349 Model courses in Birmingham

Overview Interest Rate Options are an essential part of the derivatives marketplace. This 3-Day programme will equip you to use, price, manage and evaluate interest rate options and related instruments. The course starts with a detailed review of option theory, from a practitioner’s viewpoint. Then we cover the key products in the rates world (caps/floors, swaptions, Bermudans) and their applications, plus the related products (such as CMS) that contain significant ’hidden’ optionality. We finish with a detailed look at the volatility surface in rates, and how we model vol dynamics (including a detailed examination of SABR). The programme includes extensive practical exercises using Excel spreadsheets for valuation and risk-management, which participants can take away for immediate implementation Who the course is for This course is designed for anyone who wishes to be able to price, use, market, manage or evaluate interest rate derivatives. Interest-rate sales / traders / structurers / quants IT Bank Treasury ALM Central Bank and Government Treasury Funding managers Insurance Investment managers Fixed Income portfolio managers Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please click here To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now

The ability to identify and respond to changing trends is a hallmark of a successful business. Whether those trends are related to customers and sales, or to regulatory and industry standards, businesses are wise to keep track of the variables that can affect the bottom line. In today's business landscape, data comes from numerous sources and in diverse forms.

Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events.  Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between coaching and mentoring and understand their unique purposes. Apply effective communication and active listening skills in developmental conversations. Use coaching models to guide structured conversations. Build trust and psychological safety in coaching and mentoring relationships. Create actionable development plans and track progress. Understand ethical boundaries and confidentiality. Course Outline Day 1: Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring Session 1: Introduction and Context What is coaching? What is mentoring? Key differences and when to use each Benefits to individuals and organisations Session 2: Core Skills for Effective Coaching and Mentoring Active listening Powerful questioning Giving and receiving feedback Empathy and emotional intelligence Session 3: Building Trust and Creating Psychological Safety Establishing rapport Confidentiality and ethical guidelines Setting boundaries and expectations Session 4: Coaching Models and Frameworks GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) OSKAR and CLEAR frameworks Practical application and role play Day 2: Practising and Embedding Coaching and Mentoring Session 5: The Coaching and Mentoring Conversation Structuring conversations Using real-life workplace examples Practice with feedback Session 6: Setting Goals and Development Plans SMART and CLEAR goal setting Creating growth-focused action plans Monitoring progress and accountability Session 7: Mentoring for Career and Leadership Development Mentor roles and responsibilities Supporting long-term growth and resilience Reverse mentoring and cross-generational partnerships Session 8: Embedding a Coaching and Mentoring Culture How to support coaching within your team or organisation Integrating into performance conversations Sustaining development through peer coaching and communities of practice Assessment and Evaluation Participation in discussions and practical activities Feedback on peer coaching/mentoring exercises Optional personal development plan submission Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Coaching and mentoring toolkit (templates, models, guides) Suggested reading and resource list

Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between coaching and mentoring and understand their unique purposes. Apply effective communication and active listening skills in developmental conversations. Use coaching models to guide structured conversations. Build trust and psychological safety in coaching and mentoring relationships. Create actionable development plans and track progress. Understand ethical boundaries and confidentiality. Course Outline Day 1: Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring Session 1: Introduction and Context What is coaching? What is mentoring? Key differences and when to use each Benefits to individuals and organisations Session 2: Core Skills for Effective Coaching and Mentoring Active listening Powerful questioning Giving and receiving feedback Empathy and emotional intelligence Session 3: Building Trust and Creating Psychological Safety Establishing rapport Confidentiality and ethical guidelines Setting boundaries and expectations Session 4: Coaching Models and Frameworks GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) OSKAR and CLEAR frameworks Practical application and role play Day 2: Practising and Embedding Coaching and Mentoring Session 5: The Coaching and Mentoring Conversation Structuring conversations Using real-life workplace examples Practice with feedback Session 6: Setting Goals and Development Plans SMART and CLEAR goal setting Creating growth-focused action plans Monitoring progress and accountability Session 7: Mentoring for Career and Leadership Development Mentor roles and responsibilities Supporting long-term growth and resilience Reverse mentoring and cross-generational partnerships Session 8: Embedding a Coaching and Mentoring Culture How to support coaching within your team or organisation Integrating into performance conversations Sustaining development through peer coaching and communities of practice Assessment and Evaluation Participation in discussions and practical activities Feedback on peer coaching/mentoring exercises Optional personal development plan submission Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Coaching and mentoring toolkit (templates, models, guides) Suggested reading and resource 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: 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 Overview Outstanding customer service doesn’t happen by accident- it’s the result of clear communication, empathy, consistency, and a strong customer-focused mindset. This practical one-day course helps participants develop the mindset, skills and strategies needed to provide exceptional service and handle difficult situations with confidence and professionalism. Through real-world scenarios, role plays and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to build rapport, respond to customer needs, and create positive experiences that leave a lasting impression—whether communicating face-to-face, by phone, email, or online. Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: Frontline staff in retail, hospitality, healthcare, call centres, or public service Administration or reception staff Technical support or helpdesk officers Any team member who interacts with customers, clients or stakeholders No previous training in customer service is required. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand what excellent customer service looks like and why it matters Communicate clearly, professionally and confidently in different situations Build rapport with a wide range of customers Show empathy and listen actively to understand customer needs Handle complaints, concerns and difficult conversations calmly and constructively Maintain a positive attitude, even under pressure Represent their organisation in a consistent and professional way Course Content 1. Foundations of Customer Service Excellence What is excellent customer service? First impressions and the customer journey Attitude, tone and mindset 2. Communicating with Confidence The power of words, tone and body language Active listening and questioning skills Managing expectations and saying "no" professionally 3. Creating Positive Connections Building rapport and trust quickly Adapting your style for different customers Service recovery: turning complaints into opportunities 4. Handling Difficult Situations Staying calm under pressure Responding to frustration, complaints or anger The LEAPS model for difficult conversations (Listen, Empathise, Apologise, Provide solution, Summarise) 5. Service Across Channels Delivering service via phone, email and online Professional email and message tone Tips for consistency across different platforms 6. Practical Application and Action Planning Real-life scenarios and role plays Personal action planning for immediate workplace impact Sharing service tips and best practices Delivery Method The course is delivered in an engaging, interactive format and includes: Short trainer-led discussions Scenario-based activities Role plays with coaching Group discussions and shared insights Available as a face-to-face or live virtual workshop. Inclusions Participant workbook and tools Practical checklists and communication templates Certificate of completion Access to optional post-course coaching support

Course Overview Outstanding customer service doesn’t happen by accident- it’s the result of clear communication, empathy, consistency, and a strong customer-focused mindset. This practical one-day course helps participants develop the mindset, skills and strategies needed to provide exceptional service and handle difficult situations with confidence and professionalism. Through real-world scenarios, role plays and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to build rapport, respond to customer needs, and create positive experiences that leave a lasting impression—whether communicating face-to-face, by phone, email, or online. Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: Frontline staff in retail, hospitality, healthcare, call centres, or public service Administration or reception staff Technical support or helpdesk officers Any team member who interacts with customers, clients or stakeholders No previous training in customer service is required. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand what excellent customer service looks like and why it matters Communicate clearly, professionally and confidently in different situations Build rapport with a wide range of customers Show empathy and listen actively to understand customer needs Handle complaints, concerns and difficult conversations calmly and constructively Maintain a positive attitude, even under pressure Represent their organisation in a consistent and professional way Course Content 1. Foundations of Customer Service Excellence What is excellent customer service? First impressions and the customer journey Attitude, tone and mindset 2. Communicating with Confidence The power of words, tone and body language Active listening and questioning skills Managing expectations and saying "no" professionally 3. Creating Positive Connections Building rapport and trust quickly Adapting your style for different customers Service recovery: turning complaints into opportunities 4. Handling Difficult Situations Staying calm under pressure Responding to frustration, complaints or anger The LEAPS model for difficult conversations (Listen, Empathise, Apologise, Provide solution, Summarise) 5. Service Across Channels Delivering service via phone, email and online Professional email and message tone Tips for consistency across different platforms 6. Practical Application and Action Planning Real-life scenarios and role plays Personal action planning for immediate workplace impact Sharing service tips and best practices Delivery Method The course is delivered in an engaging, interactive format and includes: Short trainer-led discussions Scenario-based activities Role plays with coaching Group discussions and shared insights Available as a face-to-face or live virtual workshop. Inclusions Participant workbook and tools Practical checklists and communication templates Certificate of completion Access to optional post-course coaching support

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)