Group Facilitation Methods (ICA)

This course, run in collaboration with ICA, is suitable for those who want to be able to facilitate groups more confidently and effectively. This course provides a structured introduction to the Focussed Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods, which form the foundations of the Action Planning method, Participatory Strategic Planning and other applications. Through demonstration, walkthrough, and practice, you will have a chance to understand and use both methods by the end of the course.

The Focussed Conversation method provides a structure for effective communication which ensures that everyone in a group has the opportunity to participate. The method results in clear ideas and conclusions, it broadens perspectives and enables participants to gain valuable insights from their own and each others’ experience. The Consensus Workshop method enables a facilitator to draw out and weave together everybody’s wisdom into a clear and practical consensus. The method involves a five-step process that guides people from generating and collecting ideas, through organising those ideas into meaningful groups, to reaching agreement on the question they are facing and identifying some next steps to move forward. The method generates new creative ideas, incorporates both rational and intuitive approaches to problem solving, and builds team spirit and consensus.

Duration 2 days

Target audience

This course is suitable for those who want to be able to facilitate groups more confidently and effectively, including team leaders and managers within organisations, those working with partners and external stakeholders, youth and community workers and independent facilitators.

Learning aim

This course aims to provide tools and techniques for facilitators to facilitate groups more confidently and effectively

Learning objectives

• Introduce the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• Provide the opportunity for participants to practice using the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• Recognise and explore elements of participation, creativity, teamwork and action
• Demonstrate links with others to promote future collaboration and support in the use of these methods.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify when and how to use the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• Apply elements of participation, creativity, teamwork and action to their own work
• Know where to access support and resources when using these methods.