Why I Chose to Become an ICF-Accredited Coach (And Why That Matters to You)
Coaching is everywhere these days. And I love that. More people than ever are turning to coaching to gain clarity, move forward, and grow – whether that's in their careers, personal lives, or wellbeing.
But with this surge in popularity comes a very real challenge: not all coaches are created equal.
You might have heard the phrase “anyone can call themselves a coach.” And it’s true. Coaching isn't a regulated industry in the UK, which means someone could start offering coaching services without any formal training, structure, or support – and that can be risky for you as a client.
When I decided to become a coach, I knew I wanted to do things differently. With over [add in number of years] of experience in HR and leadership, I’d seen the power of well-held, values-based conversations. I also knew how much damage could be done when people tried to help without the right tools or understanding.
That’s why I chose to train with the ICF, and why I continue to align my work with the International Coaching Federation's Code of Ethics.
My Own Coaching Journey
So my journey towards coaching started back in the 1990’s where I had a real interest in wanting to know more about how we behave and what’s formed that thinking. So initially I followed the counselling route as this had formalised qualifications and training within the Counselling and therapy bodies. I completed a certificate in both counselling skills together with counselling theory with the Central school of counselling therapy. I really enjoyed learning about the different methods and thinking that brought counselling and therapy to more of the mainstream.
I knew that the mind, thoughts and behvaiuors was an area of deep interest. However I felt that my interest in looking towards a better future was more about ‘the art of the possible’ rather than what’s gone before as that to me was in the past and it’s tricky to change to the past!
From a career perspective, I then focussed on achieving my CIPD (being in the HR field) and achieved Fellow status in 2001. This represented to me the application of a number of years in HR and to achieve the highest achievement within the CIPD was a great highlight to me. However this commercial and HR standard didn’t provide me with sufficient learning from a people and behaviour perspective.
So move on 5 years and Life coaching was becoming more popular to help integrate life and work and to gain balance (if that’s your goal) to making the most of your life. So I revisited my interest to compare and contrast the counselling therapy frameworks with coaching and specifically life coaching. In 2004 I decided to embark on a certificate in life coaching with Newcastle college, this was a 12 month course that was fully assessed with assignments and practicals. This was an interesting course but in my view a basic application of a framework with heavy emphasis on reflection and the coaches role and importance of being coached as an individual before being able to ‘show up’ as a coach yourself.
Fast forward 10 years, my curiosity was still leading me to the skills of a coach and the ability to work with individuals to find their own answers I found hugely powerful.
I then decided to embark on the Diploma in Personal Transformation run by Animas school of coaching accredited by the International Coaching Federation. This involved in person learning, home work, research, dissertations together with evidence or working with practice students and being mentored (like supervision) during this time. This was a 2 year course that the ICF then accredits. In 2014 I achieved member status with ICF with the submission of course work, recordings of practice clients and application of learning to the Animas school. Whilst doing the Diploma course part of my CPD I also undertook a certificate in Group Coaching. I was interested in coaching more than one person as this may hve been helpful with relationship coaching.
The journey for me to this point has been both challenging and rewarding, I enjoy having my brain and skills tested as I continue to grow. Gaining these credentials have also supported my need to be a credible and ethical coach. I feel proud to have gained the membership and standing I have within the ICF framework. Could I have completed all these in a shorter space of time, of course! But reflecting on what I’ve gained through this process is that the love of coaching hasn’t left me.
What still concerns me is that coaching, mentoring, therapy and training sometimes get confused by people who may not know the difference. There remains to be no regulation for a coach, however the organisations that support the coaching profession always provide guidance and competence levels that as a qualified coach you have to achieved or complete a certification.
In order to give my clients the best levels of service I can, based on experience, ethics, boundaries and contracts I continue to support those organisations that take this seriously to create an entry level to being an accredited coach.
I am currently a member of the ICF having completed my Diploma accredited by the ICF. I also continue to learn and advance in this space, currently working towards becoming an Associate coach with the ICF.
What is the ICF – and why does it matter?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a globally recognised body that sets the gold standard for coaching. To become accredited by the ICF, coaches must:
Complete rigorous training hours aligned with coaching core competencies
Engage in supervised coaching with real clients
Commit to continuous professional development
Pass an assessment process
Sign and uphold a globally respected Code of Ethics
These aren’t just tick-box requirements – they’re the foundation of ethical, effective, and empowering coaching.
You can learn more about the different ICF credential levels here.
The Code of Ethics: What It Means for You
The ICF Code of Ethics is there to protect both you and the coaching process. It outlines how coaches should show up: with respect, professionalism, confidentiality, and in service of the client’s goals – not the coach’s ego.
Theres an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and the emotional safety of the client. It ensures:
Your sessions are confidential and handled with care
Your coach doesn’t impose their own agenda
There are clear boundaries around consent and professionalism
You’re supported within a framework of trust, integrity, and evidence-based practice
There’s also a video series by the ICF that breaks down the new updates if you’d like to explore more.
Questions to ask any coach before working with them
If you're thinking about working with a coach (me or anyone else!), I encourage you to be curious. Ask them:
What training have you completed?
Are you accredited or working toward accreditation?
What professional standards do you align with?
Do you have regular supervision or mentoring?
A good coach will welcome these questions – in fact, they’ll probably respect you even more for asking them.
You can also use this ICF directory if you want to check a coach’s credentials directly.
Why This Matters to Me
I didn’t become a coach because it sounded good on paper. I became a coach because I believe in the power of self-awareness, courage, and intentional change. I’ve witnessed how life-changing coaching can be – when it’s done properly.
Being ICF-accredited isn’t just a certificate for me. It’s a sign of my commitment to you. A promise that when you show up with your hopes, your challenges, and your big questions, I’ll meet you with the tools, training, and ethical foundations you deserve.
If you’re considering coaching, I’d love to help you explore whether it’s the right fit, and if we’re the right fit, too.
You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported by someone who’s done the work (and continues to do it.)
