Case Study: LRQA
How LRQA Built Coaching Capability and Strengthened Inclusive Leadership
About LRQA
Industry: Assurance and risk management
Location: Global
Company size: 5,000+
LRQA is a global assurance partner, helping organisations navigate risk and drive performance across complex environments.
As part of its commitment to developing people-first leaders, LRQA partnered with Circl to embed coaching as a core leadership capability while supporting wider inclusion and social impact goals.
The Challenge: Building Coaching Capability at Scale
LRQA wanted to strengthen leadership capability by:
Developing practical coaching skills across its people
Supporting leaders to engage and manage teams more effectively
Creating more inclusive leadership behaviours across the organisation
Providing meaningful development opportunities that go beyond traditional training
The organisation was looking for a solution that combined leadership development with real-world application, enabling participants to practise and embed coaching skills in everyday conversations.
“I have the drive and commitment to succeed in my career, but sometimes feel overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge in areas that others seem to have ingrained, such as networking. This programme provides not only skills, but confidence to compete equally.”
LRQA professional
The Solution
A Coaching-Led Leadership Programme
Programme participants: 30 LRQA professionals in leadership positions
Future leader participants: 30 FL's
Training hours: 20 per person
Circl delivered a Leader as Coach programme designed to support LRQA’s leadership development goals.
The programme included:
30 LRQA professionals paired with 30 Future Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds
A structured learning journey combining coaching theory with practical application
1-2-1 coaching partnerships, enabling real-time coaching practice
Focus on key coaching skills, including:
Active listening
Asking effective questions
Building trust and psychological safety
Regular coaching conversations to embed learning through experience
This approach ensured participants were not just learning about coaching, but actively using it in real conversations that built confidence and capability over time.
The Outcomes
“It has allowed me to better communicate with my colleagues and manager and help them more effectively”
LRQA professional
The Impact
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Participants reported increased confidence in using coaching skills in real workplace situations
Improved ability to:
Listen more effectively
Ask better questions
Support others to find their own solutions
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Participants developed greater awareness of different perspectives and experiences
Reported shifts in leadership style towards:
More inclusive communication
Greater empathy and understanding
Creating space for others to contribute
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30 Future Leaders took part in the programme
90% reported feeling more prepared for professional growth
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Over 540 hours of coaching delivered across the programme
Participants applied coaching in real conversations, not simulated scenarios
Learning was embedded through repetition, reflection and feedback
Conclusion
Through its partnership with Circl, LRQA has strengthened leadership capability by embedding coaching into everyday practice.
By combining practical skill development with real-world coaching experiences, LRQA has developed leaders who listen more effectively, lead more inclusively and create space for others to grow. At the same time, Future Leaders have built confidence, access and opportunity through meaningful coaching relationships.
Discover how Circl can help your leaders build inclusive teams here.
Key stats
100% of participants felt they had the skills as inclusive leaders at the end of the programme
100% feel they are more inclusive leaders
100% would recommend Circl
96% of all participants objective were met or exceeded during the programme