Alice Bell Coaching provides one-to-one and group coaching for academic researchers and research leaders, specialising in coaching for the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
The REF can feel intimidating for both researchers and research leaders alike. Many academics feel a sense of individual and institutional pressure that can come with the REF, finding it difficult to balance their own career goals with REF 2029 demands. I am an EMCC accredited coach and an academic with over 20 years experience of research, research leadership, and REF. Drawing on my extensive knowledge and experience as a REF lead and a submitting researcher, including an Impact Case Study, I provide a structured space for individuals to reflect on where they're at and set goals that satisfy both their own career aspirations and those of REF 2029.
REF coaching is suitable for researchers working across all disciplines (whether lab, desk or practice based) as well as all career stages and levels of responsibility. I have seen first hand how powerful and transformative coaching can be, leading to: more confident researchers and research leaders as well as higher quality outputs, impact case studies, and Strategy, People, and Research Environment (SPRE) statements. This isn't consultancy or mock scoring of outputs - it’s a confidential space for individuals to develop a strategy for REF that intersects with and informs their research and career goals.
Of course REF is just one element of research in the UK. Outside of REF, I also offer coaching to academics looking to work on other areas of their professional life. On the coaching packages page you will find examples of some of the themes that clients have come to coaching with. These are not exhaustive and I always work with researchers and research leaders to explore what they would like to focus on. Please contact me for an initial conversation and/or to ask questions.
