Research Centre for Excellence

We bridge the gap between practice and research in coaching, mentoring, and supervision.

We stimulate the creation, development, sharing, and practical application of knowledge in these fields.

Our work builds the evidence base that supports professionalisation and helps practitioners make informed, evidence-based decisions.

We focus on three research areas. Mentoring practices in contemporary workplaces (including generational differences and technology impacts). The coaching process (exploring how coaching relationships and interventions actually work). Finally coaching contexts (understanding external factors like organisational settings and individual differences).

We run research competitions that tackle complex challenges identified by our members, funding projects where practitioners and researchers collaborate throughout.

Our 2024/25 research competition funded five projects examining AI and coaching, including exploring AI-supported coaching readiness, evaluating AI chatbot coaches using different approaches (GROW, solution-focused, cognitive behavioural), and examining partnerships between AI and coaches as equal learning partners.

Our 2022/23 competition funded seven projects exploring how mentoring and coaching support human capital and leadership development. All projects have been peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching. Project teams presented their findings through webinars open to members, and outcomes feed into EMCC Global’s future priorities.