How do you begin developing your identity as a researcher, particularly if you don't see yourself as a traditional academic?

In this episode of the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, we introduce the work being done to support people at the beginning of their research journey within Coaching Psychology.

The Early Career Researchers community brings together Master's students, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers and practitioners who want to develop their confidence, skills and connections within research.

We explore the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative research culture, with opportunities for mentoring, networking, writing support, publishing and conferences. We also discuss one of the group's important aims: bridging the gap between research and practice and recognising the valuable evidence-based and reflective work already being undertaken by practitioners.

Drawing on her own interdisciplinary work across Coaching Psychology, Organisational Psychology, sustainability, ecotherapy and transpersonal approaches, we reflects on the potential for research to explore meaningful work, regenerative leadership and social change.

• How the Division supports Early Career Researchers in Coaching Psychology

• Opportunities for research mentoring, networking and collaboration

• Support with academic writing, publishing and conferences

• How practitioners can become more involved in research

• Why developing confidence and a research identity matters

• The importance of bridging research and professional practice

• How to become involved with the Early Career Researchers community

Whether you're studying Coaching Psychology, completing doctoral research, working as a practitioner or simply beginning to explore your own research interests, this episode is an invitation to connect, develop your confidence and become part of a growing Coaching Psychology research community.

How do you grow a profession? It starts with building meaningful relationships.

In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Toy Odiakosa, National Outreach Lead, and Nathalie Lerotić Pavlik, International Outreach Lead, explore how strategic partnerships are helping to shape the future of coaching psychology across the UK and around the world.

From collaborating with organisations across the four nations of the UK to developing international relationships with coaching psychology bodies in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this conversation highlights why outreach is about much more than networking. It is about strengthening professional standards, sharing knowledge, promoting evidence-based practice and creating opportunities for members to learn, collaborate and influence the future of the profession.

The discussion also explores the unique challenges of building sustainable partnerships across cultures, time zones and professional landscapes, while reflecting on the exciting opportunities ahead for Coaching Psychology as an increasingly global discipline.

In this episode, you'll discover:
* Why national and international partnerships matter for Coaching Psychology
* How the Division works with organisations across the UK and internationally
* The growing global interest in Coaching Psychology and Chartered status
* The role of evidence-based practice in strengthening professional recognition
* Challenges and opportunities in building long-term collaborations
* How members can contribute to the Division's outreach activities and international community

Whether you're a Coaching Psychologist, researcher, practitioner or simply interested in how professions grow and evolve, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the relationships helping to shape the future of Coaching Psychology.

If you have connections with coaching psychology organisations in the UK or overseas, or would like to become involved in the Division's outreach activities, the team would love to hear from you.

How can coaching psychologists bridge the gap between research and practice?

In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Dr Lizana Oberholzer explains why the Division created its Research Communities of Learning and how they are helping researchers and practitioners collaborate to strengthen evidence-based coaching psychology.

Drawing on feedback from members, Lizana explores the challenges many practitioners face when engaging with research, navigating ethics processes and developing research that supports Chartered Coaching Psychologist status. She outlines how the Division's strategy brings together experienced researchers, emerging researchers and practising coaching psychologists to share expertise, develop confidence and advance the profession together.

The episode also explores key research themes including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), climate-conscious coaching, neurodiversity, menopause, organisational coaching and long-term health conditions, while highlighting why curiosity, collaboration and evidence-informed practice are central to the future of coaching psychology.

• Why the Division established Research Communities of Learning
• How practitioners and researchers can collaborate more effectively
• The importance of evidence-based coaching psychology
• Support available for research, ethics and professional development
• Emerging research priorities across coaching psychology
• How research contributes to Chartered Coaching Psychologist status and ongoing professional practice
• Opportunities for members to become involved in research communities

Whether you're an experienced researcher, an emerging Coaching Psychologist, or a practitioner looking to strengthen your evidence-informed practice, this episode demonstrates how research and professional learning can work together to shape the future of Coaching Psychology.

If you'd like to join one of the Division's Research Communities of Learning, contribute to future research projects, or connect with fellow researchers and practitioners, the Division would love to hear from you.