What support services have to say

"Coaching gave me the space and insight to be able to explore some difficult management issues during my first year as a manager and find solutions in keeping with both the University ethos and my own character. My coach has helped me find strength and leadership in myself that I didn't know I already had. The time I spent with her has been invaluable to both me and my team."

Manager in a Support service

"I found the coaching experience to be extremely positive and the intervention came at quite a crucial time for me in terms of difficulties I was experiencing in my work. The sessions addressed the objectives I had agreed with my manager, and also a further objective that I identified in discussion with 'X' and that particularly helped me to feel more comfortable and confident working in my team and with my manager."

Manager in a support service

"If you're reading this thinking 'will it be worth my time?' or 'I'm too busy for this' or 'I'm not sure I need it' - trust me, sign up! I asked myself all of those questions, and many more. But honestly now, after coaching, I can't quite put into words the difference it has made to me, both professionally and personally. Coaching gives you time out to chat through what is happening for you in the work world and how you really feel about it. For me personally, it has helped me to communicate better, to put myself forward for opportunities, to not beat myself up when things haven't gone my way and mainly it has helped me recognise how hard I work and how far I have come. It is brilliant and you absolutely deserve this time. Go for it!"

Professional Services staff member

Feedback from academic departments

"I would say that having a coach has been a very positive experience. It has been very useful to be able to have the conversations you may have with your colleagues but be unable to work through solutions because you are all too involved with the situation. To have someone from outside of the office to be able to sit with and look at aspects of my work objectively has been fantastic. It has not always been easy as the aim is to sometimes get me to look hard at the things I do ask why I do them and if it is really necessary or the most effective way to do so."

Manager in an academic department

"I really felt like I realised for myself where some of my strengths are, and for this I am very grateful; it's very easy for me to dwell on the weaknesses and failures. 'X' reminded me constantly of the positives. One practical outcome is that I've realised that a job I didn't at first want to do is actually something I could bring a lot of energy and creativity to, so I asked to take it on (to the pleasure of my HoD). A more personal outcome is that I've learnt that I often don't say what I think but defer to others; and this is something I've been trying to avoid since then."

Senior academic

"Both 'X' as a person and the coaching experience more generally were very valuable. I am really grateful for having had the opportunity for this kind of personal support. I have been telling friends about it, and it made me realise that I really do feel that the University as an institution cares about me, and offers me a way to grow and develop. So thank you very much for suggesting this and putting it in place. It's a terrific scheme, at least for me.",

Senior academic