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Home Foundations of public administration Personal Effectiveness Psychological Flexibility for Civil Servants: Acceptance for Leading Through Uncertainty

Psychological Flexibility for Civil Servants: Acceptance for Leading Through Uncertainty

Recognise emotional patterns that influence performance and relationships
Apply acceptance-based techniques to stay focused and flexible under pressure
Strengthen emotional agility to support inclusive and adaptive thinking, and develop stress-tolerance
Respond to uncertainty with openness and curiosity
Build psychological safety through emotionally intelligent behaviours

Overview

Off the shelf (OTS)

Target Audience:
Open to all grades across the Civil Service, this module is suitable for individuals working in fast-paced, complex environments who want to strengthen their emotional agility and adaptability. It is particularly relevant for those navigating uncertainty, supporting others through change, or seeking to improve performance under pressure.

Prerequisites / Experience Level:
No prior experience with psychological flexibility or emotional agility is required. The module is accessible to all levels and roles.

Course Description:
This module focuses on the foundational skill of acceptance; learning to work with emotions rather than against them. Participants explore how emotional experiences influence performance, decision-making, and relationships, and practice techniques to remain open, curious, and focused in challenging situations. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the session provides a psychologically safe space for social learning, reflection, and skill development. Real-time scenarios and peer dialogue help embed emotional agility into daily work, supporting inclusion, resilience, and self-awareness.

Course Objectives / Topics Covered:
•Emotional patterns and their impact on performance
•Acceptance-based techniques for navigating pressure
•Psychological safety and inclusion through emotional openness
•Building resilience and adaptability in complex environments
•Reflective practices for self-awareness and growth