Barefoot Coaching

Coach training and workplace coaching at Barefoot Coaching

Barefoot Coaching is a British organisation dedicated to coach training and professional development in the workplace. Its offering combines ICF accreditation with university approval and is presented as a postgraduate-level programme. The organisation states it has 30 years of coaching innovation, more than 7,000 coaches trained and the trust of over 200 organisations.

Coach training programmes

The main programme is the ICF Accredited Coach Training Programme, at ICF Level 2 and university approved, which leads to Barefoot certification. The training draws on psychology, supervised practice and a learning community. For those just starting out, the organisation offers the Coaching Skills Foundation Programme, focused on gaining practical coaching skills, and the Leader as Coach Programme, aimed at developing a coaching-based leadership approach. It also runs free taster sessions for those who want to find out about the method before enrolling.

Workplace coaching

In the organisational sphere, Barefoot Coaching offers workplace coaching to build coaching capability across the whole company and create a culture in which people can thrive. Its services include Leader as Coach programmes for individuals and for organisations, one-to-one coaching, team and group coaching, and a programme specifically for women in life and leadership. The organisation states that these services aim to improve performance, engagement and the growth of leaders and teams.

Professional development for practising coaches

For coaches already in practice, the organisation offers the Team Coaching Practitioner Programme, the Certificate in Coaching Supervision, the Certificate in Coaching for Grief & Loss, a Group Coaching Programme, the Coaching for Loss, Change and Uncertainty programme and the Psychodynamic Theories for Coaches course. It also runs open group supervision sessions. These programmes enable coaches to reflect on their practice and maintain their ICF CCE points.

Resources and outreach

Barefoot Coaching runs a series of free webinars called Barefoot Talks, focused on coaching, psychology and leadership, as well as a blog with articles and guides on coach training, coaching skills and personal development. The organisation also has a store and a tutor team made up of coaches and coach trainers from a range of backgrounds.

Organisation profile

Barefoot Coaching's approach is built around applied psychology, practical experience and close support. Its offering ranges from introductory coaching through to professional supervision and team coaching, with programmes aimed at both individuals and organisations. The organisation presents itself as a global community that is part of the development of the coaching sector.