Applied Coaching Research Journal Research Journal 5 | Page 31
APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020, Vol. 5
• similar trends were observed for sexual
orientation. Participants identifying
as bisexual, gay (male and female),
lesbian and asexual orientations were
more likely to feel that the workforce
did not demonstrate the required level
of understanding, supportiveness,
inclusivity, approachability, motivation
and adaptability as desired.
Implications of research for coaching
The quantitative findings of this research
show that the LGBT+ community is
underrepresented in the sport and physical
activity workforce. In addition, members
of the LGBT+ community expressed greater
discomfort to disclose sexual orientation
and gender, compared to the heterosexual
community. Therefore, there needs to be
consideration of how best to support the
LGBT+ community to become involved in
the delivery of sport and physical activity
and to feel comfortable expressing their
sexual and gender orientations within their
role.
Based on participant ratings, softer
skills (such as supportiveness) are a key
attribute, and as such there is a need
for the workforce to have opportunities
to develop these skills so that they are
appropriately skilled and knowledgeable
to provide a person-centred experience to
participants. One way in which these skills
could be developed is via targeted learning
programmes, such as the Supporting the
Person in Front of You workshop (an
adaptation by Energise Me of the UK
Coaching, Coaching the Person in Front of
You workshop), which focuses on building
meaningful connections in all interactions.
important to ensure that phrases such as
'inclusive' are not loosely applied to all
workforce interactions and environments,
without the appropriate consideration for
the participants’ experience, feelings and
expectations.
Creating open environments and encouraging
the workforce to discuss intentional support
and action will be pivotal. Use of role play
scenarios could ensure that people feel
comfortable when engaging with participants
or a workforce from different demographics.
References
Energise Me (2018) Understanding vulnerable
14-19 year olds: Motivations and barriers
[online]. Available from: http://www.
energiseme.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/
Understanding-vulnerable-14-to-19-year-olds.
pdf
Public Health England (2014) Everybody
active, every day: An evidence-based
approach to physical activity [online].
Available from: https://assets.publishing.
service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/
uploads/attachment_data/file/353384/
Everybody_Active__Every_Day_evidence_
based_approach_CONSULTATION_VERSION.pdf
Acknowledgements
This work was undertaken as a research
project with funding support from Sport
England. The authors would also like to thanks
Dr Jayne Caudwell for her help with the
project and data collection.
Contact
Sophie Burton –
[email protected]
It is also important to note that the
LGBT+ community is not a homogeneous
group and that, as with all interactions,
a respectful, purposeful and individual
approach should be applied. It is also
31