What is it?

Virtual Action Learning offers a supportive, structured peer-learning environment. It involves a small group of peers coming together regularly, for six sessions initially every 4-6 weeks for around 6 months. Sessions are facilitated by me – Claire Antrobus. I’ve been involved with Action Learning as a trained facilitator and participant for over a decade. 

What if I’m new to Action Learning?

No previous experience is necessary – in our first session we’ll cover what Action Learning is, how it works and you’ll have an opportunity to try it out and meet the rest of the group. I’ll also provide you with a simple PDF guide with useful resources to support your Action Learning. 

What will I need to do?

Participants will be asked to sign up to the principles of action learning, which include working in a non-judgmental, supportive and confidential learning space, and to attend a minimum of five of the six sessions.

In return we offer you:

• Access to a regular safe and creative space to think through your own challenges in a reflective and solutions-focussed way
• Opportunity to practice and develop your reflective learning techniques and coaching skills to improve your own and others’ performance
• A supportive community of practice working together over a six-month period
• Support from a highly experienced Action Learning facilitator/ trainer, including advice and resources about how to set up your own set after this series.

By the end of the sixth session the group can decide to complete its work together – or may choose to carry on independently, self-facilitating using the skills and experience you will have developed.

Previous sets have included people with a wide range of experience from across the cultural and wider non-profit sector including self-employed coaches, artists, CEO/ senior leaders from arts organisations, creative consultants and producers and those working inside organisations in a variety of roles. The vast majority of previous participants were new to Action Learning, although some have experience of coaching (being coached).

What to expect – feedback from previous groups

‘It’s a great way of creating space for your own reflection with a group of supportive peers. There are also huge benefits in developing your active listening skills and the ability to ask questions that help unlock insights for others in the group.’

‘I simply can’t recommend it enough. It was a rare opportunity to step off the treadmill to reflect, learn, listen and share challenges and ideas with a fantastic group of people. The facilitation of the group ensured that there was a really, warm, caring and human touch – where people felt able to share challenges with authenticity, vulnerability and generosity. It has really developed my active listening skills and given my working practices a reboot. Brilliantly organised, robustly managed and a great take away handbook that I’m referring to regularly.’

‘It’s a brilliant chance to connect with peers you might not otherwise meet, to practice the skills of group action learning, to have your challenges heard and to help others, with a concrete accountability framework that’s also easy to stick to and access.’

‘I joined the action learning set at a point of transition in my career and immediately found a supportive group of individuals willing to share their wealth of experience. During busy times attending the session felt like coming up for air.’

Ready to sign up or want to know more?

To book your place or to have a chat about whether this is for you just get in touch claire@claireantrobus.com

Intro session (3hrs) : 2-5pm Thursday 18 January

Set meeting dates: 3-5pm on Thursdays 22 Feb; 14 March; 18 April; 16 May and 13 June 

Cost: £250 employer-funded /£200 freelance (payment in instalments possible)