Course summary

Aimed at:
Middle Managers and/or HR and OD professionals

Duration:
Approximately 12 months, depending on work commitments

Accreditation:
ILM, City & Guilds

Qualification:
Level 5

The ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring Qualification is designed for managers, leaders, HR and OD professionals, learning and development practitioners and aspiring professional coaches who want to develop effective coaching and mentoring skills within workplace and organisational settings. It is ideal for professionals who want to use coaching more confidently within their role, support the development of others or begin building a professional coaching practice.

The programme combines coaching theory, practical coaching experience, reflective learning, supervision and personalised tutor support. Learners develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to coach effectively in a range of organisational settings.

You can choose between the ILM Level 5 Certificate and the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.

Read Article: ILM Level 5 vs Level 7 Coaching Qualification: Which Coaching Qualification Is Right for You?

Who is the programme for?

The programme is suitable for professionals who want to:

  • Develop practical coaching and mentoring skills
  • Use a coaching approach within a management or leadership role
  • Support the development and performance of colleagues
  • Work as an internal or organisational coach
  • Develop a professional coaching practice
  • Help build a coaching culture within an organisation
  • Progress towards higher-level coaching and mentoring qualifications

Some previous experience of coaching within an organisation is helpful. You will also need access to suitable individuals for your coaching or mentoring practice.

Course Overview

The ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring programme develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to coach or mentor effectively within an organisational context.

You will explore the role of coaching and mentoring in organisations, effective contracting, ethics, confidentiality and the skills required to support meaningful development.

The programme places a strong emphasis on practical coaching. You will apply your learning with real clients while receiving support from your Personal Tutor and through coaching supervision.

We run several cohorts throughout the year. Please contact us for upcoming programme dates.

Course Features

  • Five interactive workshop days
  • 18 hours of coaching or mentoring practice for the Certificate
  • 54 hours of coaching or mentoring practice for the Diploma
  • Three assessed assignments
  • Personal Tutor support throughout the programme
  • Three hours of coaching supervision
  • Feedback on draft assignments
  • One-to-one guidance from experienced BSC faculty
  • Programme handbooks, workbooks and supporting learning resources
  • An internationally recognised ILM Level 5 qualification on successful completion

Certificate or Diploma?

The Certificate requires 18 hours of coaching or mentoring practice.

The Diploma requires 54 hours of practice and provides greater depth through extended coaching experience and reflective learning.

Learners may apply directly to the Diploma if it is the most appropriate route for their experience and professional goals.

Certificate learners may also choose to progress to the Diploma later, subject to the relevant programme requirements.

How the Course Works

The programme begins with interactive workshop days that combine coaching theory with practical application.

During the workshops, you will develop your understanding of coaching and mentoring within organisations. You will also practise key coaching skills and prepare for your assessed work.

You will complete three main areas of assessment:

  1. Understanding Effective Coaching or Mentoring within an Organisational Context
    A written assignment exploring areas such as the role of the coach or mentor, the differences between coaching and mentoring, organisational application, contracting, confidentiality and ethics. The suggested word count for this unit is 4,000 to 5,500 words (limit 6050), not including appendices
  2. Undertaking Effective Coaching or Mentoring within an Organisational Context
    A portfolio of coaching or mentoring practice, including coaching logs and supporting documentation.
  3. Reviewing Your Ability as a Coach or Mentor within an Organisational Context
    A reflective journal exploring your development, learning and effectiveness as a coach or mentor throughout the programme.

Personal Tutor support and coaching supervision continue throughout the qualification.

Programme Duration

The programme normally takes approximately 12 to 14 months to complete. The exact timeframe will depend on your work commitments and the pace of your coaching or mentoring practice.

We run several cohorts throughout the year, with online and selected hybrid workshop dates available.

Course Tutors

Our programmes reflect BSC’s core values of respect, rigour, integrity, professionalism and quality.

Our tutors are experienced practising coaches, mentors and supervisors. They bring professional coaching experience alongside expertise in programme delivery.

Throughout the qualification, tutors provide practical support, constructive challenge and guidance to help learners develop their coaching practice.

What You Will Need

To complete the programme, you will need:

  • Access to suitable individuals for your coaching or mentoring practice
  • An interest in developing coaching and mentoring within an organisational setting
  • Microsoft Word or equivalent software
  • An email account and reliable internet access

Progression and Professional Development

The ILM Level 5 Diploma provides an opportunity to deepen your coaching and mentoring practice through additional client work and reflective learning.

After completing the programme, learners can continue their development through BSC coaching supervision, CPD events, networking and other professional development opportunities.

Those who want to progress further may wish to explore the ILM Level 7 Certificate or Diploma in Executive and Senior Level Coaching and Mentoring.

How to Apply

To apply for the ILM Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring programme, please complete and return the application form along with your CV to info@britishschoolofcoaching.com.

If you are unsure whether the Certificate or Diploma is the right route for you, please contact the BSC team. We will be happy to discuss your experience, goals and intended use of coaching and help you identify the most appropriate programme.

Internal Links

Nov 9, 2026

8:45am - 5:00pm

Cert: 16 QCF Credits; Dip: 38 QCF Credits

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Programme Review

I now know that coaching is the right path for me. I have learnt more on the 5 programme days than the previous 6  months of tentatively researching at home - Sales Manager