There are pressures for researchers to demonstrate impact and relevance. This paper recounts the case of translating research into training on coaching for mass consumption in secondary schools in England as part of a Government strategy. The account describes how the materials were developed for the particular format and how they were fine tuned after piloting with teachers. The discussion raises a number of significant issues about the relationship between research and practice: publishing formats, the conditions necessary for establishing research-based innovations and the vital importance of research-user relationships. It is proposed that insufficient attention is given to consultants in English school improvement efforts as important brokers between research and its users.