Base Line Quality Features

For a course/programme to be accredited by the IAPC&M, it must have the following 10 base line quality features:

1. A clear set of objectives, expressed as either purposes/intentions or learning outcomes, which are linked to the practice of coaching and/or mentoring
2. Involve practical skills development opportunities
3. Incorporate consideration of key coaching and/or mentoring components: contracting/agreements, exploration, action planning, endings/outcomes
4. Incorporate frameworks, models and theoretical perspectives which support the coaching and/or mentoring process
5. Require participants to engage in reflective practice to develop their capabilities
6. Incorporate a consideration of ethical working and the importance of codes of conduct
7. Highlight when coaching/mentoring is not appropriate and how to refer to alternative therapies/interventions
8. Introduce and highlight the benefits of coach/mentor supervision and ongoing professional development
9. Are delivered within a policy framework which includes complaints, data protection, equal opportunities, and a code of standards/ethics (which can be the IAPC&M’s). Where applicable (country specific) there should be adequate insurance cover in place
10. Have inbuilt evaluation processes to collect regular formative feedback on the quality of the course and its impact on participant learning.

NOTE: Before applying to have your course accredited, please ensure that you can robustly demonstrate the above quality features.

Notes:

• The IAPC&M reserve the right to request further information in support of any application for accreditation at any level.
• Payment of the application fee does not guarantee accreditation.
• Students/participants can apply for their Accredited Practitioner level providing they have attained a minimum 60 hours of relevant learning and completed a minimum of 60 hours practical experience
• Successful course accreditation is valid for five years.

Retaining your accreditation

Accreditation is awarded for five years. To retain your accreditation, you must:

• Maintain your IAPC&M membership (personal and course) through annual renewals
• Adhere to the IAPC&M’s Code of Professional Standards and Ethics
• Continue to meet all criteria for course accreditation
• Inform us of any significant proposed changes (if in doubt, please ask) to the course or your organisation, before they are implemented
• Adhere to the course accreditation requirements
• Attend annual reviews as required

Annual reviews

Once your course is accredited, you will be required to attend an annual review via Zoom. Your first annual review is an opportunity to discuss how things are going, continue building our relationship and explore how we can further support you and your students.

In subsequent reviews we may ask you to provide evidence that you’re meeting/maintaining the accreditation criteria. At the five-year review you will meet with a member of the accreditation team to fully discuss your course and to agree your renewal/re-accreditation.

If you do not meet these requirements, or if we uphold a professional conduct complaint against you, we may withdraw, suspend or impose conditions on your accreditation. We may also visit you for a quality assurance check, for which you will be charged.

You must inform students/participants immediately if your accredited status ends or is suspended.