Coaching & Leadership Training for Businesses and Community Enterprises
In partnership with Noble Manhattan Coaching UK
Empowering Leaders, Teams, and Organisations to Thrive
Dorset Community Action (DCA) has partnered with Noble Manhattan Coaching UK (NMC), led by Ash Gordon, to bring world-class coaching and leadership training to businesses and social enterprises in Dorset and beyond.
This collaboration combines:
- DCA’s 10+ years of expertise in supporting small businesses, self employment, and community enterprises, through the Inspire Dorset prgrsamme.
- NMC’s global reputation as one of the longest-established coaching providers, and an approved City & Guilds Training Centre (No. 007878).
Together, we equip managers, leaders, and frontline staff with practical, accredited coaching skills that fuel organisational growth, staff wellbeing, and long-term resilience.
Accredited Coaching & Mentoring Programmes
Our training programmes are accredited by City & Guilds, internationally recognised, and adaptable to business or community settings. Options include:
- Coaching Foundation Programme (E80N-02)
- Level 3 Certificate in Coaching (8577-21)
- Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring (8580-21)
- Level 5 Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring (8580-31)
- Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching & Mentoring (8581-21)
- Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching & Mentoring (8581-31)
All programmes can be delivered online or in-person, with bespoke packages available to meet your organisation’s unique needs.
We work with SME, charity and social enterprise managers and leaders looking to:
- Improve leadership impact
- Boost Employee Retention
- Create a coaching culture that drives performance
Our training will equips your team with the skills to:
- Develop Leaders & People – managers who coach rather than just manage.
- Strengthen Resilience – staff who manage stress, workload, and change effectively.
Enhance Social Impact – especially for organisations working with communities.
Why Choose Us Over Mainstream Business Training Providers?
Community-rooted experience
Our background in enterprise coaching within local communities gives us a unique perspective. We understand how businesses operate under resource constraints and how leaders balance professional ambition with personal challenges. This sensitivity helps us connect with SME owners in ways large consultancies often miss.
Practical, skills-based learning – not “tick-box” training
Our programmes go beyond theory and PowerPoint slides. Each course is designed to give you hands-on coaching techniques you can immediately apply in real workplace situations. Training is interactive, case-study led, and tailored so participants leave with skills that are practical, implementable, and directly relevant to their organisational challenges.
Flexible and responsive training delivery
We recognise that no two organisations learn in the same way. That’s why our accredited courses can be delivered online, in-person, or blended, with the ability to adapt content to your sector, size, and goals. Whether you need an intensive workshop, modular sessions spread over weeks, or a bespoke programme for your team, we shape the training around you – never the other way around.
Flexible Training Options:
We know that every learner and organisation starts from a different place. That’s why our training pathway is designed to grow with you, whether you’re exploring coaching for the first time, looking for practical tools to apply immediately, or aiming for a recognised professional qualification. Each stage builds on the last, with ongoing support to ensure your learning has a real impact in the workplace.
Free Offers – Start exploring at no cost
- Downloadable coaching insight reports
- Access to blogs and case studies
- Free 1-hour online introduction to coaching webinar
Low-Cost Introductory Course – Take your first step
- Short online series: Introduction & Insights into Coaching
Accredited Courses – Gain recognised qualifications
- City & Guilds-accredited Coaching & Mentoring programmes (Levels 3–7)
- Available as 1-day workshops or multi-day programmes, online or in-person
Ongoing Support – Keep building your skills
- 1-to-1 executive coaching and mentoring for senior leaders
Continued access to learning resources and networks.
Why Invest in Coaching with Us?
Accredited Training With Global Recognition
All programmes are accredited by City & Guilds, giving you internationally respected qualifications that strengthen credibility with staff, clients, and funders. You’re not just gaining skills - you’re investing in recognised professional development that carries weight across sectors.
Tailored To Your Business or Community Goals
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a growing SME, a charity leader, or a frontline manager in a social enterprise, our programmes are designed around your priorities - whether that’s staff retention, resilience, growth, or impact.
Skills That Deliver Long-Term Change
Our training goes beyond theory. Leaders leave with practical coaching tools they can apply immediately - improving decision-making, boosting morale, and strengthening team performance. The result is not just trained managers, but a coaching culture that sustains wellbeing and drives results.
We work with SME owners, managers, charity leaders, and social enterprise staff who want to strengthen leadership skills, boost staff engagement, or build resilience in their teams.
Depending on the programme you choose, you’ll receive a City & Guilds-accredited Certificate or Diploma (Levels 3–7), recognised internationally across business and social enterprise sectors.
We offer flexible delivery—online, in-person, or blended—so you can choose the format that fits your schedule and team.
Foundation courses can be completed in days, while higher-level certificates and diplomas run over several months with built-in mentoring and support.
No. Whether you’re completely new to coaching or an experienced leader looking to deepen your skills, we’ll recommend the right programme level for your needs.
All learners receive ongoing mentoring and access to lifetime learning resources, ensuring the skills you gain are reinforced and applied.
Common Concerns:
“I don’t have time for coaching.”
Our programmes are flexible and designed to save you time in the long run. By learning to coach effectively, managers spend less time firefighting and more time enabling staff to take ownership and perform.
“We’ve tried training before and it didn’t stick.”
Unlike generic workshops, our coaching approach is practical, relational, and continuous. Skills are applied directly to your workplace context, ensuring learning translates into real change.
“We can’t afford consultancy rates.”
Our pricing is transparent and scaled for SMEs and charities. More importantly, the ROI is tangible – improved retention, reduced recruitment costs, and stronger organisational performance. Independent analysis shows coaching consistently delivers a high return on investment.
Start your Coaching Journey today?
Contact Ash to discuss your options:
Ash Gordon,
Personal Development Coordinator ash.gordon@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk
Phone: 07395 887242
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