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5 minute read
Central government staff face ever-changing policies and growing demands, so practical skills they can apply immediately are more important than ever.
ModernGov delivers bespoke, hands-on training tailored to your team’s unique challenges. In 2025, several courses have emerged as clear favourites - here’s why and the real impact they’re making.
Contents:
1. Effective Briefings and Submissions
2. Effective Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Implementation
3. Effective Data Visualisation and Storytelling
4. Microsoft Copilot for the Public Sector
5. Leadership Skills for Emerging Managers
6. Other Noteworthy Courses with Strong Demand
7. Discover Our Full Range of Bespoke Courses - Download Our Training Catalogue
1. Effective Briefings and Submissions
A go-to course for clear and impactful communication in high-pressure contexts.
Why it’s a hit: Central government staff appreciate its practical format that helps distil complex information into concise, decision-ready briefings.
Some delegate feedback:
“A really enjoyable course, delivered at an appropriate pace and with a great balance between teaching, practical examples and discussion." - DEFRA
"A very informative course even for someone who has been writing for an awfully long time. Would highly recommend to colleagues from all areas as you will almost certainly learn a new perspective and improve your writing abilities." - Serious Fraud Office
"This course was incredibly helpful! I have done a couple of writing courses before and this one is by far the best. Susan was really passionate and engaging - I would 100% recommend this." - DEFRA
Case study: Westminster City Council brought this in-house. The tailored session helped teams produce sharper, more consistent submissions. Feedback showed participants left with tools they could apply immediately to policy papers and leadership briefings.
2. Effective Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Implementation
Designed for shaping and executing policy with confidence.
Why it ranks high: Professionals value structured guidance on strategic alignment and decision-making, paired with interactive group work.
Some delegate feedback:
“Really useful course for anyone working in strategy based roles. Full of tools and helpful advice to get the best strategic planning outcomes." - UK Research and Innovation
"This is the most useful course I have been on in a long time! Helpful discussion in breakout rooms on real examples really helped to solidify the principles in my head." - UK Research and Innovation
"This course really shows how important effective strategic planning is for successful implementation. There are numerous models and tools explained that will be easy to apply to day to day work." - The Home Office
Case Study: Department for Education
A bespoke Strategic Thinking and Planning course helped participants distinguish between thinking and planning, challenge assumptions and sharpen priorities. One attendee noted it gave them the tools and confidence to shift from a delivery role into a more strategic one, contributing effectively even with limited resources.
3. Effective Data Visualisation and Storytelling
Turning data into compelling narratives - ideal for ministerial decisions or public communications.
Why it’s popular: The hands-on approach resonates with central government teams who need to move beyond dashboards and charts into persuasive storytelling.
Some delegate feedback:
“I recently attended a one-day course on visualising and storytelling with data, and it was incredibly relevant to my role as a Government Data Analyst. The course was exceptionally well-delivered, covering a vast amount of material in a short time. It provided me with practical skills and insights that I can immediately apply to my work. This course is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their data visualisation and storytelling abilities. Highly recommended!" - States of Jersey
"The course was an excellent balance of practical activities and theory. The trainer was friendly and knowledgeable. I'm excited to put the training into use." - The Quality Assurance Agency For Higher Education
"I had a great time at the data visualisation workshop. The course content was interesting and insightful, with lots of takeaways that I can apply to my daily work. Mark was a great tutor - very engaging and communicated the course content clearly." - States of Jersey
Case Study: States of Jersey
For one Government Data Analyst, the bespoke Effective Data Visualisation and Storytelling course was “incredibly relevant” to their role. In just one day, they gained practical skills, fresh ideas, and a clearer sense of how to tailor visuals to different audiences - tools they could immediately apply to make their data more impactful.
Pull-Quote:
"This course transformed how I tell stories with data - simple, clear, and instantly applicable!"
4. Microsoft Copilot for the Public Sector
Equips staff with AI-powered productivity tools - perfect for modern workflows.
Why it’s in demand: As teams adopt AI to enhance efficiency, this course has become one of the most sought-after digital upskilling options of 2025.
Some delegate feedback:
"This MS Copilot session was an absolute game changer! Will make my job so much easier and save me a lot of time. Got to keep up to date or we'll get left behind. Massive thank you!"- Ministry of Justice
“The course was very informative and covered all the relevant topics. Alan was an excellent presenter and there was plenty of interaction." - States of Jersey
"Really enjoyed the Co-pilot training. Good balance of theory with practical application, and I'm looking forward to exploring how we can best use it in practice." - Department for Work and Pensions
Case study: Ministry of Justice
Participants in the bespoke MS Copilot training were impressed by how practical and relevant the session was, particularly in prison-specific contexts. One attendee described it as a “game changer,” highlighting how it will save time, streamline their work, and help them stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital environment.
Pull-Quote:
"This session was a game changer - it will make my job so much easier and save me a lot of time!"
5. Leadership Skills for Emerging Managers
Helping new leaders build confidence, manage teams, and adapt to changing demands.
Why learners love it: The course combines practical exercises, peer learning, and self-reflection - highly rated across central government.
Some delegate feedback:
"I thoroughly enjoyed today's course. I learnt so much and look forward to applying what I learnt in my role. It was really well delivered and clear that our trainer was extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I enjoyed hearing her real-life examples which contributed to making the course interesting as well as demonstrating her credibility." - Department for Education
"Really informative and though-provoking course. Provides not only lessons to guide better management and leadership but also opportunities for self-reflection." - DEFRA
"I would recommend this course for new managers, I learnt a great deal about my own management style and have come away with practical tools I can use to improve my own performance (and hopefully the people I manage as a result!)." - Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Case Study: DEFRA
DEFRA’s bespoke Leadership Skills for Emerging Managers course was praised for its engaging and practical approach. Participants highlighted how the session combined theory with real-world examples, helping them develop actionable leadership skills and think about leadership from fresh perspectives. One attendee noted it was especially valuable early in their career, giving them the confidence and tools to apply new approaches in the workplace.
Pull-Quote:
"An extremely engaging session that gave me practical tools and fresh perspectives to become a more effective leader."
Some Honourable Mentions
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Strategic Change Management / Effective Change Management
Central government staff value these for navigating transformation, with experts like David guiding real-world applications. -
Effective Report Writing
A hit among professionals needing to refine written communication - delegates laud the clarity and practical structure. - Advanced Minute Taking
Aimed at enhancing minute-taking skills, this training remains a popular choice for those looking to improve their documentation efficiency.
Discover Our Full Range of Bespoke Courses
Explore our course catalogue to see all the topics we can cover, read more real-life case studies and learn more about our process. Download it now to find the perfect training solution for your team.
