National Health Service

Objective

A Strategic Health Authority (SHA) recognised that teams would be more effective if they participated in a series of facilitated Action Learning Sets. They identified 6 teams that were either newly formed and developing their processes and procedures or existing teams that were undertaking specific projects and initiatives.

Approach

Action Learning is based on the relationship between action and reflection. An Action Learning Set is a group of usually 5 – 8 people who get together on a regular basis to discuss each participants project and future actions. Action learning sets provide a safe, supportive and challenging environment characterised by trust and confidentiality. Set members aim to help each other to make progress with their individual projects through the process of action and reflection. The set will decide on its own way of working, but usually a set meeting involves a series of individual time slots where participants take turns in presenting their project to the set by giving:- · An update of progress on actions from the last meeting (what I did, what happened, what I have learned) · A presentation of current issues/problems · An agreement on actions for the future The facilitator ensures that they focus on the objective and the actions agreed to are SMART so that the meeting are effective and productive.

Results

The teams have been able to successful achieve their targets and demonstrate improvements. From suggestions and input from the set individuals have been able to prepare and plan their next steps and have achieved greater success at meetings or within processes.

Benefits

As a result of action learning individuals learn with and from each other by working on real problems/issues and reflecting on their own experience. One of the greatest benefits has been the sharing of experience so that the same mistakes are avoided, there is a reduction in implementation time and it also prevents wasting time ‘reinventing of the wheel’. Individuals’ confidence is also enhanced as they successfully deliver their objectives