Train the Trainer - Koru Development

Build your organisation’s in-house capability to design, deliver and evaluate effective learning programmes — grounded in performance psychology and 20 years of practice

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The Challenge :

Most organisations have knowledgeable people who are asked to train others. Fewer have people who understand how adults actually learn — and how to design experiences that create lasting behaviour change rather than a pleasant day out.

We’ve been designing and delivering training programmes for over 20 years — including in some of the most demanding learning environments in the world: medical education, elite sport, global healthcare systems and Fortune 100 organisations. This programme distils what we’ve learned into a practical, psychology-grounded framework that anyone responsible for training can use immediately.

Whether you’re a doctor teaching colleagues, an L&D professional building internal capability, a subject expert creating your first online course, or an organisation wanting to license and deliver our programmes internally — this is the programme for you.

What participants will learn :

Understand what resilience actually is — and what the science says about how to build it
Understand what resilience actually is — and what the science says about how to build it
Apply evidence-based instructional design principles to create learning that sticks
Structure training sessions for maximum engagement and retention — not just information transfer
Design assessments and evaluation frameworks that measure real learning, not just satisfaction
Facilitate with confidence — managing group dynamics, difficult moments and diverse learners
Create psychological safety in learning environments so people feel safe to not know, to try and to fail
Develop a personal facilitation style grounded in your own strengths and expertise

Evidence Base :

Participants receive a Training Design Toolkit — frameworks, templates and checklists to use when building their own programmes.

Available for individuals, teams and organisations. Also available as a pathway for organisations licensing Koru programmes for internal delivery.

Note for individuals: if you’re building your own online course and want expert guidance on design, structure and facilitation — this programme is for you too. Get in touch to discuss.

Who It's For:

Clinicians and healthcare educators building training programmes (NHS, Health Education England, medical colleges) | Corporate L&D teams building internal capability | Professional bodies developing member education | Charity and NGO staff responsible for training delivery | Academics, lecturers and HE professionals | Subject experts building their first online course | Organisations licensing Koru programmes for internal delivery

Why Koru for Train the Trainer?

Gill Thackray holds a PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) and has been designing and delivering training programmes for 20+ years, including for NHS England, Health Education England, medical colleges and global organisations.

Viv Dutton is CIPD qualified (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) — the professional standard for L&D practitioners — and has extensive experience designing and facilitating learning programmes across corporate, charity and public sector environments.

Together, Viv and Gill bring formal teaching qualifications, 20+ years of practice in demanding learning environments, and a track record of building programmes that create lasting change.

Testimonial :

“Koru is a great way of understanding yourself and managing your life. It helps you work out a healthier balance between action and thought and creates both physical and mental harmony. Simple techniques that can be learnt even if you are an experienced manager already. I would recommend the professionalism and wisdom of their approach and people.”

Ruth Spellman Chief Executive, WEA

“Gill and Viv ran a Leadership Workshop for our leaders. It was a valuable introduction with practical steps for managing oneself and others. The session was interactive, supportive, and well prepared. They were professional and easy to work with throughout.”

Larissa Morrish Head of Procurement, Lancaster University

“Koru made a real difference to the effectiveness of our training courses. Their subject knowledge gained the respect of delegates, and their facilitative approach encouraged valuable discussions. They created an environment that allowed ongoing support for participants.”

Dr Hilary Lindsay Chairwoman, ICAEW & CABA Trustee

“My first meeting with Koru was during Wellbeing Week. They instantly made everyone feel at ease. Very organised yet flexible, and created a comfortable and enjoyable environment. I would highly recommend them.”

Coleen Crane HR, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Europe

“Gill and Viv ran a fantastic mindfulness course at the V&A. They are knowledgeable, caring, and responsive to participants’ needs. The sessions were engaging, well-structured, and supported by research. We highly recommend working with them.”

Jenny Phelan Learning Academy Programme Manager, V&A

“We have worked with Koru Development on multiple occasions. Feedback has always been very positive. Their combination of professional content and personable delivery works extremely well. I would warmly recommend them.”

Nina Waters Corporate Services Director, British School of Osteopathy

“Koru’s training session was first class. The day was thought-provoking and highly engaging. I came away with a greater understanding and useful resources. I would highly recommend them.”

Wendy Saunders Head of Development, CABA

“It was a pleasure to work with Gill. She is an inspirational facilitator. The session was worth the investment and I would happily attend further seminars.”

Dr H Turton NHS

“Koru’s session was extremely helpful after a very busy year. They helped us reflect on stress and provided practical strategies. The approach was supportive and created a positive space for growth.”

Dr Philip Dixon Director, ATL Cymru

“I have worked with Gill on stress management projects. She is perceptive, responsive, and thorough. Her sessions are informative and stimulating. I look forward to working together again.”

Nicki Landau Head of HR, ATL

“I learned valuable skills in self-management, negotiation, and working under pressure. I have already applied these in my role and shared them with colleagues. Thank you for the knowledge and experience.”

Zina Habib Project Associate, United Nations, Iraq

“Koru delivered a tailored session for our team in compassionate care. They helped bring the team together, identify strengths, and set goals. I highly recommend them for team development.”

Aruna Ramineni Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician

“We’ve worked with Koru for coaching and workshops. They are efficient, responsive, and professional. We’ve received great feedback from staff and would absolutely recommend them.”

Ellie Cannell Head of HR, IPPF

“Koru are one of the most hassle-free training partners we’ve worked with. Their sessions are tailored, engaging, and effective. We now use them for multiple training needs and highly recommend them.”

Claudia Meyer-Scott Director, Clarasys

“I have never seen such fantastic feedback for an external provider in 25 years. Delegates praised the sessions and many requested follow-ups. A truly valuable experience.”

Yvonne White Manager, Wrexham Medical Institute

“Koru delivered training on Leading and Managing Change. They understood our needs and delivered in a professional, engaging way. All participants found it highly beneficial.”

L Ritchie Human Resources, Combat Stress

“Insightful psychology and engaging delivery helped us understand team dynamics better. The training was immensely helpful and encouraged growth.”

Anna Somerset Head of Fundraising, British School of Osteopathy

“We have been working with Koru Development for a few years and feedback from the Building Resilience course is always excellent. Gill’s training style puts people at ease and her expertise means that delegates walk away with new methods to support their wellbeing. The Growth Mindset course was bespoke and highly relevant. Koru Development offer unlimited after support to learners, which shows how much they care.”

Angela Schlegel Learning and Development Manager, Natural History Museu

“ Having just completed eight weeks with my team working with Gill at Koru, I have already noticed a marked improvement in the resilience and composure of both myself and my team. The combination of easily accessible techniques, supported by proven science and research, helped the team accept and engage with the programme. It won’t be for everyone, but for those that do give it a go, it has the potential to be one of the most impactful pieces of personal development they will do in their careers.”

David Cole COO, UK Sport

" One more testimonial. ‘Gill and Viv of Koru opened up the minds of me and my colleagues to a new vocabulary which described our lived experience, helped us to understand it, and - most importantly - helped us to handle it. Many if not people are resistant to change, but change is increasingly unavoidable. To be happy and successful is to learn how to thrive in an environment of constant change. A growth mindset helps you to achieve this."

Catherine Brown Associate Professor in English at Northeastern University London

Courses :

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Gill Thackray

Gill Thackray is a performance psychologist, author of 8 books published in 12+ languages, and founder of Koru Development. She began her career in United Nations refugee camps and has since worked with the BBC, NHS, UK Sport, the FA, Fortune 100 companies and global healthcare organisations. Gill holds a PGCE and is a member of the Association of Business Psychologists, British Psychological Society and British Neuroscience Association.

Viv Dutton

Viv Dutton is a positive psychologist and one of the first practitioners and lecturers of positive psychology in the UK. She specialises in resilience and growth mindset, and has delivered programmes for Spotify, the Financial Times, the V&A, the NHS and the Wellcome Trust. Viv is a CIPD qualified trainer.

Ready to build your organisation's training capability — or your own?

Get in touch to discuss what this programme could look like for your context.

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