A number of themes stood out for us:
how chapters create meaningful member value,
how we build stronger communities of belonging,
how we sustain volunteer-led organisations, and
how we prepare for changes already shaping the profession including AI, internal coaching, regulation, and the growing need to demonstrate the impact of coaching.
One of the most useful reminders from the Forum was that chapters do not need to solve everything alone. There is significant value in learning from one another, adapting what is already working, and collaborating across the wider ICF network.
For ICF Ireland, the intent is not to return from Rome with a long list of new initiatives. It is to reflect carefully on what is most relevant for our members and where we can strengthen the Chapter in a practically & sustainably. This includes looking more closely at the full member experience from joining and connecting, through professional development and participation, to contributing and potentially taking on leadership roles.
The Forum also highlighted opportunities to strengthen the wider visibility of professional coaching, including emerging conversations at European level. We will continue to explore where ICF Ireland can contribute meaningfully to that agenda.
Over the coming months, the Board will consider these insights alongside direct feedback from members. The aim is simple: to ensure ICF Ireland remains relevant, valuable, inclusive, and sustainable not by doing more for the sake of it, but by being more intentional about what matters most.
That is the spirit in which we are taking the learning from Rome forward.
Shashi Sopirala – Chief Operating Officer
ICF Ireland
