Our coaching & mentoring community

Plans and ambitions for 2026 and beyond

Over recent years the LDC has created a coaching and mentoring community. The opportunity to have an external mentor seems to be attractive for the mentee. We have a growing number of organisational leaders who are keen to offer their expertise and insights. We have learnt that the “ Contracting “ phase is crucial and if carried out effectively will create strong foundations for the mentoring partnership

Our actions in 2026 will represent a reset and will lead to a coaching and mentoring infrastructure (see this year’s program below).

2026 Activities

  • An initial workshop for organisational leaders – designing the strategy and winning commitment – May 21st 2026
  • A series of 3 workshops delivered by our partners at Nissan
  • Rigorous matching process for mentor and mentee
  • External benchmarking opportunities around coaching and mentoring
  • Access to the LDC one hour online workshops
  • Encouragement for mentors and mentees to complete a Chartered Management Institute Level 5 ( Graduate ) qualification in Professional Coaching Practice
  • Digital platform to facilitate this community
  • Annual gathering in December 2026 – sharing success stories and planning for 2027

Costs will be communicated after consultation with members of the coaching and mentoring community.

Leadership and delivery will come from Richard Craig ( Learning & Development Team @ Nissan ) and Alex Firmin from the LDC

Coaching has developed over the past 20 years to become one of the most crucial skills for managers. It supports on the job development, improves the quality of decision making in the organisation, and has been shown to significantly increase engagement and motivation.  Coaching provides “a model in which managers give support and guidance rather than instructions, and employees learn how to adapt to constantly changing environments in ways that unleash fresh energy, innovation, and commitment” (Ibarra and Scoular, 2019).

If you would like to know more about developing a coaching approach to management, this is an excellent article: https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-leader-as-coach

The LDC will be offering professional coaching accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute; this workshop will provide a concise introduction, and an excellent first step to becoming a professional coach.

“I would highly recommend the mentoring programme run by the LDC to everyone. Whether you are looking for personal development, to further your knowledge, starting a new role and looking for guidance or have an interest in other people’s experiences, support, and expertise, you will definitely find value to having a mentor.

To share my personal experience, In the past year I have taken a more senior role within my organisation, becoming part of the management and supervision team.

I was partnered with a mentor earlier this year and have found having a friendly face outside of our company who I can turn to for guidance, advice and support has been very beneficial in both my personal development and the transition to my new role. having someone with the knowledge and experience  has been a helpful resource to guide me through all aspects of my new position.”

Chris Smith

Mould Shop Supervisor

Ardagh Glass, Knottingley Site