Coaching

 

To assist with the transition to a demanding, high-profile role, AHUA members who are newly appointed Registrars / COOs / University Secretaries have the opportunity to take up a series of four executive coaching sessions during the first year of their appointment. As an investment in our new members, the sessions are fully funded by the Association.

Coaching presents an invaluable opportunity to explore work issues and develop awareness of those skills and behaviours which you may wish to progress further. It also offers appropriate targeted support to help you effectively manage the transition to your new role.

We would strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity which is made available within the first 12 months of your appointment.

The article below by Tess Brooks gives further information about what coaching is and the difference between coaching and mentoring.

The Scope of Working Arrangements document below outlines what is expected of both coach and coachee from the AHUA offer.

How to access coaching

If you are a new AHUA member, new in role, have been offered coaching in your welcome letter and wish to go ahead:

* view the Coaches’ profiles and contact one or two of them for an initial chat and to see who might be a best ‘fit’ (you will need to log in to see the profiles)

* once you have chosen a coach, please let the AHUA office know and arrange the date of your first session directly with your coach.

If you would like to discuss the process of selecting a coach, the AHUA’s development consultant, Robin Henderson, would be happy to support you in this process.  Please contact the AHUA office for his details.

I cannot recommend the AHUA Coaching experience highly enough.  Starting a new role in a new institution is always challenging and my coaching sessions with Andrew provided me with the time and targeted support that I needed to effectively manage the transition.   The coaching is undertaken in a safe yet stimulating coaching environment, with a real focus on how to adapt your thinking and learning in the real world.  I was very grateful to AHUA for this invaluable opportunity. 

– Clare Jamison, University Secretary at Ulster University

At a certain point in one’s personal growth training becomes less relevant, and one has to look at other ways to develop. Experience is of course essential but equally so is the value of an independent voice. A voice that invites you to reflect and helps you classify your development needs and opportunities. For me this is the space where coaching has been so valuable and irreplaceable. Leadership is lonely and someone to hold up a mirror and yet not to judge you is an opportunity unmatched by any other development process. It maybe that you are faced with a new work challenge, a change of setting, or new role but those events are never easy and in my experience the use of a coach has for me been an excellent way of getting beyond the hurdle and heading to success.

– Mark Milton, Chief Operating Officer at University of South Wales

Related Resources

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Tess Brooks' article
Scope of Working Arrangements