The growth of professional coaching psychology is dependent on the continued development of research and an increase in the pool of individuals who contribute to that documented theory and practice. Diversity of opinion and expression in the coaching psychology literature will ensure that the discipline is a rigorous one.

The 2nd European Coaching Psychology Conference this year, hosted by the SGCP, was better than ever. The workshops in particular were lively, due both to the presenters and the high quality of contributions by those attending. It seemed that there was a noticeable increase in the exchange of knowledge between speakers and delegates. It is clear that many members are engaged in evidence based work and would enrich the profession by communicating their experience and knowledge to the SGCP membership.

The SGCP is motivated toward the continued growth of its research base and happily that is in harmony with the current organisational aims of the British Psychological Society. Following the recent changes resulting from the HPC registering of psychologists, there has been a re-evaluation of focus. One strand that has been identified by the Society’s President, Sue Gardner, is the emphasis on supporting early career researchers and developing members in the Society as a supportive ‘learned society’.

Emma Short
Research Officer