The Coaching Psychology Update

How do you begin developing your identity as a researcher, particularly if you don't see yourself as a traditional academic?
In this episode of the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, we introduce the work being done to support people at the beginning of their research journey within Coaching Psychology.
The Early Career Researchers community brings together Master's students, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers and practitioners who want to develop their confidence, skills and connections within research.
We explore the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative research culture, with opportunities for mentoring, networking, writing support, publishing and conferences. We also discuss one of the group's important aims: bridging the gap between research and practice and recognising the valuable evidence-based and reflective work already being undertaken by practitioners.
Drawing on her own interdisciplinary work across Coaching Psychology, Organisational Psychology, sustainability, ecotherapy and transpersonal approaches, we reflects on the potential for research to explore meaningful work, regenerative leadership and social change.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How the Division supports Early Career Researchers in Coaching Psychology

Opportunities for research mentoring, networking and collaboration

Support with academic writing, publishing and conferences

How practitioners can become more involved in research

Why developing confidence and a research identity matters

The importance of bridging research and professional practice

How to become involved with the Early Career Researchers community

Whether you're studying Coaching Psychology, completing doctoral research, working as a practitioner or simply beginning to explore your own research interests, this episode is an invitation to connect, develop your confidence and become part of a growing Coaching Psychology research community.

How do you grow a profession? It starts with building meaningful relationships.
In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Toy Odiakosa, National Outreach Lead, and Nathalie Lerotić Pavlik, International Outreach Lead, explore how strategic partnerships are helping to shape the future of coaching psychology across the UK and around the world.
From collaborating with organisations across the four nations of the UK to developing international relationships with coaching psychology bodies in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this conversation highlights why outreach is about much more than networking. It is about strengthening professional standards, sharing knowledge, promoting evidence-based practice and creating opportunities for members to learn, collaborate and influence the future of the profession.
The discussion also explores the unique challenges of building sustainable partnerships across cultures, time zones and professional landscapes, while reflecting on the exciting opportunities ahead for Coaching Psychology as an increasingly global discipline.
In this episode, you'll discover:
* Why national and international partnerships matter for Coaching Psychology
* How the Division works with organisations across the UK and internationally
* The growing global interest in Coaching Psychology and Chartered status
* The role of evidence-based practice in strengthening professional recognition
* Challenges and opportunities in building long-term collaborations
* How members can contribute to the Division's outreach activities and international community
Whether you're a Coaching Psychologist, researcher, practitioner or simply interested in how professions grow and evolve, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the relationships helping to shape the future of Coaching Psychology.
If you have connections with coaching psychology organisations in the UK or overseas, or would like to become involved in the Division's outreach activities, the team would love to hear from you.

How can coaching psychologists bridge the gap between research and practice?
In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Dr Lizana Oberholzer explains why the Division created its Research Communities of Learning and how they are helping researchers and practitioners collaborate to strengthen evidence-based coaching psychology.
Drawing on feedback from members, Lizana explores the challenges many practitioners face when engaging with research, navigating ethics processes and developing research that supports Chartered Coaching Psychologist status. She outlines how the Division's strategy brings together experienced researchers, emerging researchers and practising coaching psychologists to share expertise, develop confidence and advance the profession together.
The episode also explores key research themes including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), climate-conscious coaching, neurodiversity, menopause, organisational coaching and long-term health conditions, while highlighting why curiosity, collaboration and evidence-informed practice are central to the future of coaching psychology.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why the Division established Research Communities of Learning
How practitioners and researchers can collaborate more effectively
The importance of evidence-based coaching psychology
Support available for research, ethics and professional development
Emerging research priorities across coaching psychology
How research contributes to Chartered Coaching Psychologist status and ongoing professional practice
Opportunities for members to become involved in research communities
Whether you're an experienced researcher, an emerging Coaching Psychologist, or a practitioner looking to strengthen your evidence-informed practice, this episode demonstrates how research and professional learning can work together to shape the future of Coaching Psychology.
If you'd like to join one of the Division's Research Communities of Learning, contribute to future research projects, or connect with fellow researchers and practitioners, the Division would love to hear from you.

What does it mean to become a Chartered Coaching Psychologist, and is the Professional Recognition Route (PRR) the right pathway for you?
In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Dr Shirley Large, Portfolio Advisor, and Alison Cole, Chief Assessor, explore the Professional Recognition Route (PRR) and explain how experienced, psychologically informed coaching practitioners can achieve Chartered Coaching Psychologist status through this Level 8 (doctoral-level) professional award.
Together, they discuss what chartership represents, why professional recognition matters, and how the PRR enables practitioners to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, behaviours and reflective practice expected of a Chartered Coaching Psychologist.
The conversation also provides practical guidance on developing a portfolio, the importance of supervision, the support available throughout the process, and how the Division is continuing to shape the future of coaching psychology.
In this episode, you'll discover:
* What it means to be a Chartered Coaching Psychologist
* Why the Professional Recognition Route was developed
* How the PRR differs from a training programme
* The purpose of the professional portfolio and Level 8 assessment
* The role of supervision, critical reflection and professional identity
* Workshops, Q&A sessions and support available to applicants
* The future of Chartered Coaching Psychology and the growing profession
Whether you're an experienced coaching practitioner, a psychologist considering chartership, or simply curious about the future of Coaching Psychology, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the profession's most respected pathways for professional recognition.
Find out more
Visit the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology pages to explore the Professional Recognition Route, eligibility requirements, upcoming Q&A sessions and additional guidance for prospective applicants.

Welcome to the official podcast of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology.
In this introductory episode, Dr Lizana Oberholzer, Chair of the Division, shares the vision behind the newly refreshed podcast and explains how it will become a platform for members to share ideas, research, experiences and professional conversations from across the coaching psychology community.
Lizana also provides an overview of the Division's work, highlighting the initiatives, partnerships and opportunities available to members. From research communities and mentoring programmes to free CPD events, peer practice groups, international collaborations and climate-conscious coaching, this episode offers a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant and growing Coaching Psychology community.
In this episode:
The vision for the Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast
How the Division supports coaching psychologists throughout their careers
Research communities, mentoring and peer practice groups
Free CPD opportunities and professional development
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives
International partnerships and collaborative research
Publishing opportunities through the Division's journals
How members can shape the future of coaching psychology
Whether you're an established Coaching Psychologist, working towards Chartered status, a researcher, or considering joining the Division for the first time, this episode provides an excellent introduction to the opportunities, support and community available through the Division of Coaching Psychology.
If you'd like to become more involved, explore one of the Division's sub-committees, contribute to research, attend CPD events or connect with fellow members, we encourage you to get involved and help shape the future of coaching psychology.