given. Charities that have recently benefited include Age Concern, the British Red Cross, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Orbit Shed Inclusive Theatre Company.
Doing the little things...
We want to also take practical steps to be environmentally and socially friendly. So if we print it's normally on recycled paper. All unwanted paper is recyled, as are printer cartridges. The office lights are low energy. When we buy goods and services we prefer to use local suppliers. And when there's an option we prefer to take the train.
Code of Ethics
Coaching Professionals adheres to the ICF Code of Ethics. This gives you the protection of knowing that everything you do with us is covered by a globally respected authorititative guide to coaching philosophy and standards of conduct.