The WCB is inviting your firm to submit a Proposal for the following: The WCB is seeking an experienced training provider to deliver a customized Facilitation Skills Training Program designed to strengthen the confidence, presence and effectiveness of staff facilitating internal and external training sessions. This training is intended for a diverse group of employees.
Description of Services
This training is intended for individuals who facilitate learning, whether informally or formally, both where the audience is internal staff or external stakeholders. It will focus on building practical skills, increasing confidence, and aligning facilitation practices with adult learning principles and organizational expectations. The desired program will focus on enhancing participants' ability to:
• Deliver structured, engaging sessions tailored to different audiences and formats
• Facilitate meaningful dialogue and learning in both training and informational sessions
• Navigate challenging facilitation dynamics with professionalism and confidence
• Apply inclusive and learner-centered practices in various delivery contexts
The Contractor will be required to provide training that includes the following components:
a) Foundational Facilitation Techniques
Provide core techniques for effective session delivery, including:
• Setting clear learning objectives and aligning delivery with outcomes
• Structuring content for flow, clarity and learner retention
• Guiding discussions and managing group energy
• Managing session timing and pacing for longer programs
• Tips for running strong internal training sessions, especially for staff transitioning into new positions
• Incorporating practical work and hands-on activities to reinforce learning
b) Audience Profile and Differentiated Learning
The training must account for a range of experience levels:
• Participants will range from beginner to advanced levels, with the majority being beginner to intermediate
• Some participants will have informal facilitation experience, while others are more experienced and seeking targeted development
• The training should account for this variation by offering scaffolded content, breakout pathways, or optional follow-up coaching
• Include self-assessment tools to help participants identify areas for personal growth and skill development
c) Managing Group Dynamics
Include strategies for effectively managing group dynamics across a range of settings:
• Handling challenging participant behaviors, navigating resistance, disengagement, or conflict.
• Facilitating through emotionally charged or complex moments, such as when participants share personal experiences or sensitive topics.
• Equal emphasis should be placed on fostering psychological safety and maintaining group trust throughout the facilitation process.
• Applying active listening, purposeful questioning, and neutral framing techniques
• Helping groups build shared understanding and make informed choices
d) Inclusive and Accessible Facilitation
Ensure the training reflects inclusive and accessible facilitation practices by:
• Encouraging participation and managing diverse perspective
• Applying inclusive language and accessible design principles
• Creating welcoming and equitable spaces for all learners
e) Confidence and presence:
The training should support participants in building confidence and presence by helping them refine their communication style, manage nerves, use voice and body language effectively, and establish credibility with various learner groups.
f) Delivery in different formats:
Delivery methods should include best practices for in-person, virtual, and hybrid facilitation, along with guidance on using common platforms and tools such as WebEx, MS Teams, Slido, and Mentimeter.
Participants should be equipped to troubleshoot common technical issues and maintain engagement across different modalities.
Include practical suggestions on structuring longer learning sessions to maintain participant engagement and incorporate a variety of techniques and activities throughout the schedule.
g) Practical application and support:
A practical application component is essential. This should include:
•Peer-to-peer practice sessions with real-time feedback
•Observation opportunities and reflection
•Coaching techniques for supporting learner development
•Strategies for providing constructive, actionable feedback
•A resource toolkit with checklists, templates, and facilitator guides to reinforce learning after the session
The training is expected to consist of a total of two (2) to three (3) days and may be delivered in either full-day, half-day sessions, or split across multiple weeks to maintain participant focus and availability depending on what best supports engagement and operational needs. The WCB expects it will require multiple intakes of the training over the course of the term of the Agreement.
The Contractor will be required to participate in-person to maximize interaction and skill application; The Contractor will be expected to recommend an optimal delivery approach based on best practices in adult learning and their experience delivering similar programs.
The Contractor will be required to collaborate with WCB leadership, upon request, annually to recommend and plan the training for the upcoming year, based on uptake, outcomes, and strategic priorities.
The Services shall normally be performed during Business Hours. However, the WCB may request some of the Services to be performed outside Business Hours from time to time, as deemed necessary, in the unfettered discretion of the WCB. The Contractor shall not be entitled to charge overtime rates unless specified in the Fee Schedule.
The Contractor should have experience and knowledge with the following, (which will be considered an asset when evaluating):
a) Design and delivery of facilitation skills training for adult learners, addressing foundational, intermediate, and advanced facilitation competencies.
b) Experience delivering training across multiple formats, including in-person, virtual and hybrid environments.
c) Experience tailoring training content for mixed-experience groups, ranging from new facilitators to experienced professionals.
d) Demonstrated application of adult learning principles, including experiential learning and engagement strategies.
e) Knowledge of inclusive and accessible facilitation practices, including creating psychologically safe spaces and applying accessible design principles.
f) Experience managing real-world facilitation challenges, such as difficult participant behaviours, disengagement, emotionally sensitive disclosures, and long-format learning programs.
g) Experience delivering training within public sector, regulatory, or human services environments.
h) Familiarity with our core platforms and tools, including WebEx, Slido, Mentimeter, and MS Teams.
i) Experience incorporating real-world scenarios relevant to our context (e.g., compliance training, disengaged external audiences, facilitation of sensitive topics).
The Proposal should include an overview of the proposed resource(s) being offered, including profiles of work which highlight their experience performing similar projects.
Even if the Contractor is not required under The Workers Compensation Act to have and maintain workers compensation coverage in Manitoba, the WCB shall require the Contractor to purchase and maintain workers compensation coverage for its workers who will be providing the Services in Manitoba.
The Services shall be provided onsite at the WCB's facilities and from the Contractor's facilities located in Canada, as applicable, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
It is expected the Services will be required for an initial period of 3 years with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2026. The WCB shall have an irrevocable option to further extend the Services on the same terms and conditions and fees for one (1) additional period of up to two (2) years.
The Services will be structured with an Agreement that will require the parties to enter into subsequent Statements of Work (collectively the "SOWs") that outline the specifics of each training intake, including delivery dates.
The Services shall be requested by the WCB on an "as needed" basis and the WCB makes no representation to guarantee any minimum amount of work will be assigned to the Contractor via the SOWs.
