Negotiation Skills in Health and Social Care Training Course

Negotiation skills are essential in health and social care. Professionals regularly need to balance differing views, priorities, and expectations while keeping people safe, respected, and involved in decisions about their care. Effective negotiation supports person-centred practice, equality, inclusion, and positive working relationships.

This free negotiation skills online course provides a practical introduction to negotiation skills within health and social care settings. It focuses on communication, preparation, ethical decision-making, and managing conflict, helping professionals negotiate confidently and respectfully in everyday practice.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Negotiation in health and social care is rarely about winning or losing. It is about reaching fair, ethical, and workable outcomes that respect the needs of individuals, families, professionals, and organisations.

This course will help you to:

• Understand negotiation clearly: Learn what negotiation is and why it matters in health and social care.
• Support person-centred care: Use negotiation to promote choice, inclusion, and shared decision-making.
• Communicate effectively: Develop listening, questioning, empathy, and assertiveness skills.
• Prepare with confidence: Plan negotiations using facts, policies, and ethical standards.
• Manage conflict professionally: Handle disagreement, pressure, and challenging conversations calmly.
• Maintain relationships: Reach agreements while preserving trust and positive working relationships.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define negotiation and explain its role in health and social care.
• Describe how negotiation supports equality, inclusion, and person-centred care.
• Identify the common stages and types of negotiation.
• Recognise the differences between competitive and collaborative negotiation styles.
• Use active listening, questioning, empathy, and assertive communication effectively.
• Understand how body language, tone, and confidence influence negotiation outcomes.
• Prepare for negotiations by gathering information and considering ethical and organisational factors.
• Manage conflict and barriers while staying focused on shared goals.
• Bring negotiations to a clear conclusion and confirm agreed outcomes.
• Follow up agreements appropriately to maintain trust and accountability.

Negotiation Skills in Health and Social Care Course Outline

Module 1: What Negotiation Means and Why It Matters
This module introduces negotiation and explains its key components. Learners will explore why negotiation is important in health and social care, including how it supports equality, inclusion, shared decision-making, and person-centred care in everyday practice.

Module 2: Stages and Types of Negotiation
Learners will be guided through the common stages of negotiation, from preparation to agreement. This module also compares competitive and collaborative negotiation styles and highlights the importance of setting realistic goals and clear boundaries before negotiations begin.

Module 3: Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Negotiation
This module focuses on the communication skills needed for successful negotiation. Learners will develop understanding of active listening, questioning, empathy, body language, tone, and assertiveness, as well as strategies for handling challenging conversations respectfully and confidently.

Module 4: Preparation and Planning for Negotiation
Learners will explore how to prepare effectively for negotiation by gathering relevant information and considering factors such as organisational policy, ethics, legislation, and power dynamics. The module emphasises planning approaches that align with professional standards and safe practice.

Module 5: Conflict and Barriers in Negotiation
This module examines common causes of conflict during negotiation and practical ways to manage them. Learners will explore methods to keep discussions focused on shared goals, resolve deadlock, and remain professional under pressure.

Module 6: Reaching and Following Up on Agreement
The final module focuses on concluding negotiations positively. Learners will learn how to confirm shared understanding, record and implement agreements, review outcomes, and maintain trust and constructive working relationships after negotiation has taken place.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care professionals at all levels.
• Care workers and support staff involved in discussions with individuals and families.
• Team leaders, supervisors, and managers.
• Professionals involved in multi-disciplinary working and care planning.
• Learners preparing for roles requiring communication and decision-making skills.

No previous negotiation training is required. The course is accessible and relevant across a wide range of care settings.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course covers negotiation principles, communication skills, preparation, conflict management, and follow-up in health and social care contexts.

Is this course relevant to UK health and social care?
Yes. The content reflects UK practice, professional values, and ethical standards.

Is the course practical?
Yes. It focuses on real-life scenarios and skills you can use immediately.

How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.

Effective negotiation supports better decisions, stronger relationships, and safer, more inclusive care. By developing your negotiation skills, you can approach difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism.

Join this course today and strengthen your negotiation skills in health and social care.