Fistral works with researchers, professional and support staff across Europe. For almost 20 years we have been specifically supporting HEIs and research-focused/knowledge-intensive organisations.
Fistral Training and Consultancy has been delivering Project Management (PM) training since 1991. Over these years the organisation has grown from its original Glasgow base to support researchers, professional and support staff across Europe in four specialised areas: Project Management, Leading & Influencing, Communication & Collaboration, and Personal Effectiveness. For almost 20 years we have been specifically supporting HEIs and research-focused/knowledge-intensive organisations.
Pictured above, “The Kelpies” near Falkirk in Scotland, 30 miles from Fistral’s office in Glasgow
Fistral Mission Statement:
We believe that training should change working practices in a measurable, positive way. The training experience should be stimulating and enjoyable as well as instructive.
This vision is at the heart of everything we do. This practical ethos remains central to all of our work and is reflected in consistently excellent course & trainer ratings, as well as extremely positive participant & customer feedback.
Supporting Industry
The Fistral team has been involved in many major multi-million pound global projects, including assisting staff working in industries such as space, aerospace, information technology, local government, councils, nuclear, engineering, financial services, education, water, energy, health, housing, public-sector, third-sector and NGOs. Trainers regularly deliver for major organisations within these sectors in the UK, The Netherlands, German, Spain, France, Italy.
Consultants have worked and run projects in locations as diverse as Zurich, Shanghai, Johannesburg, New York, Ljubljana, Oslo and Geneva, as well as managing collaborative projects with locations including Hong Kong and Bangalore from the head office in Glasgow.
Supporting Research
Fistral has a strong and well-evidenced background in consultancy and training for researchers. From our very beginnings in 1991 we have worked with globally-recognised organisations and Universities to support research students and research staff at all levels
Our customer list shows the range of knowledge-intensive organisations and sectors we support: from the arts, health, humanities, agriculture and social sciences – to engineering, space, energy, materials and technology research. We work with many Russell Group Universities as well as globally and internationally recognised Training Networks and research-intensive organisations.
Supporting the Space Sector
With over 10 years’ experience within the Space Sector, Fistral has a wealth of understanding and practical expertise supporting all types of staff working on high-profile missions. Our customised suite of courses tailored specifically for Space and delivered with ESA and partners across Europe includes: Project Management, Risk Management, Agile Product Management, Team Leadership, Team Working, Advanced Leadership, Professional Communication, Assertiveness, Constructive Ways to Manage Difficult Behaviour, Time Management, Schedule Control, and Decision-Making skills.
Linked to the relevance and usefulness of the training, we are often asked to deliver bespoke workshops for staff involved in projects such as Galileo, Rosetta, and the International Space Station (ISS). For example, we have successfully delivered customised Risk Assessment workshops with live outputs for senior staff working on European Space Agency ATHENA and JUICE missions, and at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC). We also partner with organisations supporting the space sector such as LSE Space, HE Space, Terma, AOES and ATG.
The Fistral Team
Fraser, Director
Rosie, Associate
Dave, Associate
Cath, Associate
Pauline, Customers
Kay, Events
Carol, Invoicing
Paul, Director
Why Fistral?
Ratings & Feedback are Consistently “Very Good” or “Excellent”
Fistral courses scored 4.75 average overall from 2019-2023.
(out of 5, based on Fistral evaluation forms, 5=Excellent, June 2019-Feb 2023).
We offer a unique partnership, commitment, understanding & focus on research-, university- public-sector and industry-specific issues
Fistral’s customer base list shows the range of organisations and sectors we support: from the arts, health, humanities, environmental, agriculture and social sciences – to engineering, space, nuclear, power, energy, materials and technology. We regularly support all levels of professional, research, support and administrative staff; from MSc and PhD level to CFOs and University President.
In addition to HR, OD and researcher development training, we work with specific departments such as library, careers, HR, estates, IT, student services, and procurement. Trainers have delivered for employees on high-profile projects such as CERN, Galileo, Rosetta and the International Space Station, and with partners supporting employees and internships at AWE, the Barnes Group, Boeing, EDF Energy, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce and Unilever.
Expertise & Credible Reputation Across Europe
We have proven experience delivering practical training in many different, diverse sectors and within world-class organisations globally. Trainers work with many European University and industry partners, and support staff in national and international organisations such as DLR (German Aerospace), AOES Group BV, AURORA technology BV, LSE Space GmbH and BV, ATG Europe BV, and Terma GmbH, to deliver Leadership, Communication and Personal Effectiveness training as well as Project Management and Risk training for the European Space sector at sites across Europe.
Our high-quality work and strong reputation across Europe, and particularly with our partners in Ireland, has grown so much that in 2019 we were delighted to incorporate Fistral Training and Consultancy in Ireland.
Breadth of Disciplines, Sectors & Participants
Fistral’s customer base list shows the range of organisations and sectors we support: from the arts, health, humanities, environmental, agriculture and social sciences – to engineering, space, nuclear, power, energy, materials and technology.
We regularly support all levels of professional, research, support and administrative staff; from MSc and PhD level to CFOs and University President. As well as HR, OD and researcher development training, we work with specific departments such as library, careers, HR, estates, IT, student services, and procurement.
Many Russell Group Universities, Post-1992 Universities, Doctoral Colleges, DTCs, CDTs, Catapult Centres and other globally and internationally recognised Training Networks and research-intensive organisations across Europe choose Fistral.
Ease of Customisation & Certification
Courses can be taken off-the-shelf or adapted with minimal development to, for example: reflect a bespoke methodology; focus on areas of particular importance; or meet an industry or professional accreditation need.
Flexibility in Delivery, Approach & Complementing Existing Provision
Training can be delivered onsite, online or in blended format. With a range of expertise across our whole Product Suite, our provision can be adapted to complement a variety of audience needs and organisational approaches to training, as well as dovetailing and integrating easily and efficiently to complement existing programmes.
“Great tools for work and research” – Time Management rates 4.92
PhD students from Ulster University Doctoral College logged on to Fistral’s webinar session Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid Drifting....
Perfect 5/5 from Liverpool Doctoral College – Time Management training
Fistral welcomed students from the University of Liverpool Doctoral College online for a training session Taking Charge of Your Time:...
ECRs say PM for Researcher training is “Very helpful for developing realistic plans”
Researchers from The University of Exeter Doctoral College joined us for Part 3 of a webinar series Project Management Essentials...
“Useful, relatable and applicable” – Project Management in the Real World rates 4.93
Fistral was welcomed onsite at Loughborough University for a training session Project Management in the Real World (PMRW). The group...
4.83 for PM Essentials for Researchers – staff say “I wish I had taken the course 5 years ago!”
Researcher staff from The University of Exeter once more joined us for Part 2 of a webinar series entitled Project...
“Applicable to my current work” – PM Essentials for Researchers (Part 1)
Researcher staff from The University of Exeter Doctoral College joined us online for Part 1 of a webinar series entitled...
Resilience skills are “Important to successfully navigate the PhD journey” – 5 out of 5 rating
PhD students from Ulster University Doctoral College gave Fistral’s webinar session Build Your Resilience and Take your PhD in your...
“Tailor-made for PhD” – Time Management is “A truly enlightening experience”
Joining us online for a webinar session entitled Keeping on Top of Your PhD: Personal Time Management Strategies were a...
Risk training is “Necessary in our PhD” – Doctoral College student
The third of four training courses in our CAPM professional certification series, Project Risk Management, was delivered onsite to a...
5 out of 5 for CAPM Preparation
Onsite once more at The University of Strathclyde, we delivered Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training course to a group of PhD...
“Useful real-world application” – 4.92 for Risk Management
We welcomed a cohort of PhD students and research staff at all levels from The University of Bath online for...
4.88 for PMRW – “Very useful, especially in the context of research”
Onsite at The University of Strathclyde Teaching and Learning Building, we delivered Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World training...
4.77, “Insightful and relevant to PhD” – Supervisory Relationship training
PhD students at the Doctoral College in the University of Strathclyde joined us online for a webinar entitled Creating a...
“Informative and well-organised” – Intro to PM for research staff and students
A group of research staff and PhDs from The University of Bath joined us online for a training session Introduction...
“Really impactful” – Professional Communication Skills for PhDs
We welcomed a cohort of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year PhD students from the University of Strathclyde Doctoral College to...
“Best course ever” – 5 out of 5 for Leadership and Teambuilding training
Onsite at The University of Strathclyde, we delivered a training course called Leadership and Teambuilding Techniques. The attendees gave a...
“Really worthwhile – lots of practical tools” – PM Tools for Managing Your Research Project post-award
Joining us onsite for a new training session entitled Project Management Tools for Managing Your Research Project was a group...
“Engaging and useful” – Intro to Project Planning for Doctoral College students
Postgraduate Researchers from The University of Manchester joined us online for Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning webinar session. The Doctoral...
“Extremely useful for career” – Advanced PM training
Onsite for this session, we welcomed a group of PhD students from the University of Strathclyde, to a training course...
“Perfect for both students and professionals” – Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid Drifting’ rates 5 out of 5
We welcomed a group of PhD students from the University of Strathclyde Doctoral College online to a webinar entitled Taking...
4.92 for Risk Management – PhDs say “in-depth real-life experiences that help convey the message”
Fistral hosted an onsite training course for Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Strathclyde entitled Risk Management in the Real...
“Great tools to plan PhD” – Part 3 rates 5 out of 5
PhD students at the University of Ulster Doctoral College joined us once more for part three of our four-part Introduction...
Part 2 of Project Planning “Can be applied making the scope of the PhD more digestible”- Doctoral College
A group of PhD students at the University of Ulster joined us once more for part two of our four-part...
“Very applicable to a PhD” – Intro to Project Planning Part 1
We welcomed PhD students at the University of Ulster to part one of our four-part Introduction to Project Planning webinar...
Research staff say PM Techniques for Planning Your Research is “A useful mix of practical skills”
Academic staff at the University of Bristol joined us online for Parts 1 & 2 of a webinar series entitled...
Time Management rates 4.89 – “Engaging and interactive”
We welcomed a group of PhD students from the University of Strathclyde to an onsite training course Keeping on Top...
“Tools to create a PhD plan” – Intro to Project Planning 4.91
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning webinar session. The group gave...
“Incredibly helpful” – 4.81 Intro to Project Planning
PhD students at the University of Manchester logged on to a Fistral webinar session Introduction to Project Planning. The group...
“A lot of very useful tips on how to plan a project and even how to deal with supervisors” – Project Management in the Real World
Fistral delivered an onsite training course at the University of Strathclyde, entitled Project Management in the Real World. This is...
“Great techniques to take away” – 4.9 out of 5 from Doctoral College students
Fistral ran an onsite training session for Doctoral Colege students at the University of Manchester entitled Introduction to Project Management....
![“I told [colleagues] that it was the most helpful session the university has run and that it will completely change the way they plan and think about their PhD projects!” – UoManchester](https://www.fistraltraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/blog_students_whiteboard-310x170.jpg)
“I told [colleagues] that it was the most helpful session the university has run and that it will completely change the way they plan and think about their PhD projects!” – UoManchester
We met a great group of PhD students onsite at the University of Manchester and delivered a training session, Introduction...
4.92 from research staff and PhDs – Introduction to Project Management
Fistral welcomed a group from the University of Bath to a webinar training session entitled Introduction to Project Management. The...
100% of Space sector staff recommend Time Management Strategies and rate it 4.75 out of 5
A group of staff from LSE Space GmbH and Aurora Technology B.V. logged on to Fistral’s online training course Time...
“Useful introductory session that makes starting a project seem a bit less daunting.” – Undergraduate
A group from the University of Strathclyde Internship Programme logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management webinar session. The...
“Really useful tips that are simple and clear that can be easily applied to any project or work” – Undergrad Internship Programme
Attendees from the University of Strathclyde Internship Programme joined us online for webinar training providing Project Management Tips for undergraduate...
“Highly recommend and very useful in our job setting” say Uni staff
We enjoyed delivering an onsite training course to a group of staff from across Loughborough University entitled Project Management in...
100% of Space Sector attendees recommend Leadership Skills – 4.75 out of 5
Space sector staff joined us online for a webinar entitled Leadership Skills and Techniques for New Team Leaders. The group...
4.75 for ‘PM Techniques for Planning Your Research’
Research staff at the University of Bristol joined us online for a webinar session entitled Project Management Techniques for Planning...
Agile training at ESTEC was “Very useful learning”
ESA staff attended a Fistral onsite training course entitled Agile Product Delivery An Introduction using SCRUM and gave a feedback...
Space contextualised training – ESTEC staff give Risk 4.70 out of 5
Fistral welcomed a cohort of space sector staff to an onsite training course in Noordwijk called Introduction to Project Risk...
![“I would recommend [this PM training] to anyone in the early stages of a collaborative research project.”](https://www.fistraltraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/blog_research_students2-310x170.jpg)
“I would recommend [this PM training] to anyone in the early stages of a collaborative research project.”
Research staff at the University of Bristol logged on to Part Two of Fistral’s Project Management Techniques for Planning Your...
Procrastination Busting techniques are “Really applicable to PhD life”
Fistral ran an online training session Get Unstuck: Procrastination Busting for PhD students from the NINE DTP hosted by the...
Research staff say PM is “Useful, relevant and well delivered”
Staff at the University of Bristol logged on to Part One of Fistral’s Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research...
Wind Energy CDT give CAPM Prep 4.75
A group from the Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind & Marine Energy Systems & Structures, from both the Universities...
“Very helpful in preparing for CAPM Exam” – Doctoral College PGRs
Postgraduate students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s CAPM Preparation webinar session. The group gave the session...
Project Management in the Real World – CDT gives 5 out of 5
Fistral delivered a 3-day onsite training session called Project Management in the Real World at the University of Exeter –...
“Keeps a steady focus on what you need for successful research project planning and management” – Project Planning for Researchers
Researcher staff at ECR and Mid-Career level at Bournemouth University joined us online for a four-part Project Planning for Research...
“Strategies that can substantially improve our research planning” – Managing Complex Research Projects
Research staff at the University of Warwick joined us for a webinar entitled Advanced Techniques for Managing Complex Research Projects....
ECRs say “I wish I had known about the tools earlier.”
Research staff at the University of Exeter logged on to Part 4 of Fistral’s Project Management Essentials for Researchers webinar...
4.70 for Advanced Project Management
We welcomed a group of Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Strathclyde to an online training session Advanced Project Management....