Joanna Bailey

Employer: Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 

Job title: Assistant Psychologist

Course studied: ILM Level 3 Award in Effective Coaching  

My Story: 

Joanna, an Assistant Psychologist with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, recently undertook the ILM Level 3 Award in Effective Coaching through Truro and Penwith College. The training programme, along with the support she received, positively impacted her professional development which benefited her organisation.

Joanna’s ILM Level 3 Award in Effective Coaching was enriched by the diverse cohort she was part of. She joined a group of 12 professionals from various sectors across Cornwall, allowing for a wealth of shared insights and mutual support. The dynamic of learning from each other’s experiences and perspectives was invaluable.

A standout aspect of the training for Joanna was the practical coaching practice in groups of three, where participants rotated between the roles of observer, coach and being coached. Initially daunting, this hands-on experience turned out to be immensely beneficial. Her group developed a strong rapport, making the practice sessions enjoyable and educational. This camaraderie has endured, with the group members staying in touch and continuing to support each other’s progress.

Joanna praised the support that she received from the tutor. She commented, “Richie’s openness to questions and timely feedback on coursework drafts helped boost my confidence, especially since it has been some time since I had last written an academic essay. Richie’s constructive feedback was pivotal in ensuring that I stayed on track throughout the course.”

Her manager also played a critical role in her journey. Having completed both the ILM Level 3 and Level 5 courses himself, he is a strong advocate for coaching. He provided supervision for Joanna’s coaching sessions, offering reflective guidance that helped her refine her coaching style.

The training has significantly influenced Joanna’s approach to her work. As an Assistant Psychologist at the Staff Wellbeing Hub, she often engages in one-on-one sessions with staff, helping them navigate mental health challenges and identify appropriate support mechanisms.

Joanna revealed, “The coaching training has taught me the distinction between being directive and adopting a coaching approach, which enables a conversation where individuals feel more empowered to set and pursue their own goals. This shift in perspective ensures that the support I am providing is more personalised and effective.”

Joanna’s questioning techniques have also improved. She has learned to explore clients’ situations and thought processes without introducing bias, using hypothetical scenarios and open-ended questions to delve deeper into their viewpoints.

The training has contributed positively to the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Joanna’s inclusion in the NHS Coaching Network enables staff to pursue their goals, whether work-related or personal, thereby enhancing their overall well-being, motivation, and job satisfaction. This improvement in staff morale and engagement translates to better care quality and reduced staff turnover, directly benefiting the organisation.

Joanna’s immediate future is bright, as she has secured a place on the Plymouth Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training course starting in September. Joanna plans to integrate her new coaching skills into her work with clients, helping them explore and achieve their goals. Additionally, she aims to use these skills to support her colleagues, leveraging her coaching techniques in supervisory roles to help them reach their professional objectives.

Joanna wholeheartedly recommends Truro and Penwith College’s Future Skills Institute. She praises the Coaching course for its excellent organisation, knowledgeable and engaging facilitator Richie, and the supportive learning environment. The course workload was well-balanced, making it manageable alongside her professional responsibilities. Joanna encourages anyone considering the Coaching course to take the plunge, emphasising the powerful skills and valuable connections gained through the programme.

The ILM Level 3 Award in Effective Coaching offers a solid foundation in coaching principles, focusing on essential tools and techniques with the aim of helping individuals and teams to unlock their potential, leading to increased productivity, ownership and accountability.

Find out more about the various Institute of Leadership and Management courses available here. Explore our course offerings or contact our dedicated team at 01872 308000 to discuss the best option for you.