385 Professional Development courses in Thatcham

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: 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 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)

Course Duration: 1 or 2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Team leaders, managers, project leads, HR professionals, and change champions responsible for initiating or supporting change within their teams or organisations. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the dynamics and psychology of organisational change. Apply change models to plan and implement change effectively. Communicate change with clarity and empathy. Anticipate and manage resistance to change. Sustain momentum and embed change in culture and practice. Course Outline Module 1: The Nature of Change Why change initiatives succeed or fail Types of organisational change (strategic, cultural, technological, etc.) The human side of change: uncertainty, fear, and motivation Change vs transformation Module 2: Change Management Models Lewin’s Change Model (Unfreeze–Change–Refreeze) Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) Choosing and applying the right model for your context Module 3: Planning and Leading Change Assessing readiness and mapping stakeholders Creating a compelling vision for change Developing a change plan and roadmap Roles and responsibilities of leaders and change agents Module 4: Communicating Through Change Crafting key messages and change narratives Communicating with transparency and empathy Engaging employees and addressing concerns Channels, timing, and frequency of communication Module 5: Managing Resistance and Building Buy-In Identifying sources of resistance Strategies to understand and reduce resistance Building coalitions and early adopters Creating participation and ownership Module 6: Embedding and Sustaining Change Reinforcement strategies and recognition Aligning systems, structures, and behaviours Monitoring progress and adjusting plans Measuring change success (KPIs, feedback loops) Module 7: Leading Yourself Through Change Emotional resilience and adaptability Supporting your team while navigating uncertainty Mindsets for change leadership Self-reflection and personal action plan Delivery Style Interactive workshops with case studies and real-life examples Group discussions, change simulations, and planning activities Practical tools and templates for immediate workplace use Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Change management templates (e.g. stakeholder map, change comms plan) Change models quick reference guide Personal action plan template Optional Add-ons Custom case study based on your organisation’s current change program Post-course coaching or implementation support Manager toolkit for cascading change conversations

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

NPORS Ride On Roller Training The aim of the NPORS Ride On Roller Training is to provide both theoretical and practical training in the safe and efficient use of the ride on roller . On successful completion of the ride on road roller training you will be issued with the NPORS identity card with or without the CSCS logo. Discounts are available for multiple bookings NPORS Ride on road Roller Training or testing can be carried out on your site nationwide or at our Training Centre in Gloucestershire Ride On Roller Experienced Worker Test Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Ride On Roller Experienced Test Price Match Promise. When you choose us, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Road Roller Experienced Worker Test, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Click for our terms and conditions Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. NPORS Ride On Roller Test is for operators who have received some form of training in the past or alternatively has been operating the Ride On Road Roller for a period of time. If you are unsure if you qualify to go down the test route please contact us to discuss this in more detail. Turn your Ride On Roller red card to blue with our hassle free Roller NVQ, for more information CLICK HERE Ride On Roller Course Content The course time is spent on developing skills and knowledge associated with the road roller. Topics covered include:- Site Safety Awareness. Operating Safety Code. Introduction to machine / Control Familiarisation. Pre-Start Checks and Refuelling. General Operating. Set the roller for compaction duties Explain actions required for hazards underground and overhead services Recognise compacted/uncompacted areas Conditions that may cause instability of the roller Safety procedures when working up to unsupported edges. Park and shut down procedures. NPORS Multi-Choice Theory Test. NPORS Practical Skills Test. Variations Pedestrian Roller Ride on articulated Ride on rigid Ride on heavy duty Ride on vibrating Dead weight Ride on articulated/vibrating Ride On Road Roller Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of Ride On Road Rollers and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical road roller training area to simulate an actual working environment. Our Ride On Roller training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Roller Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who should take the Ride On Road Roller Training? This training is ideal for individuals who need to operate ride-on road rollers, both novices and experienced operators. 2. What does the Ride On Road Roller Training cover? The course includes site safety awareness, machine control familiarization, pre-start checks, operating techniques, recognizing hazards, compaction procedures, and safety protocols. 3. How long is the Ride On Road Roller Training? For novices, the course lasts 3 days. Experienced operators can take a 1-day test. 4. What certification do I receive upon completion? Participants receive an NPORS card, either the traditional card valid for 5 years or the NPORS card with CSCS logo, valid for 2 years initially. 5. Are there any prerequisites for the Ride On Road Roller Training? Candidates should understand English. For the NPORS card with CSCS logo, a CSCS Health & Safety test must have been completed within the last two years. More courses: Refine your skills with our Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Scissor Lift, Slinger Signaller, Abrasive Wheels Training, Lorry Loader Training and Telehandler Training. Elevate your expertise for safer and more efficient operations in construction and logistics. Join us today to advance your career prospects. For those looking for a “NPORS Scissor Lift Training near me,” our widespread operations make it convenient for you to access Vally Plant Trainings top-quality training no matter where you are in the UK

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.

Everyone shares responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, irrespective of individual roles. This course is for those who have already completed a Level 1 course and need to gain an advanced knowledge of Child Protection, including working towards becoming a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), manager or policy writer. This course is designed for individuals who work with children in either a paid or voluntary capacity. It relates to the issues surrounding safeguarding children by exploring the concepts of "child vulnerability", "child protection" and "significant harm"; coupled with the individual and organisational responsibilities of protecting children from abuse.

£ Enquire Highfield Level 3 Award in Delivering Training (RQF) Three day course

£ Enquire Highfield Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics, level 2 45 - 50 hours