• What is action learning?
• Action learning and the Rural Excellence programme
• Who is this for?
• Action learning themes
• How to join in

What is action learning?

Action learning is a method for individual and organisational development. An action learning set is a series of facilitated meetings with a small group discussing current issues and challenges.

The meetings are facilitated to encourage the group to share real problems, explore solutions and to decide on action. The group reports progress at the following meetings.

This approach provides targeted support for individuals, while using their knowledge to support others.

Action learning and the Rural Excellence programme

Action learning is the Improvement and Development Agency's (IDeA's) new offer in phase two of the Rural Excellence programme. We are running action learning focusing on strategic housing in rural areas.

See the strategic housing themes below.

The Rural Excellence action learning sets will give rural practitioners access to excellent support from peers dealing with similar issues. Supporting others provides an opportunity for personal development.

The IDeA's Rural Excellence team will arrange three formal, facilitated meetings for your group. We hope the networks established from these meetings will remain long after the action learning set has ended.

Who is this for?

The Rural Excellence action learning will be helpful if you:

• are an officer engaged in strategic housing in a rural area
• can identify real challenges you are currently facing that you could bring to a group for confidential discussion
• operate at a level where you can effect change

Action learning themes

Each action learning set will focus on one of the following themes:

• Developing and implementing a strategy
• Harnessing resources
• Engaging positively with communities
• Linking housing and economic regeneration
• Sustainable development

Find out more about each theme

How to join in

Where and when: The action learning sets will meet on the following dates in the following locations

London

• 21September
• 24 October
• 21 November

Leeds

• 19 September
• 17 October
• 19 November

Bristol

• 17 September
• 23 October
• 26 November

Each location will have an action learning set that focuses on each of the five themes. You choose the location and theme which best meets your needs.

Attend all three meetings in the set to get the most benefit from this development opportunity.

What will happen: You will join up to eight other officers in a group facilitated by HQN. The action learning methodology will be introduced during the first meeting.

HQN website

Cost: £200 +VAT for each action learning set. This covers three half-day, facilitated meetings. Lunch is included.

Action learning application form (Word, 1 page, 47KB)

Complete and return the form to rural.excellence@idea.gov.uk