Staff can sign-up for the Effective Interpersonal Skills programme. The programme takes place over three sessions – all sessions should be attended to gain maximum benefit of the training.

The programme includes development of practical skills as well as encouraging participants to explore the basis of their personal values and behaviour at work. The programme encourages a non-threatening learning environment where participants examine and practice verbal and non-verbal assertive skills, including how to influence others and how to respond to requests.

• Monday 10 November 2014, 10am-1pm: The first three-hour session will give participants the background on assertive behaviour. Participants will be introduced to the concept of ‘assertive rights’ and will be given opportunities to consider how they value themselves in day-to-day work interactions. At the end of the workshop, participants will be asked to consider examples of recent (or up-coming) situations when they have to interact with people, and bring these ideas back to workshop 2.
• Wednesday 19 November 2014, 10-1pm: The second three-hour session People will have the opportunity to practise in order to understand levels of appropriate assertion and levels of appropriate response, including practicalities of verbal and non-verbal behaviour. Participants will work through example situations in small groups and will receive feedback from colleagues on effective behaviour and areas for personal development. Participants will be introduced to strategies which they will be encouraged to practice at work before workshop 3.
• Friday 28 November 2014, 10am-1pm: The third three-hour session will involve participants feeding back their experiences in small groups and receiving feedback from colleagues. The workshop will also be used to help participants to understand how others (service users, students, colleagues) perceive them and how that should influence interpersonal behaviour. Interactive discussions will help individuals to formulate improved approaches to work discussions. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on areas for personal development and to consider some specific personal commitments.

If you are interested in attending, please book via the Learning and Development website.