New Training Resources

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 185 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 205 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To give participants the opportunity to practice giving a presentation and receive feedback from their peers and you.

Group Size:
This module can be used with small groups of fewer than 7 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Those who have had training to help them develop their skills and confidence for making presentations.

You'll Need:
• A pre-prepared PowerPoint slide or collaborative whiteboard for each team (see trainer notes). We recommend using a solution like Miro.
• Enough observer feedback sheets so that each participant (and you) are able to complete one for each presentation observed.

Notes:
This module provides a template for a practical half-day workshop. The timings in this module are based on a group of 6, with each participant giving a 15-minute presentation (including questions).

If you have a smaller group, you’ll be able to reduce the time by 35 minutes for each person not present.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required (unless you have multiple teams).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on what they’ve learnt.
• To identify the group’s key learning points.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

Notes:
This is a review activity for train the trainer training, but it can also be adapted and used in other situations where you want people to reflect on how they’re going to use the key ingredients from the training they’ve experienced and apply them in the workplace.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on what they’ve learnt.
• To identify the group’s key learning points.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Resources for participants to use to create their ‘cake’. This could be access to the internet and PowerPoint etc., or a variety of art resources to create a physical representation.

Notes:
This is a review activity for train the trainer training, but it can also be adapted and used in other situations where you want people to reflect on how they’re going to use the key ingredients from the training they’ve experienced and apply them in the workplace.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To get participants working together, sharing knowledge and problem solving.
• To test participants’ team decision skills and their ability to think strategically.
• To enable participants to find out a little more about each other, in particular about the places they’ve visited in Europe.

Group Size:
This icebreaker can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Separate breakout rooms or areas for each team to work in.

Notes:
A small prize for the winning team would be a nice touch.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This game can be played in about 60 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion and evaluation, we recommend allowing 105 minutes.

Aims:
• To test participants’ attention to detail.
• To test participants’ abilities to manage time and people resources effectively.
• To test participants’ abilities to work together under pressure to complete a task on time.
• To identify participants’ abilities to agree and follow a process - and refine it where necessary to ensure success.
• To provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on management vs micro-management and the latter’s impact on performance and engagement.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Attention to detail, processing skills, analytical skills, teamwork, communication skills, leadership, management and trust.

Group Size:
You should have between 3 and 5 people in each team completing this activity. Having multiple teams completing the same activity alongside each other provides a great opportunity to review and compare performance.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels and particularly those in roles where attention to detail and teamwork are important.

You'll Need:
Each team will need:
• A copy of the team brief (Presidential Decree).
• A full set of 65 grant applications.
• A copy of the Green Scheme Grant Guide for each team member.

Each team will need a separate area in which to work. This can be in the same room if breakout rooms are not available.

Notes:
Teams will have exactly 60 minutes to complete the task they have been given.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on what they’ve learnt.
• To identify the group’s key learning points.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A selection of random images - one for every 3 participants.

Notes:
This is an ideal review activity to include in training where you’ve sought to encourage lateral or creative thinking.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on what they’ve learnt.
• To identify the group’s key learning points.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A selection of random images - one for every 3 participants.

Notes:
This is an ideal review activity to include in training where you’ve sought to encourage lateral or creative thinking.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 70 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explain one technique for planning a presentation.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise planning what to include in a presentation and how to structure it.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Participants will need access to PowerPoint or a collaborative whiteboard, using a system like Miro (our recommended solution), in which to plan their presentation.

Notes:
This module provides a useful approach for planning presentations that can also be adapted to show participants how to plan a report.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (required or PowerPoint can be used).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 90 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about how they would introduce a change programme.
• To consider the importance of establishing a sense that change is essential, and urgent.
• To encourage participants to think about how they’ll sustain change.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Managers.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN.
• A collaborative Whiteboard set up for each team; we suggest using Miro, however, PowerPoint can be used as an alternative if preferred.

Notes:
The primary aim of this exercise is to encourage participants to think about how they would introduce and communicate the need for change, and how they would manage the process of change, rather than to think, in detail, about what changes need to be made.

However, if you prefer to give this exercise a broader perspective to include elements of strategic thinking and project management, you may wish to give participants longer in order to think about and plan in some detail, how they would change the remote selling operation in Beastly Barbecues, as well as how they’d then communicate and manage that change programme.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 35 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test team’s abilities to think laterally and work together to solve a problem.
• To test teamwork and communication.
• To illustrate the benefits of looking for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A stopwatch or timer to regulate the team discussions.
• The Activity Links and your PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 35 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To test team’s abilities to think laterally and work together to solve a problem.
• To test teamwork and communication.
• To illustrate the benefits of looking for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Pre-prepare the cards.
• A stopwatch or timer to regulate the team discussions.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore common perceptions about influence.
• To encourage participants to think about what influence is.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels, especially those with managerial responsibilities (or participants who soon will have).

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Article Overview:
In this article, Nicola explores the aftermath of difficult conversations and shares how leaders and managers can move forward positively to repair the relationships.

Opening Words:
You did it.

You finally had that conversation you'd been putting off for weeks.

The one that made your stomach churn every time you thought about it. The one that kept you awake in the night, rehearsing what you'd say.

Maybe it went better than you expected - phew! Perhaps it was messier than you hoped. Or maybe it just ended, and you're sitting there thinking, ‘Well, that happened’, and you're not quite sure what comes next.

I want to talk about this bit. The aftermath. The ‘what now?’

Suitable Reading For:
Everyone, especially leaders and managers.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore common perceptions about influence.
• To encourage participants to think about what influence is.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels, especially those with managerial responsibilities (or participants who soon will have).

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 185 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 205 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To give participants the opportunity to practice giving a presentation and receive feedback from their peers and you.

Group Size:
This module can be used with small groups of up to 6 participants.

Useful For:
Those who have had training to help them develop their skills and confidence for making presentations.

You'll Need:
• Enough observer feedback sheets so that each participant (and you) has enough sheets to complete one for each presentation observed.

Notes:
This module provides a template for a practical half-day workshop. The timings in this module are based on a group of 6, with each participant giving a 15-minute presentation (including questions).

If you have a smaller group, you’ll be able to reduce the time by 35 minutes for each person not present.

If you have more than 6 participants, we strongly recommend splitting the group and running two separate practice sessions – no-one wants to sit through more than six presentations in one session, even if they are short.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To identify what makes training activities effective tools for learner-led learning.
• To identify the essential ingredients for a successful training activity.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 15 participants.

Useful For:
Trainers, and particularly those who are relatively new to learner-led, facilitated training.

You'll Need:
• A transparent plastic glass of any shape for each team.
• A selection of colourful swizzle sticks.
• Tissue paper in a variety of colours.
• Other materials, that might be used to represent ingredients in a cocktail, mocktail or sundae.

Notes:
Small prizes would be a nice touch but are not essential.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify what makes training activities effective tools for learner-led learning.
• To identify the essential ingredients for a successful training activity.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Trainers, and particularly those who are relatively new to learner-led, facilitated training.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slide provided.

Notes:
It may be appropriate to emphasise that many cocktails are non-alcoholic (often referred to as mocktails). Or you can refer to their creations as a sundae if you prefer.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on the learning around diversity, equity and inclusion they’ve experienced.
• To review the key learning points from the training.
• To encourage participants to think about what this means for their workplace.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Participants will need access to PowerPoint or a collaborative whiteboard, using a system like Miro (our recommended solution), in which to create their poster.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (required - if preferred).

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on the learning around diversity, equity and inclusion they’ve experienced.
• To review the key learning points from the training.
• To encourage participants to think about what this means for their workplace.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To provide participants with access to a variety of art materials in many colours. We also suggest suppling a range of people magazines, newspapers and other materials they can use as a source of images or other elements for their posters.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 25 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on the behaviours typically adopted by creative people.
• To encourage participants to consider their own use of these behaviours.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
The exercise used in this module is designed to provoke thought about the extent to which participants adopt the behaviours of bravery, inquisitiveness, receptiveness and drive at work. It is not intended as a ‘test’ of creativity but rather as a way of identifying how they could potentially begin developing their ability to think creatively and apply creative thinking in their workplace.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
This game can be played in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion and evaluation, we recommend allowing 75 minutes.

Aims:
• To test participants abilities to see the bigger picture.
• To reflect on the impact a silo mentality can have on organisational performance.
• To test teamwork, collaboration and communication skills.
• To illustrate the importance of trust in team and organisational success.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Analytical skills, strategic thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, teamwork, collaboration, communication skills, trust.

Group Size:
You will need a minimum of three and a maximum of four teams for this activity. We recommend creating teams of 2–3 although you could have people playing individually too. If you have more than 12 participants, we recommend having multiple games running at the same time, to avoid teams becoming too large.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels, but particularly perhaps those new to management and leadership roles.

You'll Need:
• The optional complete game pack.

Or

• The game board and counters.
• A die.
• A set of movement cards for each team.
• A bag. (If you have the game pack, you can use the one the cards come in.)
• A copy of the team brief for each team.

Notes:
Although the teams are offered preparation time, they don’t have to use it all, in which case the game could end more quickly (probably with a less successful result than might have been achieved with more teamwork/collaboration). If teams don’t use the preparation time, it’s likely there’ll be more to discuss afterwards, so overall timings are likely to be similar.

We have provided a more eco friendly 'low ink' version of the game board and cards to reduce ink usage when printing.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To introduce ‘Reversal’ as an idea generation technique.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise using the technique.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

Notes:
Refer to Handout 1 for a worked example of the simple technique introduced in this module.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required - if you have multiple teams).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To get participants into a creative and energetic state.
• To illustrate the value of short, sharp periods of creativity and idea generation.
• To launch the training with some fun.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN from Trainers’ Library.

Notes:
Although this activity can be run with teams using PowerPoint to design their hats, it’s much better if you can give them access to a collaborative space, such as a board in Miro.

For more information on using Miro, follow this link.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on what needs to happen before, during and after any change/project.
• To create a visual road map for change.
• To reflect on the barriers to change and how these might be overcome.
• To provide a framework for road mapping any change.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Anyone involved in managing or implementing change or projects.

You'll Need:
• Plenty of flipchart paper.
• Road Sign Cards. (One set per team.)
• Toy train (optional – see notes on page 4).
• Flipchart pens, coloured pens/pencils etc.
• You might like to provide magazines etc., from which they can cut pictures to include in their map.

Notes:
The bridge is used to explore and consider the change journey, and the learning points can be effectively applied to any project.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 90 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 120 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To assess team dynamics and their ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively.
• To show the importance of sharing information with others and gathering information through effective questioning and listening.
• To understand the importance of a thorough investigation when solving problems.
• To provide an opportunity to practise working effectively under pressure and maintaining the focus and momentum needed to complete the task accurately and in the allotted time.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Communication skills, team building, team skills, effective meetings, time management, leadership and problem solving.

Group Size:
This exercise is specially designed to be used in small groups of between 4 and 6 participants. In larger groups, teams can compete against each other to see which can come closest to solving the mystery.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels working in a team.

You'll Need:
To prepare your chosen collaborative whiteboard or PowerPoint in advance with:
• The floor plan set as the background and locked.
• A set of character counters that participants can move around.

If you have a larger group, we suggest splitting participants into teams with a floor plan and character counters for each team to use in their breakout rooms.

Notes:
Murder at Glasstap Grange is a powerful tool that can also be used to assess skills in an assessment centre.

We recommend using Miro for this activity due to the functionality available, but it is possible to run the activity using other collaborative whiteboard solutions or PowerPoint if preferred.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required if multiple teams).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).