Short courses
Our range of virtual short courses are designed to help leaders and managers to progress their careers.
Book a course Funding routesWe’ve co-created our courses with industry professionals to help you succeed. Develop the crucial skills you need to lead innovative teams and projects in an ever-changing business world and technological landscape.
Learning lunches
Take a break and learn something new with us. Our free micro-learning sessions will cover a variety of topics within different subject areas that aim to spark your interest and provide takeaways that you can immediately implement in the workplace. Our Learning Lunches are available in Welsh - let us know when booking if you would like simultaneous translation.
The worst time to start thinking about how you communicate in a crisis is when you’re in the middle of one. This session will explain the dos and don’ts of managing your reputation when a crisis hits. It will also help you to anticipate and prepare in advance for the problems you’re most likely to face. It will give you tools and techniques to handle a crisis with confidence from a complex HR or legal issue to a cyberattack.
Date and time: 15 October 2024 (12pm-1pm)
Our Learning Lunches are available in Welsh – let us know when booking if you would like simultaneous interpreting.
Timeboxing is a distinctive feature of Agile approaches which allocates a maximum unit of time within which planned activity takes place. At the end of that time work stops and progress is reviewed.
The timeboxing technique not only helps in a project management environment, but also in a busy leadership and management role. It may sound easy but how do you actually stick to it? This session will show you how to effectively use timeboxing to help with time management at all levels in the organisation.
Date and time: 14 November 2024 (12pm-1pm)
Our Learning Lunches are available in Welsh – let us know when booking if you would like simultaneous interpreting.
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that neurodivergent people are ‘all alike’. Just as no two people are the same, neither are any two neurodivergent people - and that includes those with the same diagnosis. Their needs and expectations are entirely unique and not only that, they can also evolve over time.
Fundamental to achieving an inclusive and more equitable workplace is a greater understanding and acceptance of neurological diversity; the associated strengths and challenges (both practical and mental) that neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace as well as a willingness to enable those individuals to thrive in the workplace.
Date and time: 9 December 2024 (12pm-1pm)
Our Learning Lunches are available in Welsh – let us know when booking if you would like simultaneous interpreting.
Successfully embracing and implementing lessons learnt activities is essential if you wish to repeat success and avoid mistakes in your future projects and programmes.
Lessons learned exercises, when done well, provide a powerful method of sharing ideas for improving project delivery, quality, safety and cost effectiveness, and helps improve management decision making and team and individuals performance through every phase of a project.
Date and time: 20 December 2024 (12pm-1pm)
Our Learning Lunches are available in Welsh – let us know when booking if you would like simultaneous interpreting.
Leadership
Leadership is different from management - it has different characteristics and function, but if an organisation wishes to be successful it needs both. The question is how do you make sure your organisation is not overmanaged and under led.
This programme will help you understand the role of the leader and help you understand some of the core skills needed for "good" leadership. It will help you explore the synergy between leadership and successful organisational change
Module 1: Leadership vs Management (3 x 1/2 day virtual sessions)
- Leadership vs Management
- Self-Awareness and Styles of Leadership
- Critical reflection and Critical Thinking
- Perspective - getting the bigger picture
Module 2: Leading Change (3 x 1/2 day virtual sessions)
- Managing Change vs Leading Change
- Transactional vs Transformational Change
- Change agents and organisational culture
- Behaviours to overcome barriers to change
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop a more strategic approach to your thinking as a leader or future leader
- Develop a sound understanding of the differences between leadership and management and the core skills that are needed by a good leader
- Understand the pivotal role of leadership in any successful change programme.
Dates:
No upcoming course dates. Please register your interest if you would like to book a place on this course.
Cost:
Module 1 (3 x 1/2 day virtual sessions) = £220
Module 2 (3 x 1/2 day virtual sessions) = £220
Combined cost = £440
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
This programme gives an understanding and an opportunity to participate in Systems Thinking activities. You will look at the benefits of Systems Thinking and its usefulness in relation to organisational leadership.
Course Topics:
- What is systems thinking and why and when is it useful?
- Characteristics of complex systems
- Overcoming block in systems thinking
- Use systems thinking techniques to visualise complex systems and guide helpful actions
- Tools and techniques to apply systems thinking to organisational challenges.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe complex systems and their key features
- Understand how systems thinking can be applied to organisational challenges
- Be able to use a variety of tools to apply systems thinking to complex systems
Upcoming course dates:
Online: 30 October 2024 (09:30-12:30)
Face-to-face: 14 November 2024 (10:00-16:00)
Online: 12 December 2024 (09:30-12:30)
Price: This course is £220 for the three days.
Research isn't just for students or academics or those in a research role. Increasingly Leaders and Managers need to be well informed about a number of topics to lead their area of responsibility. Research is about collecting data and information to help you make an informed decision.
Ever wondered the what, why and how of research? This interactive half day workshop uses real life examples and case studies of research to bring these questions alive. Learners will hear about a wide breadth of research from clinical settings, social care and within the community. Learners will look at the motivations and benefits of conducting research obstructions to starting research and how to plan to avoid them with practical advice on how to start their own research projects. You will discover more about What is research? Why do we need research? How can you do research?
Course topics:
- An overview of what research is with practical examples of the impact some research studies have made and group discussion of these. I will also cover definitions of different types of 'research' to include service evaluations and audit.
- Why do we research? - How it benefits people and society and why it is so important. You will review specific research case studies and discuss why these were so important and the impact they have had.
- How to present research information to someone you want to influence.
- Tips on what to consider when coming up with research ideas or planning projects and the guidelines we work to today.
Upcoming course dates:
No upcoming course dates. Please register your interest if you would like to book a place on this course.
This course is £220.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
A coaching approach refers to a style of management where the emphasis is on empowering and supporting others to respond to challenges and develop appropriate solutions as opposed to a more directive style which would traditionally involve ‘telling someone exactly what to do’.
This 2-day programme is designed to raise your awareness of the key principles underpinning a coaching approach and equip you with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to confidently use this approach within your management role. You will learn;
- What coaching is and how it fits alongside other management styles
- How to identify when a coaching approach would be appropriate to support workplace performance
- How to apply the core skills of coaching such as listening, questioning and providing feedback within your management role.
- Popular frameworks to help you structure a coaching conversation for maximum impact
- How to create a culture of trust where people feel safe to offer ideas, challenges and feedback.
The workshops will be highly interactive and include a blend of theory, discussion and practical exercises to embed skill development and promote reflection on real-world application.
Upcoming course dates:
3 & 10 December 2024
Price: This virtual course is £220 for the two days.
Are you ready to challenge the status quo and redefine leadership in a rapidly changing world? Our disruptive leadership learning lunch is designed to equip forward-thinking individuals with the skills and mindset needed to lead in today’s dynamic business landscape.
The disruptive leader is one who has a growth mindset and focuses on the positives that come with change. This course will explore the fundamental principles of disruptive leadership, gaining a deep understanding of how innovation and strategic thinking can drive organisational success. You will learn to:
- Embrace change
- Foster Innovation
- Have a Strategic Vision
- Technology Integration
- Resilience and risk-taking
This session is suitable for leaders, manager and aspiring executives from various industries who want to drive change, break through traditional barriers, and lead their organisations into the future.
Upcoming course dates:
No upcoming course dates. Please register your interest if you would like to book a place on this course.
This virtual course is £220.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
Project Management
Before you try to solve a real problem, you need to understand the cause of the problem and consider what options exist. This workshop reveals that we often approach problems from the wrong angle and fall into decision-traps. Highly practical, this interactive workshop will really get you thinking about the way you approach problems and give you practical tools and techniques to use on problems you face.
Course topics:
- What is critical thinking?
- Identify and analysing logic
- How use of language can impair thinking
- Breaking problems down
- Tools to gain new perspective
- Generating ideas
- Decision traps
- Decision-making
Learning Outcomes:
- Increased self-awareness around thinking styles
- Identify flawed thinking
- Know how to identify which problems to focus on
- Able to apply new approaches when facing problems
- Know when to ‘step-back’ and take stock.
Who is it for?
Project managers, change managers, managers and leaders, decision-makers and consultants. Essentially, this workshop is for anyone tackling new or familiar problems and need some fresh thinking!
Suggested progression route:
Accredited PM, accredited leadership/management, other short courses
Tutor bio:
Miles Huckle is an experienced facilitator and consultant in change and project management and has a real interest in helping people and teams find ways to make positive changes.
Upcoming Courses:
6 December 2024 (virtual)
This course is £110.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
Organisations, teams and individuals are under pressure to get things done in environments which are far less predictable than they once were! Agile approaches enable us work efficiently by prioritising and working within short cycles to get valuable work done. This popular and highly interactive workshop allows you to explore the principles of Agile and get hands on with a range of accessible tools and techniques.
If you want to break away from traditional, slow, ways of working then this workshop will expose you to a different way of doing things.
Course topics:
- Introducing Agile
- Principles
- User Stories
- The Product Backlog
- Team Roles
- Agile process
- Estimating and Planning
- Communication
- Agile in practice
Learning outcomes:
- Understand how to prioritise and get things done
- Be able to use a range of approaches that enable you to operate within in changing situations
- Understand a simple process in which agility can operate
- Appreciate the key roles necessary for agile implementation
Who is it for?
Project and programme managers/team members, change agents, senior leaders and anyone looking to move away from traditional ways of working.
Suggested progression route:
Accredited PM, accredited L&M, other short courses
Tutor bio:
Damien Sangster has extensive experience across numerous sectors engaging in digital delivery, process improvement, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. A passionate agile enthusiast, he has successfully led agile transformation in large organisations.
Miles Huckle is an experienced facilitator and consultant in change and project management and has a real interest in helping people and teams find ways to make positive changes.
Upcoming Courses:
10th October 2024 (virtual)
This course is £110.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
The five case model is a tried and tested approach to building business cases for projects and programmes. Collectively, projects and programmes form a significant investment within organisations, so it’s crucial they are properly assessed to ensure they are and continue to be affordable and worthwhile. Having a viable business case enables organisations to implement strategic plans, by ensuring effective decisions are made. This practical workshop guides you through each of the five cases and provides an opportunity to try out relevant approaches.
Course topics:
- What is a business case and why do they exist?
- The ongoing use of a business case
- Business Case – What scrutiny is applied?
- Framework for better business cases – Five Case Model
- Business Case Hints and Tips
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the structure of the five case business case model
- Appreciate what’s involved in each step
- Awareness of the range of techniques and tools needed for each step
- Ability to spot whether a business case really stands up to scrutiny
Who is it for?
All those involved in developing business cases including project and programme managers, sponsors, steering group members, key decision-makers and those involved in assurance activity.
Suggested progression route:
Accredited PM, accredited leadership & management, other short courses
Tutor bio:
Steve Browne is a highly experience project management facilitator and has a deep understanding of current best practice. He has supported a very wide range of organisations through training, mentoring and building strong relationships.
Upcoming Courses:
No upcoming course dates. Please register your interest if you would like to book a place on this course.
This course is £75.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
Having the ability to understand risks that lie ahead and how to respond to them is vital for effective decision-making particularly on projects and programmes. This practical workshop will introduce you to a robust risk process with clear guidance on how to implement each step. You will use key tools and techniques and have plenty of opportunity to discuss these with your facilitator via group exercises and discussion. The workshop will introduce key approaches based on current best practice.
Course topics:
- What is risk?
- How to identify risk
- Assessing risk impact
- How to manage risk
- Risk reporting
- Responses, planning and execution
- Responsibilities & communication
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the key steps in a risk process
- Ability to identify types that could affect your project
- Understand what could be impacted
- Understand the fundamentals of responding to risk
- Understand key tools/techniques to control risk.
Who is it for?
Anyone involved in projects and programmes and change initiatives.
Suggested progression route:
Accredited PM
Tutor bio:
Damien Sangster has extensive experience across numerous sectors engaging in digital delivery, process improvement, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. A passionate agile enthusiast, he has successfully led agile transformation in large organisations.
Miles Huckle is an experienced facilitator and consultant in change and project management and has a real interest in helping people and teams find ways to make positive changes.
Upcoming Courses:
Half day: 4th November 2024 (virtual)
This course is £75.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
Benefits management is fast becoming a central part of organisational decision making. Without this discipline, it’s very hard to understand whether projects, programmes and change initiatives are making any real difference. What improvements do we expect? How much improvement have we achieved so far? Answers to these questions serve as critical information. This workshop introduces a robust benefits management process and provides plenty of ‘hands-on’ exercises for you to try out a range of benefit management tools and techniques.
Course topics:
- Definitions, scope and objectives of benefits management
- Barriers to effective practice
- Fundamental principles
- Introduction to the benefits management cycle
- Profiling benefits
- Key roles and responsibilities.
Learning outcomes:
- Appreciate what is needed to establish benefits management
- Understand ways to identify benefits
- Understand the key roles and responsibilities
- Ability to use techniques to structure benefits so they can be tracked and measured
Who is it for?
Anyone involved in the governance, management and co-ordination of portfolios, programmes and projects. This includes board members, programme and project managers, benefits managers and those working in a project offices.
Suggested progression route:
Accredited PM, other short courses
Tutor bio:
Damien Sangster has extensive experience across numerous sectors engaging in digital delivery, process improvement, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. A passionate agile enthusiast, he has successfully led agile transformation in large organisations.
Miles Huckle is an experienced facilitator and consultant in change and project management and has a real interest in helping people and teams find ways to make positive changes.
Upcoming Courses:
Half day: 16th October 2024 (virtual)
This course is £75.
From April 2024 we are offering all public service organisations in Wales, that are working towards the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act, 25% funding towards any non-accredited short course. Book 3 or more short courses at the same time and get an additional 25% funding. Funding is subject to availability.
Healthcare
Addressing peoples spiritual care needs is increasingly being recognised as important in health and social care globally. This programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills required in your person-centered care practice.
The aims of this programme will help you to:
- Consider the competencies practiced within a compassionate relationship and founded in a person-centered and reflective attitude of openness, presence and trust.
- Treat people in a holistic way that has been shown to enhance recovery, quality of life, and potential to live independent, happy and fulfilled lives.
- Support them in finding meaning, purpose, value and connection in the midst of life changing events such as illness, uncertainty, sadness and loss
This course is designed to help improve your awareness of Alcohol Related Brain Damage. By completing the course, you will improve your understanding surrounding the aetiology, prevalence and risk factors associated with ARBD. An overview of the current evidence supporting assessments and ongoing care for those living with ARBD is outlined.
Learn the principles of Kinesiology Taping and Strapping with a hands-on practical course. This includes 6 K Tape and 6 Strapping applications as well as 6+ advanced Strapping applications.
Course Topics:
Kinesiology Tape:
- Theory
- Tape handling
- Indications and Contraindications
- K Taping Principles & Techniques
- Practical Applications - Hamstring, Calf, Lower Back, Achilles, Shoulder, Knee, Swelling.
Strapping:
- Theory
- Tape Handling
- Indications and Contraindications
- Strapping Principles and Techniques
- Practical Applications - Wrist, Thumb, Ankle, Ankle Lock, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder.
Advanced Applications:
- Recap
- Advanced Applications - Basket weave ankle, plantar fascia and arch support, patella maltracking, tennis elbow, MTSS
- Clinical Reasoning scenarios - K Tape Ankle Stability, turf toe.
Course Feedback:
"Outstanding"
"The workshop was very helpful for me understanding the application and different types of tape. The quality of the tape is far superior than others I've used. Highly recommended this workshop."
Upcoming courses
TBC
Fees
£160.00 for students
£180.00 for non-students
In our acupuncture foundation course, you will receive a fully evidence-based approach to the implementation of acupuncture & dry needling.
Key topics
With theoretical knowledge and application reviewed from both a Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this acupuncture foundation course takes you through a large number of applications and techniques, allowing you to confidently apply acupuncture.
Learning outcomes
- Able to use the principle skills associated with acupuncture and dry needling, throughout the four limbs, trunk & head
- Can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of critical safety elements of needling, including contraindications, precautions, adverse events, and safe needling practises
- Critically identify and define pertinent clinical information, and use that to develop a sound intervention strategy using acupuncture and needling protocols for the benefit of pain & wellbeing
- To engage with the evidence base, and combine with clinical experience, to understand complex theoretical mechanisms underpinning acupuncture & dry needling
Who is it for?
Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Sports Therapists, Sports Rehabilitators
Upcoming courses
26, 27 and 28 July 2024
Fees
£430 for students
£530 for non-students