English for Human Resources

Professional Online Training Programme (B2–C1)
Format: One-to-one online sessions

Programme Overview

This specialised course is aimed at HR professionals who need to operate confidently in English within international and corporate environments. It combines key human resources concepts with targeted language development, enabling participants to communicate clearly and professionally across the full range of HR functions.
The course covers a wide range of topics of concern to Human Resources and Personnel Development — from recruitment and training to outsourcing and strategic HR. Its ten standalone units allow learners to focus on the areas most relevant to their role, while developing the language skills needed to perform effectively in each domain.
The course is based on practical situations and tasks drawn from real HR contexts and integrates the development of professional English with practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
Recommended for learners with a minimum B1 level. Most suitable for B2–C1 users seeking to strengthen their professional English in HR contexts.

Course Content and Unit Breakdown

Unit 1 – Introduction to Human Resources
• Describing HR structures and departments
• Outlining roles and responsibilities
• Explaining policies, procedures and codes of conduct
• Talking about organisational culture and company values

Unit 2 – Recruitment
• Writing and analysing job descriptions and specifications
• Discussing recruitment strategies and channels
• Planning selection processes
• Screening CVs and cover letters

Unit 3 – Interviewing
• Preparing and conducting structured interviews
• Using appropriate question forms and tone
• Giving and requesting feedback
• Simulating interviews (role play and analysis)

Unit 4 – Training and Development
• Identifying training needs and skills gaps
• Describing learning objectives and training methods
• Presenting development programmes
• Evaluating training effectiveness

Unit 5 – Performance Management
• Explaining appraisal systems and performance reviews
• Setting SMART objectives and development goals
• Discussing performance issues constructively
• Giving positive and corrective feedback

Unit 6 – HR Strategy
• Defining strategic HRM concepts
• Aligning HR practices with business objectives
• Describing workforce planning and talent pipelines
• Communicating strategic proposals and initiatives

Unit 7 – Outsourcing and Resourcing
• Comparing recruitment models: in-house vs outsourcing
• Discussing service-level agreements and KPIs
• Managing third-party providers and external consultants
• Evaluating cost-efficiency and compliance issues

Unit 8 – Employee Relations
• Managing conflict, negotiation and mediation
• Explaining grievance and disciplinary procedures
• Describing company policies related to conduct
• Promoting workplace wellbeing and engagement

Unit 9 – Termination and Retention
• Explaining exit interviews and turnover data
• Discussing redundancy and dismissal with clarity and empathy
• Analysing employee retention strategies
• Addressing career progression and succession planning

Unit 10 – International HR
• Understanding cultural differences in HR practices
• Managing expatriation and repatriation
• Discussing global talent mobility
• Addressing legal and ethical challenges across jurisdictions

Learning Outcomes
• Use HR-specific vocabulary fluently in meetings, interviews and written communication
• Describe and explain key HR processes and policies in English
• Conduct and participate in performance reviews and recruitment activities with confidence
• Handle difficult conversations such as conflict resolution or termination sensitively and effectively
• Deliver clear presentations and proposals related to HR strategy and planning
• Communicate efficiently with international colleagues, candidates, and stakeholders
• Write professional emails, reports, job descriptions, and training materials
• Engage in cross-cultural discussions and manage HR tasks in global environments