Thanks to community leader Nelia Koroleva for sharing the key information about the group that she runs in London.
What is the name of your coaching community?
The Barbican Coaching Community (City of London)
Where do you meet?
Sir Ralph Perring Room, Golden Lane Sport & Fitness, Fann Street, London, EC1Y 0SH.
The venue is centrally located, just 5 min walk from Barbican tube station.
When does the group meet?
Second Tuesday of each month: at 7pm until 9pm
What does a regular meeting look like?
Meetings are critical for our group development and for learning something new and challenging. We take 15 minutes at the beginning to check-in with the participants. Interactive workshops and group sessions on specific topics are facilitated either by external experts or group members for supporting effective coaching practices and for filling skills gaps. Our group meetings allow for network and open conversation that draws upon each participants' knowledge, skills and perspectives to support one another in achieving professional goals.
How many people attend?
5-20
What sort of people attend? (coaches in training/qualified coaches)
Our group is a dynamic, self-supporting group of coaches, some of whom are new to the profession and others are further down the line of establishing their businesses. We are excited to welcome new members to make our community stronger. We all have a lot to learn from each other. Join us and share with us your challenges and your success.
What makes your group different to others?
Two different ways make The Barbican Coaching Community group different:
Firstly, we share an aspiration to grow in coaching mastery and professionalise our practices through structuring our self-development. To achieve this we established in 2011 a support framework which provides both supervision and mentoring with well-known coach Supervisor.
Secondly, social responsibility and benefit for the community. Our group expanding the professional image of pro-bono coaching for disadvantaged groups. We have been approached for professional, enthusiastic and committed volunteers by a leading charity in London that has 30 years’ experience of helping people back to work. Our members have an opportunity for pro-bono work - 1:1 coaching sessions and workshops- to provide support to people (aged 18 years and above) who are long term unemployed and looking for employment. Previously, we initiated and successfully delivered a pro bono coaching initiative with the Aspire Foundation for homeless people.
What would you say has been the best moment for the group?
Creating a momentum of growth in our group - from five students at The Coaching Academy in 2009 to twenty active members in 2011, and to 150 participants listed in our mailing list at present time.
What benefits do you experience?
Aside from learning about something new and challenging, there are a few benefits to participate in group meetings:
▪ Ongoing, structured development with like- minded, passionate people;
▪ Experienced support on practice, training, business and everything else coaching related;
▪ Networks and information exchanges;
▪ Discounted fees for professional 1:1 and group supervision.
What benefits do you think the group members experience?
Our participants’ feedback says it all:
“I have attended different workshops at the Barbican Coaching Community. All of them have been so useful for my CPD. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn with some experienced coaches that share new methods and perspectives.”
“Meetings are great for shorter term objectives, including the first steps - what you can do today or tomorrow. This is a great way to develop your coaching practice and learn from other people.”
“The group helps me to focus and build on my training with The Coaching Academy and helps me develop as a professional coach.”
What’s the best thing about your group?
The competitive market is creating pressure on coaches to perform well and achieve results while demonstrating evidence of an ethical approach and high standards. The Barbican Coaching Community is a dynamic, self-supporting group with desire to grow and support each other in our understanding of the ethical dimensions of coaching and practical issues of coaching business.
Achievements: 48 workshops – 496 participants – 3 supervision groups
If you want to find out more and join a future meeting then please contact Nelia Koroleva on nelia@vsei-coaching.com.
The Barbican Coaching Community Dates for your 2015 diary: Tue 9 June; Tue 14 July; Tue 11 Aug; Tue 8 Sep, Tue 13 Oct; Tue 10 Nov; Tue 8 Dec.
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