Ethics & Good Causes
Our aim is to enable good things to happen in the world. Helping you achieve what you want is clearly part of that. And, of course there is more. We are constantly developing the coaching style and techniques to enable clients to achieve success, fulfilment and personal goals in ways that are more sustainable for them and the planet. In that way we can all make a positive impact now, and leave something good for those that come after.
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’re still doing.
Making a Difference
Neil Scotton, in his role as President of the International Coach Federation in the UK, played a key role in organising "Coaching as an Integral Part of Society - Making a Difference NOW!" Across the world and in our own backyard, there are unprecedented challenges – social, personal, environmental. It is affecting people at every level in society. The pace of change is astonishing – and many need our support. This major event brought together coaches, 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. 130+ people attended directly, coming from as far as Bermuda, and we were joined from 17 locations across the planet. 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 until end December 2008
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.
Supporting those working for the Environment
Coaching Professionals 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 givien to Sussex Wildlife Trust, we also provide free inter-active seminars. The recent ones include "Sustainability and Innovation in business - naturally". The next one is "Sustainability - Getting buy-in from senior management".
Raising money for Good Causes
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 recently 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 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.