Having difficult conversations - two 3hr sessions over two consecutive days

Level – Skilled - for an in-depth understanding of a topic. Aimed at people with good knowledge or experience

Overview click to expand contents

One of the most challenging parts of managing people is having conversations around sensitive or emotionally charged topics.

Difficult conversations are often things managers find themselves avoiding or delaying. This can have an impact on an organisation and morale.

Successfully addressing sensitive issues can:

prevent bullying at work
deal with conflict between colleagues
uncover underlying issues
support workers with personal issues
create clear boundaries within teams
increase employee engagement

This training will give you new skills and techniques to confidently handle challenging conversations at work.

Who is this best suited to? click to expand contents

What will I learn from this training? click to expand contents

difficult conversations and conflict
communication skills and questioning techniques
structuring the conversation
how to plan and prepare for the discussion
solutions, follow-up action and support

By the end of this training, attendees will be able to:

plan for a difficult conversation
describe the main elements of having difficult conversations
name strategies for managing responses
apply effective listening and questioning techniques
recognise and explain the impact of conflict

Key course information click to expand contents

Trainer led – online via Zoom

Duration - Split into two sessions, delivered over two consecutive days. The duration of each session will be 3 hours.

The dates are:

Day 1 - 7th of July 2025, 13:30 - 16:30
Day 2 - 8th of July 2025, 13:30 - 16:30

The training session will include:

polls/quizzes
group discussion
case studies
role-plays

Attendees will also receive:

a digital certificate
a handout containing useful links
a copy of the PowerPoint slides

We aim to make our training accessible for everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know on your sign-up form.

Closed captions can be turned on for all our sessions run on Zoom.

Run this programme for your organisation click to expand contents

Does your organisation need more than training? click to expand contents

Our specialists can diagnose issues in your workplace and tailor practical solutions to address the challenges faced by you and your staff. To find out more, contact our Customer Services Team on 0300 123 1150 or complete our online enquiry form.

We also offer free e-learning on a wide range of employment relations topics. It's a great way to develop, enhance and refresh knowledge, providing an opportunity to work through theory, explore case studies and answer interactive questions.

Venue:Digital via Zoom

Date:07/07/2025

Time:13:30 - 16:30

Price: £270.00 per person Please note our training events are VAT exempt

* Max of 4 delegates per organisation. Please call Acas on 0300 123 1150 or email events@acas.org.uk if number exceed this or for more details about the training session.