What we do
Learning and development
Learning and development programmes

Learning and development programmes

Why IPA?

Our research programme plus our extensive experience of delivery to organisations of all sizes across the UK economy ensures that we work from a robust evidence base to develop capability in organisations who want to improve their employment relations and harness the potential of employee voice.

IPA has been building the case for collaborative working for over 100 years. We understand historical context as well as contemporary challenges, and bring these to life in a meaningful, practical way for learners.

Our approach

Recognising that each workplace has its own DNA, IPA's programmes are designed specifically for each client, incorporating the client's vision, values and goals for the session, as well as the learning styles and needs of the individual participants.

Our approach aligns with our commitment to voice and participation and is participatory by design, involving plenty of opportunity for discussion and sharing of experiences in a safe space.

Support can range from a half-day’s training to a tailored programme of discovery, coaching, training and group facilitation.

IPA's programmes can be delivered in-person or remotely.

Full programme materials are provided and participants are equipped to use the unique, tried and tested tools and techniques that IPA has developed.

Colin Freeth, Supplier Development Specialist, TorbayPharma: I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for the training you delivered at Torbay Pharmaceuticals.

To be honest, if someone had asked me at the start whether we’d achieve the level of progress we did, I might have laughed it off. But thanks to your approach, we got there — and more.

The training was delivered at a great pace, with regular checks on understanding that really helped reinforce the learning. Your style made the sessions engaging and effective.

I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you invested in us. Thank you again.

Programmes for employee representatives

IPA has developed a range of participative training programmes for employee representatives, and for trade union representatives, designed to enhance the contribution collective employee voice can make to organisational success. More here....

Programmes for managers

Engaging and confident managers are at the heart of effective employment relations and employee engagement strategies. IPA has designed programmes from short essential briefings on key topics to longer more in depth skills development programmes to support managers. More here....

Joint programmes for managers and trade union representatives

These tailored workshops are focussed on joint organisational priorities and how to develop a collaborative approach to tackling them. More here....

Programmes for senior leadership teams

Focused workshops designed for leaders who are accountable for effective employment relations, employee engagement and hearing employee voice in their organisation.

What happens after the programme ends?

The IPA facilitator will share their contact details and participants are encouraged to make contact after the programme if they wish to clarify anything, or just want to talk something through.

See our full portfolio of training for managers and training for employee representatives.

Contact us

Want to speak to a person?...

Lucy O'Melia, head of learning and development:

E [email protected]

M 07852 836560

Latest

Productivity Starts with People - Results of the annual Engage for Success UK engagement survey 2026

Join us for a joint online event hosted by Engage for Success and the IPA, as we launch the 2026 Engage for Success Annual Survey report, 'Productivity Starts with People'. This timely session will bring together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore new evidence on the critical link between employee engagement, productivity and organisational performance.
Beyond rhetoric: what is really sustaining – or undermining – DEI in UK workplaces?

Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) has not disappeared from organisational agendas, but it is under pressure. It feels more fragile, more contested, and harder to sustain than it did a few years ago. Dr Meenakshi Krishnan, Principal Research Fellow at IES reflects on what is driving inclusion and fairness in organisations right now? How are current labour market challenges strengthening or complicating the case for DEI? And what would make DEI feel like core business?
What new sectoral bargaining could mean for pay and workforce stability

Naomi Cooke, Head of Workforce at the Local Government Association, reflects on what the introduction of a new model of sectoral bargaining could mean for local government employers and beyond. The Employment Rights Act represents a real sea-change. Two comparatively small provisions denote a significant shift in how pay, terms and conditions will be set, by establishing the first statutory collective pay bargaining mechanisms in England since wage councils were abolished in the 1990s.
IPA Employee Voice Survey

Strong employee voice helps organisations make better decisions, manage change more effectively and build trust at work. To understand how this works in practice, we asked employee representatives, forum and staff council chairs, and others involved in voice arrangements to share their experiences via an online survey.