The authors (well respected and trusted scholars in the field) provide an authoritative text with a comprehensive overview and critical grounding in the key concepts, models and research studies in coaching and mentoring and answer important questions such as `What does coaching and mentoring involve?', `What is its value?' and `How can the added value of mentoring and coaching be demonstrated?'

Examples are drawn from a variety of sectors, including private businesses, public and voluntary organizations and schools. Contemporary debates are explained and chapters include features such as case studies, research questions and helpful tips to support the reader.

To gain a wider perspective, there is a chapter which provides critical comment on the state of the art in the US, while the final chapter offers the first attempt at developing a unified theory of coaching and mentoring by drawing on their respective antecedents.