Communication & Influence

Build Confidence, Impact and Influence in Every Conversation, Email, Presentation, Document or Meeting

Help your team communicate clearly, persuasively and professionally with expert-led training tailored to the demands of working in the public sector.

Talk to Us About Team Training
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What We Offer

Empower your teams to communicate with clarity, confidence and impact, both verbally and in writing. Our programmes help individuals at all levels develop the techniques and self-assurance needed to influence, collaborate and lead effectively across the public sector. 

  • Confident Communication and Assertiveness

    Develop presence, clarity and confidence in all workplace interactions.

  • Influencing and Negotiating Upwards

    Gain buy-in and shape outcomes through persuasive, strategic communication.

  • Speaking and Presenting with Impact

    Speak confidently and persuasively in meetings, pitches or formal presentations.

  • Formatting and Editing AI-Generated Content

    Ensure AI-created content is accurate, appropriate and human-ready. Strengthen editing skills and understand where human judgement is essential.

  • Human Communication in an AI World

    Strengthen the human skills that AI can’t replicate, empathy, nuance, trust-building and critical thinking. Explore how to complement automation with authentic, people-first communication that truly connects.

  • Influencing in Hybrid and Virtual Settings

    Build presence, engagement and clarity when communicating remotely.

  • Storytelling for Influence

    Turn data and strategy into engaging, accessible narratives that inspire action.

  • Handling Difficult Conversations

    Navigate sensitive issues with empathy and professionalism.

  • Resilience and Mindset for Communicators

    Stay composed and grounded under pressure with practical mindset strategies. 

  • Communicating Through Change

    Support and align teams through periods of uncertainty and transformation.

  • Inclusive and Accessible Communication

    Use clear, respectful language that works for diverse audiences.

  • Strategic Stakeholder Communication

    Build trust, manage expectations and influence key partners effectively.

  • Confident Communication for Women

    Equip women with tools to speak up, lead with confidence and navigate workplace dynamics.

  • Effective Briefings and Submissions

    Produce concise, impactful documents tailored for senior audiences and decision-makers.

  • Effective Report Writing

    Create structured, purposeful reports that inform and influence. 

  • Advanced Minute Taking

    Accurately capture decisions and actions from complex meetings.

  • Effective Copywriting for the Public Sector

    Write clearly and persuasively across websites, emails, social media and more.

  • Writing in Plain English

    Replace jargon with clarity and ensure your message is easily understood.

  • Business Critical Writing

    Improve the tone, structure and impact of key communications including letters, emails and briefs.

  • Communicating with Senior Stakeholders and Elected Officials

    Tailor tone, content and delivery for high-stakes conversations with MPs, ministers, board members and other senior figures.

  • Facilitation Skills for Leaders and Teams

    Build confidence in leading structured discussions, workshops and meetings that drive alignment and collaboration.

  • Cross-Cultural and International Communication

    Develop the awareness and adaptability to communicate effectively across cultures in international, diplomatic or diverse UK settings.

  • Empathy-Led Communication Under Scrutiny

    Craft messages with clarity and emotional intelligence, especially when addressing public concerns or crisis situations.

  • Science and Technical Communication for Non-Experts

    Help technical professionals and analysts explain complex ideas clearly to general audiences, stakeholders or decision-makers.

  • Communicating Policy and Strategy Clearly

    Translate policy and strategic objectives into language that engages internal teams and external audiences alike.

  • Hosting and Chairing Effective Meetings

    Strengthen confidence and structure for leading productive, inclusive meetings, virtually or in person.

  • Digital Etiquette and Professional Communication Online

    Establish strong, consistent communication standards for Teams, Slack, email and other online platforms.

Most Requested Sample Agendas

  • Speaking and Presenting with Impact

    Build confidence and communicate with clarity and impact. Gain practical techniques and tailored feedback to engage any audience and speak with greater presence in any professional setting.

    View Sample Agenda

  • Confident Communication for Women in the Workplace

    Support women in communicating with confidence and presence. Develop practical techniques for voice, body language and style to speak clearly and effectively in any workplace setting.

    View Sample Agenda

  • Effective Briefings and Submissions

    Turn complex material into a concise, well-structured document with skill, structure and confidence. Develop the tools to write informative, compelling and decision-ready documents.

    View Sample Agenda

  • Confident Communication and Assertiveness

    Learn to communicate with calm, confident assertiveness in the workplace. Develop practical techniques to express your ideas clearly, influence others effectively and achieve the results you want with confidence.

    View Sample Agenda

  • Advanced Minute Taking

    Develop the skills to take accurate, concise and actionable minutes. Gain practical experience and feedback to capture key points, turn notes into clear minutes, and communicate outcomes effectively.

    View Sample Agenda

  • Improve Your Writing with Plain English

    Learn to write clear, concise English that your audience understands first time. Gain practical tools and expert guidance to make your writing more impactful and effective.

    View Sample Agenda

Mix. Match. Customise.

You don’t have to choose just one. We can combine elements from across these topics to create a tailored programme that meets your team’s exact needs, development goals and working context.

Whether you're looking for a one-off session or a long-term leadership pathway, we’ll work with you to design something truly relevant, practical and impactful, built from the parts that matter most to your people.

Talk to Us About Leadership Training
🗣️ Communication and Influence Sample Agendas

Feedback & Testimonials

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Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

“Sue was amazing and engaging. She made it straightforward and simple to understand, what could have been a very dry subject.”

Public Liasson Officer

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Ministry of Justice

“I thoroughly enjoyed the session on effective briefing and submissions. The trainers were engaging and friendly. I felt the session was tailored to our team so I could easily apply what I learned to my work.”

Assistant Commercial Manager

Civil Aviation Authority

 “The presenter had a fantastic style. She is very knowledgeable and related to my challenges well. Time flew and I made loads of notes. I'm really glad I attended.”

Senior Space Inspector

Submit an Enquiry For Team Training

What Happens After You Enquire?

  1. We contact you within one working day to discuss your goals and training needs.

  2. We hold a quick consultation to understand your specific requirements.

  3. We create a tailored course proposal with clear details and pricing based on your needs.

Success Stories: Mini Case Studies

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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Challenge: DEFRA staff regularly work with complex scientific and legislative information, but many struggled to distil this into clear, concise writing for varied audiences.

Approach: Delivered a Bespoke Writing session focused on simplifying complex content, introducing practical techniques like the six-grid tool to support structure and clarity in communication.

Results:

  • Participants reported significantly improved confidence in handling dense material

  • Practical tools, such as the six-grid, are now being used to support everyday writing tasks

  • Enhanced ability to translate technical content into accessible formats for diverse stakeholders

Oxfordshire City Council

Challenge: Women at Oxfordshire City Council were seeking greater confidence and clarity in workplace communication, particularly when navigating high-pressure meetings or interactions with senior leaders.

Approach: Designed and delivered a bespoke Confident Communication for Women in the Workplace session, focusing on practical tools like language awareness, breathing techniques, and mindset strategies to support calm, assertive communication.

Results:

  • Increased confidence in meetings, especially with challenging peers and senior leaders

  • Practical tools for self-regulation and preparation, reducing stress and improving clarity

  • Greater self-awareness and empowerment in professional interactions

Home Office

Challenge: The Home Office staff wanted to build confidence and polish their skills for delivering impactful presentations, both in person and virtually.

Approach: Facilitated a tailored Speaking and Presenting with Impact session, combining practical techniques, real-time feedback, and personalised action planning to strengthen individual presentation styles.

Results:

  • Renewed confidence in public speaking and presentation delivery

  • Action plans developed to support upcoming virtual and live events

  • Practical tips and techniques now embedded into day-to-day preparation

RSPCA

Challenge: RSPCA staff needed support to strengthen the clarity, structure, and impact of their written communications, particularly when briefing or submitting reports to senior leaders.

Approach: Delivered a bespoke Effective Briefings and Submissions session, equipping participants with tools to write more effectively, structure their ideas clearly, and give constructive feedback. The session included tailored resources to support different experience levels.

Results:

  • Improved ability to write clear, concise briefings and submissions

  • Increased confidence in communicating with senior leaders

  • Practical resources and frameworks now used regularly in day-to-day writing

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More Feedback…

Hounslow London Borough Council

“I really appreciated the attention Sue gave to making the course relevant for those in attendance. Sue kept us all so engaged and in awe of all the work she has been involved in, the examples were really interesting and linked so well with making the training for our Public Health teams so beneficial. The exercises had the perfect balance of being challenging and enjoyable. The day went by so fast as it really was a great day of training. Sue is extremely personable and a has a unique and effective way of training. Thank you Sue.”
- Effective Report Writing, Public Health Officer

Crown Prosecution Service

“This has been the best course I have ever been on. The skills and knowledge I have learnt will not only help me professionally but personally.”
- Presenting with Impact, Policy Advisor

Moat Homes Limited

“When I saw the length of the course I was concerned by the afternoon I'd be bored/distracted and struggle to stay focussed. I couldn't have been more wrong. The course tutor made the subject engaging. Also reaffirming the importance of the role/task of a minute taker. This course title, 'advanced minutes', is misleading... it was so much more.”
- Advanced Minute Taking, Moat Foundation Officer

General Dental Council

“This course exceeded my expectations. The trainer was fantastic and I feel so much more able to develop and deliver presentations effectively and feel much more confident.”
- Presenting and Storytelling, Associate Director, Policy and Research

Crown Prosecution Service

“This was the best training course I have ever been on, and I have been a lot over the years. Absolutely fantastic and really beneficial in terms of helping me grow and improve. It brought out the theatrical side of me!”
- Speaking with Impact, Court Business Advisor

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

“The advanced minute taking course has significantly enhanced the quality and clarity of my meeting records. it has improved my confidence, sharpened my listening skills and enabled me to produce minutes that are concise, professional and action-focused.”
- Advanced Minute Taking, Value Based Healthcare Project Support

Architects Registration Board

“This is the first course that I have attended in years where I felt I have gained valuable skills to improve my professional writing. I’m much more confident in composing my formal documents and emails. Learning how to summarise documents effectively is an absolute godsend.”
- Writing in Plain English, Accreditation Officer

Why It Matters?

Our programmes are grounded in real public sector challenges and tailored to your team’s goals, roles and working environment

People sitting around a table participating in a meeting or workshop, with notebooks, sticky notes, pens, and documents on the table, engaging in discussion and activities.

Many public sector roles depend on communication yet receive little or no formal training in these essential skills

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Group of adults participating in a workshop or business meeting in a conference room with whiteboards, notebooks, and sticky notes on tables.

Influential communication enables public sector professionals to gain support and navigate complex stakeholder relationships

Clear and confident communication strengthens collaboration, trust and decision-making across teams and services

Here’s Our 5 Step Process 

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Step 1: Initial Consultation

We work with you to gain an in-depth understanding of your specific needs.

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Step 2: Planning

We provide a detailed plan, agreeing your timeline, budget and training needs.

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Step 3: Training Design

With you, we find the right course structure and develop training exercises and materials for your needs.

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Step 4: Programme Delivery

Using a delivery method that suits your needs (online or face-to-face), we make sure the course runs to your requirements.

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Step 5: Post-Course

Using feedback reports, we provide you with detailed insight into the effectiveness of the training. As well as recommendations and follow-up training support.

Communication & Influence – Frequently Asked Questions

  • At ModernGov, we deliver in-house communication & influence training for a wide range of public sector and publicly funded organisations, including:

    • Central government departments and local government bodies

    • Local authorities and councils

    • Charities and third-sector organisations delivering public services

    • NHS organisations and private healthcare providers

    • Schools, academies and higher education institutions

    • Police forces, emergency services and public safety organisations

    • Justice and legal organisations

  • Both. Training can be delivered on-site face-to-face, either at client locations or at our facilities, or virtually, or through a blended approach.

    This flexible approach allows public sector organisations to select the delivery method that best meets the needs of their workforce, locations and requirements.

  • Programme length varies depending on the organisation’s needs. We offer flexible options, including half-day workshops, multi-day intensive programmes, or multi-session leadership pathways spread over weeks or months.


  • This training is suitable for public sector professionals at all levels — from frontline staff and communications teams to managers and leaders who need to engage confidently with colleagues, stakeholders, elected officials and external audiences.

  • Yes. Our in-house programmes can be designed for mixed groups, bringing together participants from different teams or departments while ensuring the content remains relevant to their roles and responsibilities.

  • Training is delivered by experienced facilitators and communication specialists with deep public sector experience, equipping participants with practical techniques grounded in real-world public service challenges.


  • Yes. All communication and influence programmes can be tailored to meet your organisation’s specific goals, challenges and context, whether that’s improving written communications, enhancing presentation skills or strengthening stakeholder influence.

  • Organisations can contact ModernGov via our enquiry form, email or phone to discuss training requirements. We provide a consultation to understand needs, customise content and recommend the most suitable delivery approach.

  • Yes. While ModernGov specialises in in-house training for public sector organisations, we also work with private sector organisations, particularly those operating in regulated environments or delivering public services.

    Programmes are tailored to reflect each organisation’s context, priorities and challenges.

  • Yes. We offer courses on digital communication in the public sector, helping teams develop effective online presence, content strategy, audience engagement and digital reputation management.