30 December 2023

Rachael Hanley-Browne, our outgoing President, writes:

‘Endings are not only part of life; they are a requirement for living and thriving, professionally and personally.’ Dr Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings (2010)

Our year is ending, as is my term as UK President, so it is time for me to say goodbye to you. What an honour it has been to represent EMCC UK, locally and internationally. The role of President is voluntary, and I took it on because I care about what we do, how we do it, and our contribution to the workplace, to organisations and their culture. That’s why I also believe our strategic partnership with Business Culture Connected and the Business Culture Awards is so important; we need our contribution as coaches, mentors, and supervisors to be recognised.

When talking with practitioners, I have also learnt that many of you are members of more than one professional body. I am a member of two. We recognise that we are connected across many membership organisations and that we are more powerful as a combined voice. Hence our recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with ICF UK. Our combined aim is to raise the profile of our profession to those hiring coaches, especially to highlight the importance of ethics, evidence-based practice, supervision, and professional standards. It is a start, and we hope other professional bodies will join us in the future.

A member recently wrote to me: ‘I would appreciate insights into the initiatives or strategies in place to enhance the recognition of EMCC-certified coaches.’ Our partnership with the Business Culture Awards extends our reach and influence to over 4,000 UK HR, OD and L&D professionals, and our initiative with ICF also raises the profile of accreditation and further enhances recognition of EMCC UK; together we represent around 8,000 professionals.

We could not launch any of these initiatives without our volunteers. I am continuously amazed by their energy and commitment, be it our directors, deputy directors, governors, or those of you who pick up special projects, or run networks and special interest groups. Added to that, the discretionary commitment of our small operations team. We really do punch above our weight when it comes to outcomes. So, never underestimate the difference you can make by giving your time to undertake voluntary work. If you have not volunteered, I encourage you to do so. It is a life affirming action.

Finally, I want to say thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me. I have learned so much about myself, through the ups and downs, frustrations at the pace of change, and significant life events during my three years on the board. Running a voluntary-led membership organisation is a unique experience. My only sadness is how little I hear from you, our membership. So, my final request is to encourage you to contact your President and the Board to share your ideas. Ask for funding, put a business case together for research or a special project – it is your membership body. If you ask, we will help you to approach the Board in the most impactful way.

I leave with our organisation in good health. We are financially secure, have a growing membership and are about to make some significant changes in our IT infrastructure and launch a new website. New beginnings in 2024 make it an exciting time at EMCC UK, especially with a Festival to celebrate all that we are and all that we do. So, to paraphrase Ghandi: ‘If you want to see more change, be part of that change.’ Get involved.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year.

All the best

Rachael Hanley-Browne