Professional Skills Training

HMI design, develop and deliver a number of professional skills training courses. These courses are delivered on an in-house basis only. Each can be tailored to meet specific client requirements.

“Our learners found the module engaging and felt that the

animations brought the situation to life.”

Very practical and interactive

...good opportunity to update knowledge and skills

Assertiveness (1 day)

Assertiveness is the ability to communicate opinions, thoughts, needs, and feelings in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Assertiveness involves standing up for yourself in a way that does not offend or deny the rights of others. When you are assertive you have more control over your life and it is less likely that other people will take advantage of you.

This one day course is designed to assist individuals to distinguish between passive, aggressive and assertiveness styles, set goals for assertive behaviours, identify your personal rights, develop strategies for saying ‘no’ and dealing with criticism as well as dealing with other people’s anger.

Coaching for Managers (2 days)

Coaching is a powerful development methodology, providing practical and focused support for managers. It is particularly valuable during career transitions, such as when managers take on new responsibilities or when they are facing specific challenges or issues. Coaching can also be beneficial in raising self-awareness and to support the development of key skills.

This two day highly interactive course is designed to give managers an introduction to coaching skills which can be used in various encounters with staff and colleagues. The content can be tailored to meet and specific organisational or individual needs.

Competency-based Interviewing Skills (1 day)

This course provides participants with the competence and confidence to make selection decisions which are effective, consistent and within the law. The programme briefs participants on completing job profiles; the importance of preparation; the role law plays; effective selection criteria; the impact of subjective interviews; asking the right questions and the evaluation process.

Conflict Management (1 day)

When conflict occurs in the workplace, it can lower morale, lower work productivity, increase absenteeism, and cause large-scale confrontations that can lead to serious incidents.

This one day course aims to help managers to recognise the signs of conflict in an organisation, understand the causes of workplace conflict, develop conflict management skills and personal strategies to avoid conflict situations.

Difficult Conversations (2 days)

Many line managers need to have conversations with staff and individuals where they have to manage emotions and information in a sensitive way. These conversations may be to address poor performance or conduct, deal with personal problems, investigate complaints or deal with grievances.

This two day course aims to assist managers to face the problem, prepare for what may happen, improve their communication skills, stay in control and agree a way forward.

Manager as Coach (1 day)

This course provides managers with the competence and confidence to develop a management style that is appropriate to the challenges they face in terms of performance and employee expectations. ‘Manager as Coach’ demonstrates how the new style of management can help managers deliver enhanced performance through their people.

Meetings that Work (1 day)

Meetings are an essential part of business life. This course provides participants with valuable strategic skills to enhance a meeting’s effectiveness. It provides tools and techniques to increase action and satisfaction with meetings, increase participation and reduce time required.

Negotiation Skills (2 days)

This practical two day course equips participants with a range of negotiation techniques that are valuable in day-to-day work as well as in formal negotiations. Participants learn how to manage the tension between achieving the best deal and maintaining relationships with the other party.

Presentation Skills (1 day)

The ability to transmit facts, ideas and information accurately, concisely and logically is crucial when making presentations. This course is designed to give participants practice and understanding of the techniques used in effective presentations. This course is highly practical and participative with the emphasis on skill development.

Team Working (1 day)

An important task of healthcare managers, policy makers and clinicians is to find ways of implementing the desired conditions for staff whilst also meeting the expectations of patients and key stakeholders. This one day course aims to give managers the theory and practice to develop teams that will maximise effectiveness. The content includes exploring the theory of team development, team facilitation skills, goal setting, planning & design, preferred roles in teams and self-management.

Time Management (1 day)

Managing time is critical to being personally effective and to managing the quality of life. This area of personal effectiveness continues to be an issue for many people despite our familiarity with many of the practices and techniques. This interactive and practical course aims to address many of the issues that plague people’s days as well as provide practical insights and tips that can be implemented back in the office.

Train the Trainer (2 days)

During this course, participants gain practical experience in needs analysis and programme design and delivery. Participants will develop the skills and knowledge required to be a successful trainer. This is a hands-on programme that draws on personal experience and future potential in a safe learning environment. Participants have the opportunity to design and deliver training modules during this course.

Performance Improvement Planning (1 day)

As part of managing the performance of your team and working towards achieving your organisation’s key performance indicators, managers and supervisors may be required to carry out performance improvement planning meetings to support all members of staff to provide the highest quality of service possible to all service users and stakeholders. This one day course aims to provide managers with an overview of the performance review cycle, prepare for the meeting, conduct the meeting and review and plan personal development requirements by engaging fully with the person involved. The content will include communication and feedback skills, dealing with a range of levels of performance, setting SMART goals and agreeing action plans.