TASTER DAY: AWARENESS

See the whole commercial lifecycle. Understand where you add value.

This taster day gives non-commercial leaders, managers and practitioners a practical introduction to how their decisions, behaviours and judgement influence commercial outcomes across the full commercial relationship lifecycle.

Commercial success in government is not created by procurement teams alone. It is shaped by everyone involved in defining needs, engaging the market, shaping requirements, working with suppliers, managing delivery and responding when relationships come under pressure.

The day introduces the commercial relationship journey from early need and market understanding through to supplier engagement, commitment, delivery, renewal and closure. It connects this journey to the CIPS procurement cycle, helping participants understand how recognised procurement discipline relates to their own role and responsibilities. Participants will explore how commercial risks often emerge early, through unclear requirements, late commercial involvement, weak supplier conversations, poor internal alignment or lack of ownership during delivery. They will also be introduced to Sequora’s DRIVE methodology, EQ awareness and responsible AI-assisted practice. A recurring theme throughout the day is the value question: where is this adding value? Participants will use this lens to consider how their actions influence requirements, supplier engagement, commissioning, delivery, performance and risk.

Key Training Features 

• Understanding the commercial relationship lifecycle from early need through to delivery, renewal and closure
• Connecting the lifecycle to the CIPS procurement cycle
• Exploring how non-commercial roles influence commercial outcomes
• Using Sequora’s DRIVE coaching methodology to support reflection and practical action
• Recognising how communication, emotional intelligence, confidence and trust shape commercial relationships
• Considering responsible AI use to support preparation, analysis, reflection and communication
• Applying the value lens: where is this adding value?

Who Can Attend 

• This course is designed for non-commercial leaders, managers and practitioners whose decisions, behaviours or oversight influence commercial outcomes.
• It is particularly relevant for operational managers, service owners, programme and project leaders, commissioning teams, policy and delivery teams, supplier-facing teams, contract users and stakeholder groups working alongside procurement, commercial, finance, legal or contract management colleagues.
• Participants do not need to be procurement specialists. The course is for those who need to understand how their role contributes to stronger commercial outcomes, better supplier relationships and more effective public service delivery.

Learning Outcomes 

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the commercial relationship lifecycle and how it connects to the CIPS procurement cycle.

They will be better able to recognise how early need definition, supplier engagement, commissioning, contract delivery, performance management, renewal and closure are connected.

They will develop greater confidence in working with commercial, procurement, finance, legal and contract management colleagues and will identify practical actions they can apply immediately to help protect value, reduce risk and strengthen commercial outcomes.