Help Bring Professional Coaching to Communities That Need It Most
The UK Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (UK ICF) partners with charities, non-profits and public sector organisations to make professional coaching accessible beyond corporate environments.
Through these partnerships, experienced ICF coaches support leaders, teams and programme participants to develop confidence, strengthen leadership capability and navigate complex challenges.
In 2026, UK ICF will establish four new partnerships with organisations whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Please note: this partnership provides coaching support rather than financial funding.
Partnership Focus for 2026
In 2026 we are focusing on three UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Empowering women and girls and advancing gender equality.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Supporting organisations working to address climate change and environmental sustainability.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Strengthening fair, inclusive and accountable institutions and communities.
Coaching programmes are delivered through partner organisations rather than individuals to ensure structured delivery and impact.
How the Programme Works
UK ICF partners with charities, NGOs, educational institutions and public sector organisations to design and deliver structured coaching programmes.
Depending on the programme, partnerships may include pro bono or paid coaching opportunities for UK ICF members.
Programmes are designed collaboratively so that coaching supports the specific goals and context of the partner organisation.
Why Coaching Matters
Expanding Access
Professional coaching is often concentrated in corporate environments or among individuals with significant resources. Our partnerships help bring coaching to communities that may not otherwise have access to it.
Supporting Leaders and Teams
Coaching can help individuals strengthen leadership capability, build confidence, navigate change and develop clearer goals.
Mutual Benefit
These partnerships create value for communities, partner organisations and the coaching profession.
What We Provide
Access to Professional Coaches
Qualified and credentialed professional coaches from the UK ICF network.
Structured Coaching Programmes
Typically six one-hour coaching sessions per participant, with flexibility depending on programme needs.
Programme Collaboration
We work with partner organisations to design coaching programmes aligned with their goals.
Impact Measurement
We gather feedback and insights to help understand and demonstrate the impact of coaching.
Who Can Receive Coaching
Coaching may be offered to:
- Individuals supported by your organisation
- Staff or programme leaders within your organisation
Coaching focuses on reflection, personal development and goal setting.
It is not a substitute for counselling, therapy, or specialist support services.
Is This Partnership Right for Your Organisation?
Before applying, please consider whether your organisation can answer “yes” to most of the following questions.
Is coaching relevant to your work?
Would coaching benefit the people you support or the staff delivering your programmes?
Can you coordinate the programme internally?
Can you nominate a contact person to act as the link between your organisation, coaches and the UK ICF Partnerships Directorate?
Can you allocate some staff time?
Will someone be able to manage communication, identify coachees and support the coaching programme?
Are your goals aligned with the SDGs?
Does your organisation’s mission align with one or more of the SDGs we are focusing on in 2026?
Are you open to measuring impact?
Would your organisation participate in simple feedback and evaluation processes?
Organisations that are engaged, responsive and able to coordinate programmes internally tend to benefit most from these partnerships.
Due to the limited number of partnerships available each year, priority will be given to organisations that demonstrate strong alignment with programme goals and readiness to implement a coaching programme.
Target Organisation Types
Gender Equality
Organisations supporting women and girls through empowerment, leadership development or education.
Examples include:
- Women’s leadership and empowerment charities
- Organisations supporting women returning to work
- Girls’ mentoring or education programmes
- Organisations supporting women in STEM or entrepreneurship
- Equality and inclusion initiatives
Climate Action
Organisations working to address climate change and environmental sustainability.
Examples include:
- Climate action charities and advocacy organisations
- Environmental NGOs and conservation groups
- Community sustainability initiatives
- Climate education organisations
- Organisations focused on climate resilience
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Organisations supporting fairer societies and stronger civic institutions.
Examples include:
- Social justice or legal access charities
- Organisations supporting refugees or displaced people
- Youth justice and rehabilitation programmes
- Civic participation or democracy initiatives
- Conflict resolution or mediation organisations
Applications for 2026
We expect to establish approximately four new partnerships in 2026, creating around 60 coaching opportunities.
If your organisation aligns with one of these goals and would benefit from coaching support, we encourage you to apply.
Current Partnerships
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
UK ICF is partnering with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) as part of the global ICF Ignite Initiative, focusing on three UN Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty (SDG 1), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Partnerships (SDG 17).
Through this initiative, accredited ICF coaches support leaders in strengthening leadership capability, navigating change and building confidence for the future.
MTO Shahmaghsoudi
UK ICF is also partnering with MTO Shahmaghsoudi through the global ICF Ignite Initiative, focusing on No Poverty (SDG 1), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Partnerships (SDG 17).
Through this partnership, accredited ICF coaches support leadership development and volunteering programmes, helping individuals strengthen their leadership capacity and impact.
Past Partnerships
In recent years, UK ICF has partnered with a range of organisations to bring professional coaching to communities and leaders who may not otherwise have access to it.
These partnerships have supported:
- young people developing confidence and leadership skills
- leaders navigating complex organisational or societal challenges
- professionals working within mission-led organisations
- individuals seeking clarity and direction during times of change
Through these collaborations, coaching has helped individuals strengthen leadership capability, build resilience and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Who We Are
The Partnerships Directorate is part of the volunteer-led UK Chapter of the International Coaching Federation.
The directorate is led by Louise Cumberland, Julia Griffin, Jo Williams and Rebecca Daniel and focuses on developing partnerships that expand access to professional coaching while creating meaningful opportunities for UK ICF members to contribute their skills.
