Fáilte roimh chách – a warm welcome to everyone in our community. As we step into Spring, it doesn’t feel right to only speak of renewal and fresh energy. We are witnessing the world around us carrying great heaviness, sadness and uncertainty –and many of us feel that in different ways, and we hold that with care and compassion for those directly impacted. Holding that broader context in mind, we want to provide clarity, support, and a sense of belonging for our Chapter.

ICF Ireland enters 2026 with a new Board, appointed through a member inclusive process supported by our chapter Circles. Their involvement helped ensure that member perspectives directly informed the selection of the leadership team. We are very appreciative of Liz Barron, Mary Vaughan, Debbie Paterson and Kelly Agnew for their generosity of time and professionalism. We were very fortunate to have at least two candidates for each role, and we are grateful to everyone that applied. I would like to congratulate the newly appointed Board members: Fred Wilson, Lindsay Brady, Eagle Holton, Susan Creedon, Colette Henry, and Shashi Sopirala, who will take on the additional role of Vice President while continuing his contribution to the Board.

In February, we held our first meeting of the new Board, and we focused on strategy and alignment for the short and longer term. Some of the key objectives that we have agreed for the year ahead:

1. Strengthening Member Engagement: Developing a clearer member journey, with defined touchpoints and processes. We are committed to expanding the role of the Circles to deepen local connection and encourage even more member led activities. To support this aim, we will initiate welcome meetings for new members, meetings with the Circles to hear about their plans for the year ahead, and some seasonal social events.

2. Enhancing Learning & Development: Last year we launched a structured learning funnel that includes Linkedin Live Sessions, Webinars [Member only events], and our intention for in-person learning events this year. We will sustain our focus on credentialing support, and this year you can expect one dedicated event to each of the levels of award, approximately every quarter.

3. Delivering a strong International Coaching Week (ICW): We look forward to working with the Circles and Members to profile the events that you intend to deliver this year. We are pleased to share the save the date of 14 May for our ICF Ireland Chapter Interactive Learning Event. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and reinforce our shared commitment to the value of professional coaching.

4. Building and developing Partnerships: We will develop a plan to sustain our relationships and build new ones with partners that enhance our community, for example, we will make presentations to the ICF accredited training programmes to share with participants the benefits of ICF membership.

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the chapter, we are taking a practical and steady approach to ensure our governance foundations are strong –putting some new processes in place, transparent clarity, and the right long term support in place so that the Chapter can run smoothly.

Finally, you will see more communication from us, updates on the work underway, and invitations to take part in shaping our Chapter’s future. Thank you for your continued professionalism and contribution to the coaching profession in Ireland. Please do get in touch with me if you want to share ideas, contribute or simply to say hello!

We look forward to strength in community in the year ahead,

Ní neart go cur le chéile,
 

Melissa J. Sayer