Enhance your leadership skills with this CPD-accredited Diploma. Master team management, conflict resolution & decision-making for career growth.
Master project leadership, risk management & strategy with this CPD-accredited Level 7 course. Gain globally recognised project management skills.
See how the NADIS parasite and vaccination planners can help you deliver the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for flocks and herds under your care
Course Overview This practical, one-day course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, tools and confidence to effectively facilitate discussions, meetings, and workshops. Whether you're guiding a team brainstorming session, leading a stakeholder workshop, or managing a complex meeting, strong facilitation skills can dramatically improve outcomes and engagement. Participants will learn how to plan and structure sessions, manage group dynamics, keep discussions on track, and handle challenging behaviours—all while creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. The course combines theory with hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world scenarios to build practical, transferable skills. Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: Project managers Team leaders and supervisors Business analysts Community engagement officers Policy officers Trainers and consultants Anyone responsible for leading meetings or workshops No prior facilitation experience is necessary. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the role and mindset of an effective facilitator Plan and design structured facilitation sessions Use a range of facilitation tools and techniques to encourage participation Manage group dynamics, including difficult participants and off-topic conversations Apply active listening, summarising and questioning techniques Create safe, inclusive and engaging environments for diverse groups Maintain neutrality and guide discussions to achieve desired outcomes Course Content 1. Introduction to Facilitation What is facilitation? Key differences between facilitation, presentation and training The mindset of an effective facilitator 2. Planning for Success Clarifying session purpose and outcomes Structuring the session: openings, transitions, closings Selecting the right tools and approaches for your audience 3. Core Facilitation Techniques Questioning strategies (open, probing, clarifying) Active listening and reflection Encouraging balanced participation Visual facilitation basics (whiteboards, templates, sticky notes) 4. Managing Group Dynamics Reading the room and adapting your approach Handling dominant or disengaged participants Dealing with conflict or resistance constructively Techniques for decision-making and consensus-building 5. Practice and Feedback Facilitated role-plays and group exercises Constructive peer and trainer feedback Personal action planning Delivery Method This course is delivered in a highly interactive, face-to-face or virtual format. It includes a blend of short presentations, group work, facilitated discussions and hands-on activities to embed learning. Inclusions Comprehensive participant workbook and toolkit Facilitator guides and templates Certificate of completion Optional post-course coaching (available on request)
The first Club and Community Forum will be held online on September 30th, 7-8pm. We'll discuss: Introduction to the forum and gathering your expectations. Active Lancashire and Sport Welfare Officer roles. Creating positive club and community cultures. Future forum plans and your input. The forum aims to connect people, share experiences, and promote best practices. We look forward to a successful first meeting.
How to be a Great Executive Sponsor: Virtual In-House Training This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. And, it will highlight the key personality and other traits that are found in successful Sponsors. Regardless if you're sponsoring an Agile software development project, a construction megaproject, or any other type of project in between, this course will help get you 'hit the ground running' and being an 'impact player' on day one. Various activities and discussions will acquaint you with this important role and what you need to do to become a great executive sponsor. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define project success so everyone is 'singing from the same sheet of music' Immediately apply the ten key attributes of a great sponsor on your project Recognize great sponsorship and determine if you're the right fit for the role Practice Sponsorship over the course of the project life cycle by engaging in very specific actions and activities Be a better investment manager by analyzing the behaviors of successful activist investors Foundation Concepts The quantifiable benefits of being an actively engaged Sponsor Sponsor defined Clarence Kelly Johnson and the SR-71 Blackbird: An example of the power of Sponsorship Defining Project Success Project success: More than meeting the triple constraints Benefits management: The Sponsor's focus The Investment - Life-cycle vs. the Project Life-cycle The three questions Sponsors need to ask to define project success 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor The Makings of a Great Sponsor The most important skills and competencies of an executive sponsor What great Sponsors do and when Four Things a Great Sponsor Can Learn from an Activist Investor The story of Outerwall, Inc. and Glen Welling of Engaged Capital, LLC Sponsors and Activist Investors Sponsorship of the 2nd Avenue Subway in Manhattan: A classic textbook example
Course Duration: 1 day (or 2 half-day sessions) Target Audience: Anyone who delivers presentations in a professional setting – including team members, managers, project leads, or executives – who want to improve confidence, clarity, and impact when speaking. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Prepare and structure engaging presentations for different audiences. Deliver content with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. Use body language, voice, and visual aids effectively. Manage nerves and build a strong connection with the audience. Handle questions and unexpected situations with poise. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Effective Presentations What makes a presentation effective? Common mistakes and how to avoid them Aligning your message with the audience’s needs Module 2: Planning and Structuring Your Message Setting clear objectives The “power of three” and other storytelling structures Openings and closings that stick Making content memorable and persuasive Module 3: Delivering with Confidence Managing nerves and performance anxiety Using your voice: tone, pace, and projection Body language and posture Eye contact and engagement strategies Module 4: Visual Aids and Presentation Tools Designing slides that support (not distract) Tips for using PowerPoint or Canva effectively Alternatives to slides (e.g. props, whiteboards, storytelling) Module 5: Engaging Your Audience Reading the room and adjusting your delivery Encouraging interaction and participation Handling difficult questions or interruptions Time management and staying on message Module 6: Practice and Feedback Participants deliver a short presentation (2–5 minutes) Peer and facilitator feedback Self-reflection and improvement planning Delivery Style Interactive, supportive environment Role-playing, practical exercises, and real-time coaching Optional video recordings for feedback Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slide templates Presentation preparation checklist Self-assessment and feedback forms Tips for virtual presentations (Zoom, Teams) Optional Add-ons (for 2-day version) Extended practice time with filming and playback Advanced storytelling and persuasive techniques Coaching for high-stakes presentations (e.g. board meetings, conferences)
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