Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring Foundations

An introduction to coaching for people who want their work to make a difference.

You already support people.

Perhaps you lead teams, facilitate groups, mentor colleagues, teach, advise clients or help people navigate change, transition and uncertainty.

You care deeply about people and outcomes, yet may find yourself carrying more responsibility than you would like, stepping in too quickly with advice, or wondering whether there is a more effective way to help people move forwards.

You may also be beginning to ask a deeper question:

What comes next for me?

The Foundations programme introduces coaching as a practical and deeply reflective way of working with people, helping them think for themselves, take ownership and create meaningful change, whilst giving you space to explore what else might be possible in your own work and contribution.

You don’t need to know where this will lead

Some participants join because they want practical coaching skills for their current role.

Others are curious about whether coaching might become part of a portfolio or coaching career, a new chapter of work or a deeper form of contribution.

You do not need to have the answer when you start.

Many people arrive simply wanting better conversations and leave with fresh clarity about what matters, what comes next and how they want to contribute.

Whatever your starting point you’ll discover a more effective way of supporting people and a clearer sense of what comes next for you, beginning with a different kind of conversation on your first training day, if Wise Goose doesn’t feel right after the first two days, we’ll refund your programme fees in full.

Why learn coaching?

Most of us have been taught that being helpful means having the answers.

Coaching offers a different approach.

Rather than solving problems for people, you’ll learn how to help them think for themselves, find clarity and take ownership of what happens next.

The more ownership other people take, the less you need to carry alone.

Here’s what a few of our alumni have to say about where they were before joining the course

“I felt like I could manage that better with holding the space more for people and moving away from being that expert.”

Daniella Vega Global Senior Vice President Health & Sustainability

“We’ve achieved so much, but I wasn’t learning enough.”

Social Entrepreneur Sebastian Rocca

“I thought I was already coaching people, but I just wasn’t doing it very well.”

Martin Bloxham – Developing science leadership

2026 Foundations: A return to Findhorn

We’re delighted to be piloting new partnerships with the Findhorn Ecovillage community and Growing2Gether, creating a new chapter for coach training in this unique setting.

This Foundations programme marks our return to Findhorn following the closure of Findhorn College.

The Ecovillage has long been known as a place for learning, reflection and innovation. Following a recent visit and workshop with Diana Whitmore, we’re excited to once again bring Wise Goose learning into this inspiring environment.

As this is a pilot partnership, we do not yet know whether future Foundations programmes will be offered in Findhorn. If learning in this setting is important to you, we recommend joining this cohort rather than waiting for a future opportunity.


“The course helped me shift my mindset and start my own business from rural mid-Wales.”

Alumni – Julia Forster – writer, creative entrepreneur, founder ‘Write Within’

Ready to think it through?

Start wherever feels most comfortable. Download our brochure to learn more, join a free taster session to experience the approach for yourself, or book an exploratory conversation to discover what coaching might make possible for your work and next chapter. No hard sell, no obligation and simply a chance to think together. If it feels like a fit, we can then explore the most appropriate next step.

We’ve created a 16 page short guide to coaching skills, tools and frameworks to help you get started. Sign up below to get your copy.

Download our Brochure

Course Details →

Free taster session

Steps into Coaching →

Get your free guide

What is coaching? →

Internationally recognised training accreditation

  • Institute of Leadership Approved Certificate
  • Association for Coaching ‘Accredited Award in Coach Training’

The Foundations offers a pathway for ongoing development, around 90% choose to continue onto our Advanced pathways, a sign of how valuable and meaningful they find the learning.

How the Course Works

Over five days of facilitated training (a combination of in person and online) you will experience a rich blend of learning methods – teaching, live demonstrations, discussion, observed practice, peer learning, real‑world coaching experience with plenty of feedback and personal study. All carefully designed to offer a clear, supportive structure and help you build a grounded, confident foundation:

At Wise Goose we understand that coaching doesn’t happen in a vacuum, all our trainings integrate professional and personal development within wider social, organisational, and environmental contexts. You’ll learn in a supportive cohort that values honesty, diversity, reflection, and contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate world. Foundations introduces core coaching principles in a way that is practical, human and deeply reflective.

You’ll develop:

Coaching presence

Grounded awareness, deep listening and the ability to stay with whatever emerges.

Powerful questioning skills

Ways of asking that open up insight rather than directing or advising.

Ethical foundations

Considered, values‑based practice at the heart of everything we do.

Tools to structure conversations

Simple, adaptable coaching frameworks you can use immediately.

Confidence and clarity

A growing sense of when and how coaching fits into your work or relationships.

Reflective practice

Time and space to explore your own patterns, assumptions and strengths.


“The training deepened my ability to hold space and gave me tools to ground conversations… it strengthened my confidence in the role of coach.” –Alumni, arts & community practitioner

2026 Foundations Programme at a Glance

Total Learning Hours: 60

Option 1: 4 days in person (London: 2 + 2 days) plus 1 day online

Option 2: Findhorn Ecovillage Scotland: 4 days intensive in person plus 2 half-days online

Independent Study & Practice: Approximately 20 hours

Both London & Scotland are Non-Residential: You can choose accommodation based on your needs and resources.

Ready to Begin?

Real Stories from our Alumni

“It transformed the way I approach my work and clarified how I want to offer coaching in the contemporary arts field. Wise Goose offers tools to hold conflicting tendencies – an invaluable skill in these times.”

Alumni Caroline Bergvall – award winning poet, sound artist & writer


“Coaching training has helped me build better connections with young people. I use it daily to open conversations, manage emotions and support behaviour positively. It has changed how I communicate in my family too – I can hold space and turn tense conversations into ones with solutions and next steps.” – Alumni, SEN & education practitioner


What People Appreciate Most – A few words from past participants:

“Wise Goose does not offer transactional courses, it was transformational for me and others in my cohort.”


Foundations was a key part of a wider learning journey shaping my work in really positive ways.”


“Loved the course, loved the people, loved the facilitation and the practical experience on our own skin.”


“This expert training has given me great confidence as not just a coach, but a Wise Goose coach.”


“I am sustained in my work and personal life by the support of the Wise Goose training community.”


The Power of Perspective in Coaching Conversations

Coaching isn’t just about asking great questions, it’s about expanding perspectives. When we help clients see beyond their immediate view, new possibilities emerge. In this short video, Wise Goose Director shares why widening perspectives is essential for transformative coaching.