Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (Salisbury NHSFT) is one of the largest employers in Wiltshire. Over 5,500 staff deliver a broad range of clinical care to around 270,000 people across Wiltshire, Dorset, and Hampshire. Part of the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire hospital group, they’re committed to supporting the well-being, resilience, and performance.

Building Internal Coaching Capability with ILM Level 5

By the end of 2020, the Trust’s Coaching and Mentoring Lead approached Crisp Professional Development with a clear ambition. To build a cadre of professional internal coaches. These coaches would provide one-to-one support across the organisation, while helping managers and leaders develop greater self-awareness. This, in turn, would help achieve performance goals and build resilience in the face of ongoing pressures.

Why Crisp?

The Trust had already seen the impact of Crisp’s work through a recommendation from a former delegate who had successfully completed our ILM Level 5 Effective Coaching and Mentoring Programme. Therefore, with a track record of delivering accredited development and the ability to tailor delivery to a demanding healthcare environment, Crisp was the natural choice.

Our ILM Level 5 qualification is a rigorous programme, equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree. It provides participants with a blend of theoretical grounding and practical skills, enabling them to coach effectively within their workplace. For Salisbury, this meant building an in-house resource that could continue to add value long after the programme itself.

The Programme in Action

In 2021, the first cohort of 12 staff members embarked on the ILM Level 5 Programme with Crisp. Across six face-to-face workshop days, participants explored the foundations of coaching and mentoring, developed their skills through practice, and built confidence in applying a structured approach.

The programme has been designed not only to equip individuals with the techniques and mindset of effective coaching, but also to establish a core internal coaching group. This group is now a valuable resource for managers and leaders across the Trust, enabling staff to access structured support in performance, resilience, and personal growth.

Lasting Impact

The success of the first cohort led Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust to commission two further programmes in 2023 and 2024. Each group builds on the momentum of the last, creating a growing network of accredited internal coaches across the organisation.

As a result, the impact is being felt at multiple levels. Furthermore, managers are now better equipped to prioritise their people, and staff have greater access to developmental support. Ultimately, the Trust is embedding a coaching culture that strengthens performance and wellbeing.

“Working alongside the team at Crisp has been both personally and professionally rewarding. Through genuine co-design, we enhanced many aspects of our learners’ journey, aligning improvements with the needs of both our organisations.

Commissioning a cohort of developing coaches with Crisp stands out as a career highlight for me. Our collaboration not only improved learner experiences but also significantly raised completion rates. This spirit of inter-organisational partnership and understanding is why I wholeheartedly advocate for Crisp and look forward to working with them again.” – Jonathon Williams, Lead for Coaching, Salisbury NHSFT.

Looking Ahead

By investing in accredited coaching and mentoring development, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust is building long-term capability within its workforce. Altogether, the internal coaching community is now an established and growing asset, providing a sustainable way to enhance resilience, performance, and leadership capacity across the hospital.

If you’d like to know more about creating an accredited coaching and mentoring programme for your organisation or are interested in discussing your training goals and needs, please contact us for a complimentary learning consultation.