Leading coaching organisation Barefoot Coaching has reported a substantial rise in demand for its services from the third sector, with a 25 per cent increase in enquiries over the past six months. This surge indicates a growing recognition among charities and not-for-profit organisations of the value of investing in team development, particularly at a time when the sector is grappling with workforce challenges.
The charity sector has seen significant strain recently, with a reported four per cent decrease in the UK charity workforce in 2022. Many voluntary sector employees work in smaller organisations, often with fewer than 50 paid staff members. This reality has intensified the need for charities to optimise internal support, making effective coaching more crucial than ever.
Kelly Wood, Director of Workplace Coaching at Barefoot Coaching, commented on the transformative potential of coaching within these organisations. “Coaching is designed to unlock the potential within someone, which is incredibly powerful when used in any workplace,” she said. “It can be particularly beneficial for those in the third sector who need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. Coaching can drive team collaboration and boost creativity and innovation, especially when working with limited budgets.”
Wood noted that a growing number of organisations are seeking unique support, particularly in balancing professional and personal goals. “Leaders recognise that coaching enables this, and the investment continues to grow,” she added.
While Barefoot Coaching is renowned for its corporate coaching, having partnered with major companies such as Amazon, Channel 4, and Lloyds Banking Group, it prides itself on making coaching accessible to all. The organisation has established partnerships with numerous charities and not-for-profit groups, providing tailored coaching solutions that respect their specific needs and budget constraints.
The Barefoot Coaching team collaborates closely with business leaders to comprehend their strategies and explore potential solutions. “Each partnership is incredibly personal,” Wood explained. “We understand that spending money is precious in this sector, so we tailor every programme to ensure organisations maximise their investment and witness tangible results.”
The benefits of coaching for the third sector include increased colleague satisfaction, improved employee retention, and enhanced collaboration in tackling challenges. “Coaching has so many benefits for those in the third sector, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see organisations experience this first hand,” Wood remarked.
Recently, Barefoot Coaching has begun working with several third sector organisations, focusing on one-to-one coaching programmes for both emerging and established leaders. These organisations aim to evolve their teams during a particularly challenging period marked by increasing demands and limited resources.
One business leader from the sector highlighted the importance of creativity, stating, “Creativity is key for us, and we expect coaching to help unlock some of that potential.”
With a growing legacy of training over 6,000 coaches from 28 different countries, Barefoot Coaching continues to expand its reach and influence within the coaching landscape. The organisation is supported by a dedicated team of 150 associate coaches, all committed to fostering professional development and growth in various sectors.
