ILM Level 7 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Senior Managers

Why Choose This Qualification? 

• Highly respected Level 7 (postgraduate-level) qualification 

• Strong emphasis on real-world practice and reflection 

• Suitable for internal and external coaches working at senior level 

• Builds confidence, credibility and strategic impact as a coach or mentor 

This course is ideal for: -  

• Senior managers and leaders  

• HR and Organisation Development professionals  

• Internal coaches and mentors working with senior leaders  

• Professional coaches and mentors seeking a Level 7, nationally recognised qualification  

• Consultants supporting leadership and organisational development 

Learners are typically coaching individuals operating at executive or senior level, regardless of job title. 

By completing the Level 7 Certificate, learners will be able to:  

• Understand the strategic purpose of coaching and mentoring at executive and senior level  

• Apply advanced coaching and mentoring models effectively in complex contexts  

• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-impact coaching or mentoring engagements 

• Demonstrate ethical, reflective and supervised professional practice 

• Critically reflect on their own performance and create a personal development plan 

• Enhance professional credibility and career progression opportunities 

To achieve the ILM Level 7 Certificate, learners complete three mandatory units: 

Mandatory Units 

• Understanding the Principles and Practice of Effective Coaching and Mentoring at an Executive or Senior Level 
  Explores strategy, organisational context, models, ethics, supervision and evaluation. 

• Undertaking Coaching or Mentoring at an Executive or Senior Level 
  Requires a minimum of 20 hours of coaching or mentoring practice with 2–3 senior-level clients, supported by supervision and reflective evidence. 

• Reflecting on Your Ability to Perform Effectively as a Coach or Mentor at an Executive or Senior Level 
  Focuses on critical self-reflection, professional development planning and positioning yourself as an executive-level coach or mentor. 

Assessment is practical, applied and professionally relevant. Learners are assessed through:  

• A written assignment (theory and strategic understanding)  
• A portfolio of evidence (coaching or mentoring practice)  
• A reflective journal (critical reflection and development planning) 
• All assessment is internally assessed and externally quality assured by ILM. 

Time Commitment 

• Guided Learning Hours: 52 hours 
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 138 hours  

Learners must be actively coaching or mentoring at senior level during the programme. 

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, however learners should:

• Be aged 21 or over
• Have access to senior-level coaching or mentoring clients
• Be capable of working at postgraduate (Level 7) standard

Learners receive:  

• A nationally recognised ILM Level 7 Certificate  

• ILM Digital Credential 

• Student Membership of the Institute of Leadership & Management, with access to resources and professional networks 

More information coming soon. Please email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk to be sent more details when they become available.

Is this qualification accredited?

• Yes. The ILM Level 7 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), part of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

What level is this course?

• This is a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to postgraduate-level study. Learners are expected to work critically, reflectively and independently, applying theory to complex, real-world coaching and mentoring practice.

Do I need to be an experienced coach to enrol?

• You do not need to hold a prior coaching qualification, but you should already be coaching or mentoring at a senior or executive level (or be about to do so). You must have access to appropriate clients to complete the practical elements of the course.

How many coaching hours are required?

• For the Certificate, learners must complete a minimum of 20 hours of coaching or mentoring practice with between 2 and 3 senior-level clients, supported by supervision and reflective documentation.

How is the course assessed?

• Assessment is entirely coursework-based and includes:
  • A written assignment
  • A portfolio of coaching or mentoring evidence
  • A reflective journal and professional development plan
  • There are no exams.

How long does it take to complete?

• The total qualification time is approximately 138 hours. Most learners complete the Certificate within 9–12 months, depending on pace and access to clients. Learners have up to 3 years to complete the qualification.