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 anticipate that in the longer term London’s Volunteer Centres will adopt action learning as a simple yet effective way to develop and support volunteer managers.
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
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.
Our first wave of sets is now under way, but we will be launching a second wave of sets in the autumn. In September/October 2010 we will be offering half-day taster sessions for prospective participants and facilitators. To register your interest, please e-mail, or call Anne on 020 7953 7040.