Programme Overview
In today’s rapidly evolving public service landscape, effective leadership demands agility, resilience, and the capacity to steer through ambiguity. The Staff College’s “Leading in Uncertainty” programme is carefully designed to equip leaders and managers across public services with the tools and mental models necessary to thrive amidst uncertainty.
Programme Structure and dates
This 3.5 day hybrid Programme blends 1 x half day virtual training alongside a 2-day residential and 1-day workshop. All in person programme dates will take place at Warwick Conferences.
- Session 1 (Online) – 28th April 2026 – 12 – 4:30pm
- Session 2/3 (Residential) – 20th & 21st May 2026
- Session 4 (In Person) – 17th June 2026
Session 1: (Online)
Introduction to whole systems thinking as a way of working in public services and a chance to connect with other participants to set out expectations for the residential.
Session 2 (day 1 of the residential)
The first day of the residential part of the programme will allow participants to work with;
VUCA – exploring the system we work within using the Staff College’s bespoke VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) toolkit.
Leading in a political environment – exploration of leadership behaviours, culture shaping, and tools to enhance political intelligence.
Managing change in human services – Practical approaches to support teams through change, guided by practical models.
Conflict handling styles – development of conflict resolution skills using the Thomas-Kilmann model to navigate complex systems with multiple perspectives.
Session 3 (day 2 of the residential)
Planning for an unknown future: – utilisation of the Staff College’s scenario planning toolkit to strategise long-term planning within short-term cycles.
Reframing Challenges – Don’t Think of an Elephant! – techniques to reframe challenges using mental structures that influence perception and decision-making.
Session 4 (In person)
Reconnecting with the programme – the session will involve participants sharing their experiences of implementing the various tools and mental models from the programme.
Developing collaborative practice – this final session will consider how we do our talking, and will use the Staff College’s system leadership skills and behaviours model.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is targeted at Heads of Service (or tier 3 equivalent) level. This programme is highly relevant to anyone working in public services at any managerial and leadership level. Whether you work in children’s services, health, education or social work you will find this programme will provide practical support for you in your role.
Costs for Programme
£1,950 + VAT. Includes full VUCA toolkit.