Applied Coaching Research Journal Research Journal Volume 3 | Page 32

APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2019, Vol. 3
Summary
CoPs are one way in which coaches can engage
in social learning. Although this approach is
new to many coaches from within The Albion
Foundation, the staff have embraced the concept
and there are already examples of the impact the
CoP is having on the coaches five months in. For
example, relationships have started to develop
among coaches, which has encouraged them to
work together more closely in planning, observing
and reflecting on coaching sessions. Whilst we
acknowledge that the initial CoPs did not necessarily
reflect the true nature of a CoP, the structures that
we implemented were essential to support the
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coaches during the early stages. As the coaches
have become accustomed to social learning and
being involved in a CoP, we have been able to revert
back to a more traditional CoP setup. The success of
the CoP relies on coaches taking responsibility for
their own learning and a community responsibility
to organising and facilitating the CoPs developing.
This represents a shift in culture in comparison to
the traditional learning the coaches have been used
to, which takes time. However, there is already
evidence of a shift occurring and the CoPs having
a positive impact on the coaches. It is anticipated
that further examples illustrating the impact of the
CoP on the coaches within The Albion Foundation
will emerge during the next seven months of the
evaluation.