Workshop
Controversial Issue Process
Is your organisation struggling to resolve a big issue? Are there splits or fractures slowing down your plans? Are there disparities between your organisation and the community or service users?
The NCBI Controversial Issue Process (CIP) helps people work constructively through tough conflicts, enabling them to move disputing parties toward future collaborative partnerships. CIP provides a structured methodology that allows people on both sides of an entrenched issue to express their concerns, to listen attentively to the other side, and then to reframe the issue in a way that respectfully takes into account the concerns of both sides.
The skills that the process introduces are applicable to every conflict situation. Issues could range from healthcare, sexuality, abortion rights, euthanasia, race, relationships, disabilities, environmental issues, gender, policies and more.
information
Moving from Conflict to Collaboration: The Controversial Issue Process (CIP)
To help organisations and communities move past deep-seated splits and fractures that stall progress. This workshop teaches a structured methodology for resolving entrenched conflicts by turning disputing parties into collaborative partners. Participants will learn how to express their own concerns safely, listen attentively to opposing views, and reframe issues in a way that respects the needs of everyone involved.
This 4-hour intensive programme introduces participants to a world-renowned approach for handling “big issues.” When an organisation faces a disconnect with its service users or experiences internal divisions, the Controversial Issue Process (CIP) provides a clear path forward.
Rather than avoiding tough conversations, we lean into them. The process provides a step-by-step framework that includes:
Structured Expression: Allowing all sides to voice their deepest concerns without fear of immediate pushback.
Deep Listening: Training participants to truly hear the perspective of the “other side” to find hidden common ground.
Respectful Reframing: Learning how to restate a problem so that it takes into account the core concerns of all parties.
The skills taught in this session are universal and can be applied to any sensitive topic, including race, healthcare, gender, environmental policies, or disability rights. Whether the conflict is within your team or between your organisation and the wider community, this training will show you how to reduce friction and build lasting, inclusive partnerships.
