1076 Development courses in Belfast

This very practical and focused one-day workshop enables end-users, technical experts, proponents, internal customers and other key stakeholders to work with procurement and contracting to develop effective specifications and scopes of work, to ensure fit-for-purpose outcomes. The programme empowers participants to collaborate with all key stakeholders. This workshop will help participants: Understand the importance and value of clear and effective specifications Differentiate between the different methods of creating specifications and when to apply them Develop robust specification templates to ensure consistency Understand the use of appropriate language (critical to creating effective specifications) Appreciate the need to develop specifications in cooperation with stakeholders Make use of techniques such as value analysis and value engineering to define 'fit for purpose' in the context of creating effective specifications Embed key KPIs into the specification to ensure delivery Manage and mitigate legal and contractual risks in the specification 1 Introduction Learning outcomes Learning styles Plan for the day 2 The importance of effective specifications Scopes of work Impact of poor scopes of work Examples of costly errors 3 The critical role of language Terminology in creating effective specifications and scopes of work Problems of communication Lack of detail or too prescriptive 4 Encouraging cooperation Technical and commercial experts with responsibility for developing robust effective specifications and scopes of work Managing stakeholders' expectations Working with contractors 5 Types of specification Exploring and using the various approaches to the development of appropriate specifications and scopes of work Output Performance Technical Functional Solutions-based 6 The role of value analysis Value engineering in the process of developing scopes of work and specifications 7 Specifications and contracts The legal and contractual impact of poor specifications and scopes of work How to embed scopes of work and specification outputs into tender and quotation documents 8 Specifications as a management tool Developing KPIs and SLAs framed around robust effective specifications and scopes of work Negotiating with contractors Negotiating with stakeholders

This very practical one-day programme provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to be an effective member of the procurement team and to enable them to procure a wide range of resources for the organisation, in a compliant and cost-effective manner. It also empowers them to be able to collaborate with all key stakeholders. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Understand the basic concepts of good procurement practice Apply a range of tools and techniques for developing scopes of work and specifications Apply various methods to select and evaluate suppliers Develop robust contract award strategies Appreciate the commercial importance of effective procurement and opportunities to reduce cost and add value Develop appropriate procurement strategies depending on risk and value Appreciate the legal aspects of procurement 1 Welcome Introductions Aims and objectives Plan for the day 2 The basics of procurement The concept of total cost of ownership v price The procurement cycle The roles of the customer and the contractor Impact upon profit 3 Specification process Importance of effective specifications Specification development process Types of specification Team approach Use of performance specifications Early supplier involvement (ESI) / early contractor involvement (ECI) 4 Quality Concepts and practices Defining 'fit for purpose' Conformance to requirements Compliance to standards Role of the supplier Quality assurance tools and techniques 5 Procurement methods RFP RFQ ITT Negotiated procurement Strategic partnerships Outsourcing 6 Tendering How to undertake a formal tendering process Business case to award Critical stages in the process Risks and benefits 7 Tender evaluation How to undertake a quotation analysis Tools of analysis Use of VFM models Role of the customer Comparisons around cost, quality, and delivery 8 Supplier selection and evaluation Developing critical selection criteria Using the 10Cs model Importance of effective selection process Weighting systems Importance of validity and evidence 9 Capital equipment procurement Life cycle cost issues Payback calculations Compatibility issues Maintenance and training issues After-sales support 10 Supplier relationships Corporate social responsibility issues Communication 360 feed-back Open and ethical Initial understanding Clear and fair terms and conditions 11 Close Review of key learning points Personal action planning

Course Duration: 1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Professionals at all levels seeking to improve workplace communication, strengthen relationships, and increase collaboration and influence. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Communicate clearly and confidently in a range of professional situations. Adapt communication styles to suit different audiences and contexts. Build strong interpersonal relationships using emotional intelligence. Navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict effectively. Enhance active listening, feedback, and assertiveness skills. Course Outline Module 1: Foundations of Communication The communication process: sender, receiver, and barriers Verbal, non-verbal, and written communication The impact of tone, body language, and intent Common communication pitfalls in the workplace Module 2: Developing Interpersonal Awareness Self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ) Understanding personal communication styles (DISC, MBTI or similar tools) Building rapport and trust The importance of empathy in professional relationships Module 3: Active Listening and Feedback Skills Listening to understand vs listening to respond Techniques for active listening Giving feedback constructively Receiving and acting on feedback Module 4: Assertive Communication Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive vs assertive styles Setting boundaries and expressing needs clearly Using “I” statements and confident body language Role-playing assertiveness scenarios Module 5: Adapting Communication to Context Communicating with different personality types Navigating workplace hierarchy and power dynamics Cultural sensitivity and inclusive language Tailoring communication for emails, meetings, and presentations Module 6: Managing Difficult Conversations and Conflict Identifying sources of conflict Conflict resolution strategies (e.g. Interest-Based Relational Approach) Staying calm under pressure Structuring difficult conversations using frameworks (e.g. SBI – Situation, Behaviour, Impact) Module 7: Collaborative Communication in Teams The role of communication in high-performing teams Group dynamics and psychological safety Facilitating discussions and encouraging contribution Virtual communication best practices Delivery Style Engaging facilitation with practical exercises Role-plays, group discussions, and real-life scenarios Self-reflection activities and personal action planning Assessment and Outcomes Participation in interactive activities Completion of a communication skills self-assessment Development of a personalised communication improvement plan Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slides Communication style diagnostic tool (optional) Templates for feedback and conversation planning Follow-up resources and reading list

Course Duration: Half-day, 1-day, or modular delivery over 2–3 sessions Target Audience: Managers, team leaders, HR professionals, and employees who want to foster trust, openness, and inclusivity within their teams or organisations. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the concept and importance of psychological safety. Recognise how psychological safety impacts team performance and wellbeing. Identify behaviours and practices that support or undermine psychological safety. Develop strategies to create inclusive, respectful, and open team cultures. Apply tools to encourage constructive feedback, innovation, and open dialogue. Course Outline Module 1: What is Psychological Safety? Definition and origin (Dr Amy Edmondson’s research) Why psychological safety matters: the business and human case Link between psychological safety, innovation, collaboration, and retention Misconceptions: It’s not about comfort or avoiding challenge Module 2: Assessing the Current Environment Signs of a psychologically safe vs unsafe environment Common team behaviours and leadership pitfalls Self-assessment: how psychologically safe is my team? Module 3: Building the Foundations The four stages of psychological safety: Inclusion safety Learner safety Contributor safety Challenger safety Role of trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence The leader’s role in creating safe environments Module 4: Practical Strategies to Foster Safety Encouraging open communication and constructive disagreement Creating space for risk-taking and vulnerability Responding to feedback and mistakes without blame Speaking up behaviours – how to model and support them Module 5: Embedding Psychological Safety into Team Culture Meeting practices that promote psychological safety How to give and receive feedback safely Inclusive decision-making and respectful challenge Recognising and rewarding candour and contribution Module 6: Leading with Psychological Safety Coaching conversations and active listening Managing difficult conversations and underperformance safely Supporting neurodiverse or marginalised voices Sustaining safety under pressure and during change Delivery Style Facilitated discussions and group work Role plays, reflection activities, and real-life scenarios Peer learning and action planning Optional pre-work or post-session surveys Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Psychological safety assessment toolkit Conversation starter guide Leadership checklist for building safety Personal and team action plan Optional Add-ons Team psychological safety assessments (anonymous survey) Post-course coaching or leadership debrief Co-delivery with DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) workshops Integration with feedback or team development programs

Course Duration: 2 days (or modular format over 3–4 half-day sessions) Target Audience: New or aspiring trainers, facilitators, team leads, or subject-matter experts who deliver training or knowledge-sharing sessions. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adult learning and training design. Confidently plan and structure engaging training sessions. Deliver content clearly using effective facilitation techniques. Manage group dynamics and encourage learner participation. Evaluate training effectiveness and improve performance. Course Outline Day 1: Designing Training for Adult Learners Module 1: Understanding the Trainer’s Role Role and responsibilities of an effective trainer Differences between training, presenting, and facilitating Characteristics of great trainers Module 2: Adult Learning Principles How adults learn: motivation, barriers, and learning preferences Learning styles and engagement strategies Applying adult learning theory to real training contexts Module 3: Training Needs Analysis Identifying learning needs and performance gaps Defining clear learning objectives Aligning training outcomes with organisational goals Module 4: Structuring a Training Session Designing training using ADDIE or the 4MAT model Creating session plans and timelines Balancing content delivery with interaction Day 2: Delivering and Evaluating Engaging Training Module 5: Facilitation Skills and Training Delivery Verbal and non-verbal communication Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment Encouraging participation and managing learner resistance Techniques for in-person and online delivery Module 6: Using Training Tools and Technology Using visuals and presentation aids effectively Incorporating activities, case studies, and role plays Facilitating discussions, group work, and Q&A Tips for hybrid and online delivery (Zoom, Teams, etc.) Module 7: Handling Group Dynamics and Challenges Managing difficult participants or situations Reading the room and adjusting on the fly Building confidence as a trainer Module 8: Evaluating Training Effectiveness Gathering and using learner feedback (Kirkpatrick Model) Self-reflection and peer observation Continual improvement of training materials and delivery Delivery Style Practical, hands-on workshops with active participation Peer feedback, group work, and presentation practice Real-time coaching and confidence building Assessment and Certification (Optional) Mini training delivery by each participant with peer and trainer feedback Completion of a training session plan Certificate of completion (customisable to organisation) Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and templates Sample training session plans and evaluation forms Trainer’s checklist and facilitation guide Resource list for further development

Telephone selling can be a challenge. It can be a pressured environment and sales professionals need to be able to maintain peak performance in order to meet - and preferably exceed - their targets. This programme will help make it easier for them. The expert trainer covers the whole process, to help participants see it from their customer's perspective. The focus is on how to use a practical understanding of sales psychology, and of the nature of the telephone sales conversation, to help make it easier for customers to buy. This programme will give your team the skills to: This course will help participants: Understand why people buy - and how that makes it easier to sell Manage the sales process better Steer their sales calls to a more positive outcome Recognise - and respond to - customer buying signals Meet and overcome objections Choose the most appropriate techniques for closing with confidence Enhance their resilience Improve their communication skills on the telephone 1 Introduction Aims and objectives Overview Self-appraisal of current skills and development areas 2 The sales approach What selling means Why selling is like nature 3 The telephone as an instrument of communication Qualities of the telephone How telephone communication differs from face-to-face Advantages and drawbacks of the telephone How to optimise selling over the telephone Communication techniques to help you stand out from the crowd 4 Creating a relationship Professional telephone etiquette Building a rapport Connecting with the customer so that they feel you are on the same wavelength 5 The structure of a sales call Opening the call - creating a positive first impression Effective questioning to gather information and establish need Identifying and presenting the features and benefits of the product or service Matching the benefits to customers' needs Recognising and responding to buying signals Anticipating, meeting and overcoming objections Closing the sale and asking for the order - different closing techniques The importance of testimonials - how to obtain them and when to use them 6 Listening skills The challenges of accurate listening How to enhance listening skills Ensuring the customer feels heard and understood through empathetic listening 7 Shaping and using a script Developing a script to increase levels of confidence Leaving the door open 8 Managing the campaign Organisation and call planning Identifying your target market group Planning who and when to call Logging constructive information 9 Personal management The importance of persistence Is there a time to back off? Stamina - optimising energy levels Bouncing back 10 Practising the new information Pulling the details together Practising in a supportive environment 11 Action planning Personal learning summary and action plan

No-one in business will succeed if they are not financially literate - and no business will succeed without financially-literate people. This is the ideal programme for managers and others who don't have a financial qualification or background but who nonetheless need a greater understanding of the financial management disciplines essential to your organisation. This course will give the participants a sound understanding of financial reports, measures and techniques to make them even more effective in their roles. It will enable participants to: Overcome the barrier of the accountants' strange language Deal confidently with financial colleagues Improve their understanding of your organisation's finance function Radically improve their planning and budgeting skills Be much more aware of the impact of their decisions on the profitability of your organisation Enhance their role in the organisation Boost their confidence and career development 1 Review of the principal financial statements What each statement containsOutlineDetail Not just what the statements contain but what they mean Balance sheets and P&L accounts (income statements) Cash flow statements Detailed terminology and interpretation Types of fixed asset - tangible, etc. Working capital, equity, gearing 2 The 'rules' - Accounting Standards, concepts and conventions Fundamental or 'bedrock' accounting concepts Detailed accounting concepts and conventions What depreciation means The importance of stock, inventory and work in progress values Accounting policies that most affect reporting and results The importance of accounting standards and IFRS 3 Where the figures come from Accounting records Assets / liabilities, Income / expenditure General / nominal ledgers Need for internal controls 'Sarbox' and related issues 4 Managing the budget process Have clear objectives, remit, responsibilities and time schedule The business plan Links with corporate strategy The budget cycle Links with company culture Budgeting methods'New' budgetingZero-based budgets Reviewing budgets Responding to the figures The need for appropriate accounting and reporting systems 5 What are costs? How to account for them Cost definitions Full / absorption costing Overheads - overhead allocation or absorption Activity based costing Marginal costing / break-even - use in planning 6 Who does what? A review of what different types of accountant do Financial accounting Management accounting Treasury function Activities and terms 7 How the statements can be interpreted What published accounts contain Analytical review (ratio analysis) Return on capital employed, margins and profitability Making assets work - asset turnover Fixed assets, debtor, stock turnover Responding to figures EBIT, EBITEDIA, eps and other analysts' measure 8 Other key issues Creative accounting Accounting for groups Intangible assets - brand names Company valuations Fixed assets / leased assets / off-balance sheet finance

Course Duration: Full-day program (or two half-day modules), with options for virtual delivery or leadership retreats Target Audience: Mid to senior-level leaders, team managers, project leads, or high-potential employees who are responsible for leading through disruption, complexity, or organisational transformation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adaptive leadership and why it's essential in unpredictable environments. Recognise the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Build the mindset and behaviours needed to lead with resilience and flexibility. Engage and empower teams in the face of uncertainty and resistance. Apply practical tools to lead through change, conflict, and complexity. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership What is adaptive leadership? Origins (Harvard Kennedy School, Ronald Heifetz model) How adaptive leadership differs from traditional leadership The link between complexity, uncertainty, and the need for adaptability Module 2: The Nature of Change and Challenge Technical vs adaptive challenges Why some problems can’t be solved with expertise alone Common leadership traps during crisis or disruption Adaptive work: reframing problems and shifting mindsets Module 3: The Core Principles of Adaptive Leadership Get on the balcony – seeing the bigger picture Regulate distress – maintaining productive tension Maintain disciplined attention – keeping teams focused Give the work back – empowering others to lead Protect voices of leadership from below – enabling diverse input Module 4: Leading Yourself Through Uncertainty Developing personal resilience and emotional agility Navigating ambiguity, setbacks, and pressure Identifying your leadership default style under stress Reflection: What kind of leader does your team need now? Module 5: Engaging Others in Times of Uncertainty Building trust and psychological safety during turbulence Managing resistance to change with curiosity and empathy Tools for courageous conversations and adaptive dialogue Creating shared purpose and distributed leadership in teams Module 6: Adaptive Tools and Techniques Scenario planning and sensemaking Stakeholder mapping in dynamic environments Using inquiry over advocacy Holding space for experimentation and learning Leading with both confidence and humility Module 7: Action Planning and Application Identify one adaptive challenge in your role/team Map your adaptive leadership response Peer coaching conversations Build a 30-day Adaptive Leadership Plan Delivery Style Workshop-style, highly interactive Case studies, breakout discussions, and guided self-reflection Scenario-based practice and small group exercises Option to include pre-work, post-session coaching or check-ins Course Materials Provided Adaptive Leadership workbook Reflection tools and leader self-assessment Conversation guide for adaptive challenges Change resistance diagnostic Personal Leadership Development Plan template Optional Add-ons Executive coaching package 360 feedback or team diagnostic on adaptive capacity Integration with change management or innovation programs Customisation for specific industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare, education, finance)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day session (with options for virtual delivery or multi-part series) Target Audience: People leaders, team members, HR professionals, and employees at all levels who want to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation within their team or organisation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what a growth mindset is and how it contrasts with a fixed mindset. Recognise the impact of mindset on learning, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Identify individual and team mindset behaviours. Apply strategies to shift thinking and encourage a culture of experimentation, feedback, and perseverance. Create an action plan to promote growth mindset behaviours in their workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Growth Mindset What is a growth mindset? (Based on Carol Dweck’s research) Growth vs fixed mindset: beliefs, language, and behaviours How mindsets impact learning, feedback, risk-taking, and innovation Common myths and misconceptions about growth mindset Module 2: The Neuroscience of Change and Learning How the brain learns and rewires through effort and repetition The science behind resilience, motivation, and behaviour change Reframing failure as feedback Why psychological safety is critical for learning cultures Module 3: Identifying Mindsets at Work Recognising fixed mindset triggers (e.g., fear of failure, comparison, perfectionism) Team culture audit: are we reinforcing learning or performance-only behaviours? Case studies: organisations that built growth cultures Self-reflection: where do I show fixed vs growth mindset? Module 4: Cultivating Growth Mindset Behaviours Shifting language: praise effort, strategy, and persistence—not just results Giving and receiving feedback to promote learning Normalising experimentation and learning from setbacks Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement Module 5: Leadership and Culture Shaping The leader’s role in modelling a growth mindset Embedding growth mindset into performance conversations, goal setting, and team rituals Aligning rewards, recognition, and development frameworks Avoiding the "false growth mindset" trap Module 6: Building a Growth Mindset Action Plan Identify 3 key mindset-shifting strategies for your team or organisation Personal mindset goal: what will you shift in your daily language or habits? Commit to culture practices: team experiments, learning debriefs, celebration of effort Optional: accountability partner and 30-day mindset challenge Delivery Style Interactive workshop format Storytelling, real-world examples, and reflection Pair and group discussions, case scenarios, and mindset mapping Tools and templates to apply immediately in the workplace Course Materials Provided Growth Mindset Field Guide Growth vs Fixed Mindset Behaviour Grid Conversation prompts and feedback scripts Personal Mindset Reflection and Tracker 30-Day Growth Culture Challenge Template Optional Add-ons Pre-course mindset diagnostic or self-assessment Leader/Manager booster session on modelling growth mindset Follow-up team challenge or learning sprint Integration with performance management or onboarding programs

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