Action Learning Sets
As part of the Experts in Volunteering project, we will be delivering an action learning set in each of London’s 5 sub-regions, every year for the next three years. We hope that action learning will be adopted longer term by London’s Volunteer Centres 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 could 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
To find out more, contact anne@glv.org.uk