Learning: Creating Excellence launched its exciting pilot programme for 'real ways of learning' in April 2006

We are starting with an important Action Learning Set for Action Learning Facilitators. This will be led by Tom Herbert. Tom has extensive experience in the field of learning and development, particularly in the field of action learning; as well as facilitating numerous Action Learning Sets he has also worked with the ODPM, DfES, IDeA and the Health Service to develop action learning set facilitators.

See below for full information about this challenging learning opportunity, what it will involve and who should get involved!

Action Learning for Action Learning Facilitators

Action Learning is increasingly recognised as a powerful learning tool which results in real changes in behaviour; it is especially suited to the turbulent, uncertain environment of developing sustainable communities. To accelerate the growth of action learning capacity within the SouthWest Creating Excellence is supporting an action learning set to develop action learning facilitators. During the course of this set each participant will be supported to establish and facilitate their own action learning set.

Target Audience

Individuals who want to effect real change within their organisations or partnerships through changed behaviours; this programme would especially suit holders of influence such as LSP chairs/coordinators and leaders/managers within public, private and not-for-profit organisations or partnerships with a sustainable communities agenda. Individuals with previous experience of action learning are particularly encouraged.

Programme Outline

Participants will meet in a facilitated action learning set on eight occasions over a ten month period. Each participant will be supported to establish and facilitate their own action learning set within their own organisation by the third meeting. Facilitators will be available to mentor participants on a one to one basis between set meetings. A secure e-learning platform will be established prior to the set formation to allow shared access to learning materials.

Key skill development areas

the ability and confidence to inspire and lead change through learning in organisations;
communication;
group working and dynamics;
how to motivate adult learning;
leadership practice.

Additional Learning Opportunities

In addition to action learning, this programme will include elements of:

mentoring via one-to-one sessions with experienced action learning facilitators;
multi-disciplinary learning via the diversity of participant's roles and experiences;
networking via the e-learning platform which will develop into a support network of action learning facilitators.

Location

A location will be selected to reflect participants’ bases.

Start date — Wednesday 26 April 2006

Programme Fees

£400 for the full programme; if you or your organisation cannot meet this fee a participation fund is available, see full information on participation fund.

This fee will be waived for those participants who commit to establishing at least two action learning sets which can be used as case studies by the end of 2007.

Participant Selection

A maximum of 10 participants will be selected for this programme; selection will be on a first come basis through receipt of a completed application form.

Further Details

E-mail learning@creatingexcellence.org.uk or telephone 0800 328 3234 for further details and an application form.

Creating Excellence will be piloting more of its ‘real ways of learning’ over the coming months. See our ‘real ways of learning’ brochure for outline details.