Action Learning Sets
The Experts in Volunteering project is delivering action learning sets, free of charge, for volunteer managers across Greater London, until June 2012. We've already delivered 10 sets, and new sets are starting from Autumn 2011. Several of London’s Volunteer Centres have adopted action learning as a simple yet effective way to develop and support volunteer managers; those that deliver sets will have information on the training pages of their websites.
Action Learning
– what is it?
Action Learning is a long established and internationally recognised development method, involving a small group (a ‘set’) that meets over several months. The small group provides challenge and support; individuals each tackle their own problem and implement their own solution.
Key features of action learning include:
- Working on real problems
- Actual implementation of solutions – not ‘just talking’
- Learning by doing
- Encouragement of questioning and reflection
What’s involved?
- 5 - 6 participants plus a facilitator meet 5 times, at intervals of about 5 – 6 weeks.
- During the set meeting, each participant has equal ‘air-time’ – the chance to outline a real work based issue or opportunity that is preoccupying them. S/he is supported by the group to decide on a course of action.
- Between the set meetings, participants apply their actions and learning in the workplace, then report progress at the next meeting.
- Sounds simple? Yes, it is – but it really has positive results.
How volunteer managers can benefit:
Volunteer managers are usually middle managers, and can be isolated and misunderstood within their own organisation. Conventional training sessions can be great, especially for knowledge based learning, but may not meet the development needs of a very experienced volunteer manager, or a very inexperienced volunteer manager.
Participants have identified the following benefits of action learning:
- Personal development
- Peer support
- Provides reflection time
- Enables more effective handling of difficult situations
- Skills development
- Clearer understanding of how you learn
'I found speaking to other volunteer managers really useful, as we understand the challenges each other face. Good for what can be a lonely role!'
Volunteer Manager, Richmond Action Learning, October 2010.
'Speaking with people from different organisations gives me a wide range of ideas I wouldn’t have considered myself.'
Volunteer Manager, October 2010
Interested in joining an action learning set?
if you have responsibility for managing volunteers in the Greater London area, you can apply to join one of our sets. These are free of charge but you must commit to attending 5 meetings over 5-6 months; each meeting lasts approximately 4-5 hours. Regular attendance is essential to your learning and that of fellow set members; at the first meeting dates for subsequent meetings will be arranged that are suitable for all members.
Download our power point presentation that we use in our taster sessions to find out more.
Action Learning Sets commencing Autumn 2011
These Action Learning sets, are free, and are open to people, paid or voluntary, who manage volunteers in Greater London.
Barking & Dagenham Volunteer Bureau, Facilitator Lynne Hopkins, start date tbc bardagvb@hotmail.co.uk
Brent Association For Disabled People, Facilitator May Macnair, start date Tuesday 6th January (1.30 - 4.30), Contact may@glv.org.uk
Golders Green - Golders Green Road Sorry, this set is now FULL. To be included on the waiting list please contact Anne Layzell, anne@glv.org.uk
Lewisham Volunteer Centre, Facilitator Kay Keller, start date Thursday 29th September. Kay@volunteercentrelewisham.org.uk . Full
Newham, Facilitator Jen Anderson, jen@glv.org.uk, Start date Wednesday 25th January (2 places still available)
Southwark Volunteer Centre, Facilitator Truly Johnston, start date 27th October (9.30 -1.30) Contact truly@volunteercentres.org.uk
Tower Hamlets Volunteer Centre, Facilitator Jenny Jones, start date Thursday 13th October 10am, contact jenny@vcth.org.uk
Please contact experts@glv.org.uk if any other questions
Other websites with more information on Action Learning include
http://www.actionlearningsets.
Want an in-house Action Learning set?
Action Learning and our other bespoke services (training, health check advice & consultancy) are available to groups based within and outside London, but a fee is payable. Please contact experts@glv.org.uk or call 020 7953 7317 to discuss your needs. Our experience and knowledge is rooted in working with volunteer involving groups of all sectors, sizes and complexity, and we have access through our membership to a huge amount of expertise on all aspects of volunteering.