Accreditation & The Ashridge Standard

Choosing a coaching qualification at Ashridge is a mark of serious commitment to deepening your practice, backed by globally recognised academic and professional credentials.

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Ethics, credentials and accreditation

Setting the standard for coaching excellence

The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) sets globally recognised standards for coaching, mentoring, and supervision, with a strong emphasis on reflective practice and ongoing development. At Ashridge, we work in close partnership with the EMCC—both contributing to and helping shape the standards that define high-quality ethical coaching practice.


The power of a Higher Education award

Unlike many coaching programmes, Ashridge offers formal Higher Education (HE) qualifications. As part of the triple-accredited Hult International Business School, our postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and master's degrees meet rigorous academic standards and carry the quality assurance of the QAA.


Ashridge Accredited status pathways

Three accreditation routes:

  • Executive Coach: with automatic EQA status from the EMCC

  • Team Coach: with automatic TCQA status from the EMCC

  • Supervisor: leading to ESQA status from the EMCC

We're proud to hold our own independently recognised accreditation—a personalised, face-to-face process that reflects the breadth and depth of your relational practice. No other institution can offer this professional distinction.

All programme participants who successfully achieve Ashridge Accredited Coach or Supervisor status are automatically recognised by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) as eligible for accreditation at Senior Practitioner level, and are fully prepared to pursue International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialling, should they choose to do so.

The Ashridge Code of Conduct, Ethics & Practice for Coaches

We have established a set of ethical standards, which is taught and lived through our teaching, programmes, and professional practice. The framework, unique to Ashridge, sets the benchmark for professional integrity, ensuring Ashridge Accredited coaches lead with strong ethical judgement and paramount concern for their clients' interests.

Hear from our coaches

When you’ve been through the Ashridge process, you’ll have all those competencies that ICF are looking for—and more. Ashridge isn’t just about accreditation. It’s about growing into a professional coach.”

Tünde Erdös headshot

Tünde Erdös

Class of 2022

“I came to Ashridge already trained and practising as an ICF coach, but I felt I needed to go further. I wanted to deepen my practice and have more impact with my clients.”

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Adel Pour Hakimi

Class of 2025

The Ashridge Standard: a comparison

This table outlines the different standards and approaches of well-recognised professional bodies alongside what Ashridge offers.

Continue your journey