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.
“Glad to have taken the course for my PhD” – University of Strathclyde Time Management Course feedback
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral's Keeping on Top of Your PhD: Personal Time Management...
“Do it early in your project, helpful tools to get started” – University of Strathclyde feedback
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management training course. The group gave...
University of Strathclyde PhD Students rate CAPM Preparation course 5 out of 5
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training course. This course prepares attendees to sit...
“Skills I will apply to PhD” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 4
PhD students at Ulster University logged on to the fourth and final part of our Introduction to Project Planning training...
“Wish I had known this before” – Bristol staff on Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research
Staff at Bristol University logged on to parts 1&2 of Fistral’s Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research training course....
5 out of 5 score – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 3
PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 3 of our Introduction to Project Planning training course. The attendees...
“The reality check I needed” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar
Joining us online, a group of PhD students at Ulster University undertook part 2 of our Introduction to Project Planning...
“Very practical and can tailor to your needs.” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar
PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 1 of our Introduction to Project Planning training course. The attendees...
University of Strathclyde group score supervisory relationship webinar 5 out of 5
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to our training course entitled Creating a Good Supervisory Relationship. The...
“Great practical tips” – University of Bristol CDT, Time Management webinar
We were joined online by PhDs from two University of Bristol CDTs; CoSEM and Digital Health. The training session we...
“Excellent practical training” – University of Strathclyde PhD
At the University of Strathclyde in our home town of Glasgow, we ran our course entitled Project Management in the...
“Very useful on theoretical and practical grounds.” – University of Strathclyde Researcher
Researchers from the Advanced Forming Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde joined Fistral for our onsite course entitled Project...
“Motivating with actionable changes in behaviour” – University of Bristol CDT webinar feedback
We were joined online by PhD students from three University of Bristol CDTs; ACCIS, CoSEM and Digital Health. The training...
“Already suggested it to colleagues” – University of Strathclyde PhD
We joined University of Strathclyde PhD students onsite for our Advanced Project Management training session. The group gave it an...
“Another great Fistral Session” – University of Strathclyde PhD, Professional Communication session
University of Strathclyde PhD students logged on to join Fistral’s Techniques for Confident Professional Communication webinar training session. The group...
“Useful and helpful” – University of Bath, Introduction to Project Mgt session
A mix of research staff and PhDs at the University of Bath logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management...
“Great for PhD planning” – University of Strathclyde feedback
A group from the University of Strathclyde joined us remotely for Fistral’s Risk Management in the Real World training. The...
“Practical, easy to apply tips” – King’s College London PhD student
PhD students from King's College London joined us remotely for our training session entitled Get Unstuck: Procrastination Busting. The group...
“Useful, relevant and easy to understand” – Loughborough University feedback
Staff at Loughborough University joined us onsite for our training session entitled Project Management in the Real World. The group...
“Effective and practical” – University of Leeds staff, influencing without authority session
Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Leeds logged on to Fistral’s training session entitled Influencing Without Authority. The group gave...
“Very valuable in our work” – University of Winchester staff
Research staff from the University of Winchester joined us online for our training session entitled Managing Conflict in Research Teams....
“Will improve quality of my work” – University of Strathclyde
PhD students at the University of Strathclyde joined us remotely for Fistral’s Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid Drifting training....
“Already applying the tools” – Heriot-Watt feedback
PhD students at Heriot-Watt University joined us onsite for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World course. The group gave...
“Very useful and applicable” – King’s College London feedback
PhD students at King's College London logged on to Fistral’s Take Charge of Your Time and Your Research: Time Management...
“Learned how to better manage my time during PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback
We welcomed PhD sudents at the University of Strathclyde onsite for our training course Keeping on Top of Your PhD:...
“Widely applicable” – University of Winchester feedback
A cohort of PhD students at the University of Winchester joined us online for our training course Making Your Case:...
“Something for everyone” – Ulster University feedback
A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University joined us online the fourth and final part of Fistral’s Introduction to...
“Provides skills to thrive in team projects” – Space Sector Staff on teamworking training
Staff at LSE Space GmbH, joined Fistral onsite for our training course entitled The Effective Teamworker. Those attending the session...
“Provided tools I can implement now” – Ulster University feedback
A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University joined us online for the third part of Fistral’s Introduction to Project...
“Practical insights and real-world examples” – Space Sector Staff feedback
Onsite at LSE Space GmbH, Fistral delivered our Leadership Skills and Techniques for New Leaders training. The staff undertaking the...
“Important in Project Planning” – Ulster University feedback
A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 2 of Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning training...
“Very useful and reassuring for first year PhD student” – Ulster University feedback
A group of PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 1 of our Introduction to Project Planning training...
“Relevant to my current role and career aspirations” – Dundee University staff feedback for Introduction to Project Planning
Staff at the University of Dundee logged on to our Introduction to Project Planning webinar session. Feedback comments included: “[The...
“A very useful way to start my PhD” – University of Strathclyde PGR feedback
We welcomed PGR’s at the University of Strathclyde online to our Introduction to Project Management webinar training course and they...
“A useful reminder of good habits” – University of Winchester PGR
A group of PGRs at the University of Winchester logged on to our Take Charge of Your Time and Prioritise...
“Super helpful for research life” – Technische Universität Berlin feedback
We welcomed a group of PGR's onsite at the Technische Universität Berlin to Fistral's Build Your Resilience & Take your...
“Crucial perspective for managing relationships in academia” – Politecnico di Milano feedback
PhD students at Politecnico di Milano logged on to our training course entitled Being Assertive In An Academic Environment. The...
“Practical tools to better manage PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback
We joined PhD students in Glasgow at the University of Strathclyde for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World training...
“Evidence-based and practical examples” – University of South Australia score PM Essentials for Researchers webinar 5 out of 5
Researchers at University of South Australia logged on to parts 1 to 4 of our Project Management Essentials for Researchers...
“Engaging and practical” – 4.93 from Loughborough University Staff
Staff from Loughborough University welcomed us onsite for our Project Management in the Real World training session. The group gave...
“Useful to learn how to organise a project to completion” – CAPM programme rates 4.86 at University of Bath
A mix of research staff and PhDs from the University of Bath logged on to Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training session....
“Giving and receiving difficult feedback” training – rated Very Good by LSE Space Staff
LSE Space staff joined Fistral onsite for our training, Giving and Receiving Difficult Feedback: A Practice-Based Workshop. LSE is an...
“Very engaging & interactive“ – stress management at University of Warwick
The second of two groups of researchers from Warwick Medical School joined us onsite at the University of Warwick for...
“Another great course!” – University of Warwick staff feedback
The first of two groups of research staff joined us onsite at The University of Warwick for Fistral’s Handling Academic...
“It will absolutely help me in my work going forward” – University College Cork staff rate PM 4.82
The first of two groups of staff at University College Cork joined us onsite recently for Fistral’s Successfully Planning &...
“Engaging, useful, and practical” – University College Cork staff
The second of two groups of staff at University College Cork joined us onsite for Fistral’s Successfully Planning & Managing...
“Useful and transferable skills” – University of Strathclyde feedback
PhD students University of Strathclyde joined us onsite in Glasgow for Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training session. The group gave it...
“Good mix of theory and application” – Leadership for University of Strathclyde PhDs
PhD students University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Leadership and Teambuilding Techniques webinar training session. The group gave it...
“Recommended for all new Managers” – PM Principles for the Space sector
Space staff welcomed Fistral onsite at ESTEC for our training course, Project Management Principles – Level 1. The group gave...
5 out of 5 score for PM training – University of Strathclyde
Fistral welcomed PhD students at the University of Strathclyde onsite in Glasgow for our Advanced Project Management course. The group...