Participatory planning for short-term projects and events - 1 day

“The Action Planning Workshop really energised a rather jaded group and produced a workable and accepted plan to raise morale in the department”

– Ruth Foss, Facilitation Team, Axa Sun Life plc, Bristol.

This course, 27 November 2014 in Brussels in English, is scheduled in partnership with Social Platform, the largest platform of European rights and value-based NGOs working in the social sector; and provided under license with ICA:UK, the participation & development charity.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for all those who want to be able to involve people more effectively in planning and implementing short to medium term projects together, including team leaders and project managers within organisations, those working collaboratively with partners and external stakeholders, youth and community workers and independent facilitators. The course has no pre-requisite, but Group Facilitation Methods or some prior experience of facilitation or participatory planning is recommended.

Questions this course answers

“How can I get all members of a group to participate in planning a project or event together, and build their commitment and responsibility so that they can successfully implement their plan?”

This course introduces a structured, participatory process to enable the successful implementation of a group project or event. The ToP Action Planning method uses the ToP Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods (presented in the ToP Group Facilitation Methods course) to engage all members of a group effectively, and so it builds commitment and ownership at all stages. The method is suitable for planning short to medium-term projects, or completing projects that have stalled.

What you will gain

By the end of the course you will have:

• understood the 8 stages of the Action Planning method, the role of each, and their flow
• understood where to use the method, and gained confidence in your ability to use it in your own situation
• consolidated and developed your understanding of the basic Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• built links with others to promote future collaboration and support in the use of the methods

The Action Planning method is an 8-stage process:

1. Context – reviewing the background and outlining the process
2. Victory – focusing the group by visualising the successfully completed task
3. Current Reality – analysing the situation to align the group’s resources with its task
4. Commitment – defining and articulating exactly what the group aims to accomplish
5. Key actions – identifying key implementation steps and forming teams or task forces
6. Calendar – building an action timeline
7. Assignments – agreeing leadership, co-ordination and follow-through roles
8. Resolve – affirming and celebrating the group’s plan

Learning style

The course presents the method in a practical and participatory way. The method is first demonstrated, using a scenario with which participants can identify without having to role-play. It is then analysed and discussed, and then elements of the method are practiced individually or in small groups. Finally, participants plan how they will apply the method in their own situations.

What do participants say about this course?

87% of AP participants rated this course 8/10 or higher. Comments from participants’ end-of-course evaluations included:

• gives you a structured and effective method for action planning, in a relaxed and enjoyable training environment
• an interactive and fun way to involve everyone on your team in the planning process
• a very useful course for planning short-term projects or events
• rewarding and insightful, it will demonstrate to you how you can get things done – and it is a great experience and a great environment
• brilliant – the best training course I’ve ever been on

What your fee includes

Your fee includes a comprehensive facilitator's manual and one hour's free telephone coaching after the course. Also included are refreshments, but not lunches during the course and not accommodation. A variety of places to buy a light lunch are available near the venue.

Transfers and Cancellations policy

Course cancellation – with 10 days’ notice. Please note, we reserve the right to cancel any course with no less than 10 working days’ notice, without liability for any consequential or indirect loss. In this case, we will let you know by email and refund your booking with no charge.

Booking cancellation – with over 15 days’ notice. If you let us know by email more than 15 working days before your course, then we can refund your booking less an administration charge of 10% of the course fee.

Booking cancellation – with 15 days’ notice or less. Unless you let us know by email more than 15 working days before your course, we regret that we cannot cancel your booking. In this case the full fee for the course will remain payable and no refund will be made. Also if for any reason you fail to attend a course that you have booked, the full fee for the course will remain payable and no refund will be made. We are, however, happy to transfer your booking to an alternative participant to attend the course that you have booked in your place. Please let us know as early as you can if you will be unable to attend, and if another delegate will attend instead.

Full payment must be received more than 10 working days before a course to guarantee your place.

For further details

Please contact me with any questions or for further details – including how to commission a tailored course for your group and availability of scheduled public courses, in the UK and worldwide. See also ToP facilitation training at your place – and free places for you!