We offer learning programmes that share the techniques and insights of successful leaders.
Our team have tackled complex international problems at the highest levels of government. They share their experiences through masterclasses in negotiating, communicating and problem-solving.
Our masterclasses feature bold presentations and realistic case studies / roleplays that encourage participants to analyse problems and issues in a deeper way, and use skills drawn from professional mediation techniques to make progress. What’s going on here? What’s this problem about?

Participants much value the frank and lively interactive approach of our masterclasses and the supplementary materials we provide for future reference.
Masterclasses are delivered in-person or online: programmes and prices available on request.
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We develop practical skills for negotiating with and influencing people from different backgrounds and cultures, at any level of seniority. Areas and associated techniques include:
Our courses on running effective meetings develop the key teamwork skills and behaviours that are needed daily in most organisations. Areas covered include:
Our leadership courses are designed to develop and enhance the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for effective leadership. Areas and associated techniques include:
We provide one-on-one coaching or group training in communicating effectively (verbal, non-verbal, visual and written communication) to get your message across clearly. Areas and techniques include:
We offer coaching or group training in all sorts of media skills (drafting and delivering media statements, radio and TV interviews, drafting Op-Eds, social media etc) to help get the right messages to the intended targets. Areas and techniques include:
Our team have handled crises in many different countries and contexts. They share sophisticated techniques for leading when things are especially difficult. Areas and associated techniques include:
Our team draw on their personal experience to offer masterclasses in many different areas of practical diplomacy:
These workshops are typically designed around specific disputes or intractable problems. They focus on the operational needs of those directly involved and of people invited to help make progress, including expert witnesses. Many in our team have professional mediation qualifications.
This workshop is designed to help those in the private sector understand how diplomatic negotiation works and how good intergovernmental outcomes may differ from commercial transactions. It will explore different negotiation paradigms, from classic Great Power diplomacy to globalised discussions based on international institutions and a rules-based international order. And it will examine the influence of multinational companies on governments, and their ability to act. Participants will gain a better understanding of What is Going On and how to protect the interests of their organisations in a time of growing international uncertainty.
Masterclasses are delivered in-person or online.
• Online Masterclasses take place via Zoom or Webex. Each module is delivered in 3 - 4 hour online sessions
• In-person Masterclasses when delivered in London will be held at a convenient central London location
• In-person Masterclasses can also be held outside the UK according to demand
• Masterclasses are run on the basis of no more than eight participants to one leader
• Programmes and prices available on request
• Education joint ventures with other organisations will be considered
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John Buck was FCO Head of Public Diplomacy and then inthe wake of the Iraq War seconded to the Coalition Provisional Authority inBaghdad to establish the CPA’s strategic communications operation. He was FCODirector for Iraq from 2003-2004 and UK Ambassador to Portugal from 2004-07. In2007 he joined BG, a major international energy company, as Group Director forGovernment and Public Affairs. During the past decade John has helped topexecutives of international organisations and foreign ministries refine theirnegotiation, diplomatic and leadership skills
Sir Dominick Chilcott KCMG was a British diplomat for 40 years, posted as the UK’s ambassador to Turkey (2018-22), Ireland (2012-2016), Iran (2011), Sri Lanka and the Maldives (2006-7). He also served as the Deputy Head of Mission in Washington (2008-11) and as Head of External Relations at the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU (1998-2002). In London, Sir Dominick worked in the private offices of two foreign secretaries and was director of the Iraq Policy Unit in 2003 and director for bilateral relations with European countries in 2003-6. Having retired in 2022, Sir Dominick has moved into consultancy where he draws on his considerable experience of international relations to provide training, analysis and advice to business, overseas governments and international organisations
Charles Crawford CMG is a communications specialist. He joined the UK Diplomatic Service in1979. He was British Ambassador in Sarajevo after the Dayton Accords; in Belgrade after the fall of Slobodan Milošević; and in Warsaw when Poland joined the European Union. He also served in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, South Africa and Moscow
Since leaving the Diplomatic Service in 2007 he has worked as a professional communication consultant. He delivers specialist communication and diplomatic skills masterclasses in the public and private sectors
He appearsfrequently on the UK and international media to discuss international policyissues and diplomatic technique (CNN, Sky News, BBC, ITV, Voice ofRussia). He has published a book onhigh-level speechwriting: Speeches for Leaders. He currently supports senior speechwriting at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO)
Sir Stewart Eldon KCMG OBE was UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1998–2002), UK Ambassador to Ireland (2003-06) and UK Permanent Representative to NATO (2006-2010). He uses his experience in bilateral and multilateral negotiation to provide training in advanced negotiation and diplomatic skills to senior leaders in international organisations.
Sir Stewart is a consultant, trainer and prominent commentator on international defence and security issues. He is Senior Civil Adviser to the Higher Command & Staff College at the UK Defence Academy for officers judged capable of reaching the top ranks of the British Armed Forces
Paul Madden CMG is an Asia Pacific and trade expert. He was British Ambassador to Japan, High Commissioner to Australia and Singapore, and Managing Director at UK Trade & Investment, the British Government’s trade agency. He has also served as Head of Public Diplomacy in the UK Foreign Office. He is an adviser to several leading Japanese multinational corporations, and some smaller consultancies in the UK and Australia, and a Visiting Professor of International Relations at Keio University, Japan
We have delivered Masterclasses for international organisations, national governments and private sector clients:
• Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• International Committee Red Cross (ICRC)
• International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
• Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
• Provisional Treaty Secretariat of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBTO)
• Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• United Nations Department for Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
• United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (UNMICT)
• United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
• United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
• United Nations Office, Geneva (UNOG)
• United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
• UN Secretariat, New York
• UN Staff System College, Turin (UNSSC)
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• UN Women
• United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Foreign ministries and diplomatic academies in Austria, Bahrain, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Myanmar, Netherlands, Bahrain, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
“My instincts did not let me down when I decided to follow the entire programme - one of the highlights during my five years in charge of staff development”
United Nations Office at Geneva: Speechwriting Workshop
“A great effort, many thanks. It was appropriate that the course was designed for us. The roleplays helped a lot to imagine crisis management in the real world"
Crisis Management course for senior Foreign Ministry officials
“Thanks for one of the finest courses I’ve had the privilege of attending: such challenging exercises and interactions. I find myself more prepared to negotiate confidently in the future.”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Negotiation Skills
“Already in two specific occasions during the last week I benefited from your advice on how to write clear and effective messages. Again, a million thanks for the effective training”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Leadership Skills
“A LOT of information that I hope to apply. Well done all 4 days! I’ll gladly attend ANY training you offered”
“Drinking from a firehose. If I can put 15% into practice, my delivery will have improved greatly”
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): Briefing and Advanced Presentation Skills
“A great and memorable course. Probably the best course on communication I’ve ever had”
“Entertaining, practical, well-structured and useful”
United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC): Talking-Points and Speechwriting Webinars
“Thank you for your excellent help and tips! Wow - you are really good at this. I must say I am impressed”
Eurocontrol: Verbal Communication Skills