6 Mar 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
Life Coaching: What are the regulations?
What is a life coach?
Life coaches support and encourage people to make informed decisions in their working, professional and personal lives. Life coaches use both personal experience and professional training to help their clients work towards future goals a vision for their future with personal accountability and action planning.
The benefits of coaching include increased self-awareness, clarity in goal-setting, enhanced decision-making skills, and the creation of practical strategies to overcome challenges.
You don't need to have specific qualifications to become a life coach, however to ensure your employer and/or clients know you're a certified coach, it's recommended that you undertake training with a provider that has been accredited by a professional coaching association.
Types of life coaching
Life coaches use a variety of tools, plans, and exercises to help their clients achieve to stay on track and achieve their goals. Deciding on a niche is important to help establish your reputation and employability.
There are many areas to choose to specialise in, including:
- Business & Executive
- Careers
- Health & Wellness
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Leadership & Development
- Personal Growth
- Strategic Thinking
- Work-Life Balance
Is life coaching a regulated profession?
No, there is no essential registration or regulation required to work within this field in the UK, but it's recommended you train on a course that is accredited by one of the following professional associations.
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
The ICF is considered the gold standard of professional coaching.
An ICF Credential is a professional certification signifying you have met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. It demonstrates your dedication to upholding strong coaching principles and ethical behaviour, showcasing your commitment to the coaching industry.
Association for Coaching® (AC)
Inspiring and championing coaching excellence to advance the coaching profession.
The AC is a leading independent, and not-for-profit professional body dedicated to promoting best practice and raising the awareness and standards of coaching, worldwide.
European Mentoring & Coaching Council UK (EMCC UK)
Encouraging excellence for coaches, mentors and supervisors.
The EMCC UK is a professional membership body that promotes ethical best practice and champions high standards for everyone working in the coaching, mentoring and supervision field.
International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring (IAPC&M)
The Leading International Accreditation Body for Coaches, Mentors and Training Providers.
Through independent and professional accreditation, the IAPC&M aims to build confidence in the coaching and mentoring profession.
