Dr. Carter is a Research Scientist at the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), in the UK. Alison began her career as a graduate management trainee at IBM. She moved on to Personnel work and undertook a range of HR roles and general management assignments in business units and the corporate centre within the NHS. Having made the transition herself from an HR Manager to internal consultant while still in the NHS, she led the coaching-based career management program for mid-career managers and clinical professionals. Alison joined IES as a Principal Research Fellow and Consultant in 1998. She divides her time between research and consultancy on HR function issues and hands-on coaching.

Part-time study has been a feature of Alison’s own continuous professional development, securing her IPM qualifications in 1989 and her MBA from Henley Management College in 1995. But it was undertaking her doctorate which first prompted her towards researching the evidence-base for executive coaching practice. Alison is a Fellow of the CIPD and a Director of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

Alison believes wholeheartedly in the power of the coaching process. Concern and frustration give way to insight, energy and a clear sense of direction. Alison supports her clients in making sense of the wider picture and challenges them to use their strengths, skills and networks to make their vision and goals a reality. Such coaching is of particular benefit during times of significant job role change or transition.

Alison has coached many Directors and senior HR specialists over the last four years. Recent client organizations include those as diverse as Marks & Spencer, Office of Fair Trading and East Sussex County Council.