What is Action Learning?

Virtual Action Learning offers a supportive, structured peer-learning environment. Using simple group coaching techniques, Action Learning enables fresh thinking and builds confidence. It involves a small group of peers coming together regularly, for a finite period of time initially, to support one another to work through their work challenges and reflect on their learning: typically around 6 people, for 6 months every 4-6 weeks. 

What’s on offer?

Starting in September I’ll be offering an opportunity to join a new virtual set. Sessions are facilitated by me – Claire Antrobus. I’ve been involved with Action Learning as a trained facilitator and participant for over a decade. 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. 

If, after the first session, you decide Action Learning is not for you then you are under no obligation to continue.

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.
• Pay What You Can rate for anyone earning less than UK average wage (or self-employed equivalent).

I’m interested – what’s involved?

• A three-hour introductory training session covering the foundations of Action Learning and opportunity to practice the core skills of active listening and open questions.
• Four x 2hr follow-on monthly Action Learning sessions via Zoom.
• A final 3hr review session, covering self-facilitation to enable to group to continue self-supporting after this initial period.
• A PDF Action Learning handbook to support you during and beyond the sessions.

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.

What have previous participants said about it?

Feedback from recent AL participants includes:

‘It’s a great way of creating space for your own reflection with a group of supportive peers. But 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 structure of the Action Learning Set creates a space for exploration, idea generation and action. 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.’

Action Learning is also very cost effective and I include training as part of the sessions so you’ll be equipped to run your own sets after this initial period, should you wish to continue. In 2021 I hosted two new sets, both of which have continued to self-facilitate and now function independently.

When recent studies have shown reflective practice – at the heart of Action Learning – can improve performance by 23%, the real question is how can you afford not to do it?

How do I find out more and what are the dates and costs?

To book your place or discuss whether this is for you just get in touch claire@claireantrobus.com

Intro session: 2-5pm Thursday 8 Sep

Set meeting dates: 3-5pm on Thursdays 13 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec and 19 Jan 

Final: session 2-5pm, 9 Feb

Cost: £175 (or PWYC for those on less than UK average wage or self-employed equivalent)