What our customers say about facilitator training in organisations

Action learning is already a key part of Oxfam’s most successful internal management and leadership programme ever. The course was well prepared and extremely well delivered – Ruth as always a consummate professional and outstanding action learning role model.
Audrey Bronstein, Deputy International Director, Oxfam GB

Feedback from an in-house programme for consultants from YSC – the global business psychology consultancy:

“The programme was well suited to our needs... it improved skills and confidence in action learning and group facilitation. I loved it!”
Kylie Baines, Director

“ I like the action learning technique – it’s different from what we usually do and powerful.”

“ Great learning , good for people at all levels”

Feedback from participants on a recent on site action learning facilitator training course run for managers at St Mungo’s – London’s largest charity for homeless people

“Andrew’s facilitation was excellent ...this will help staff and support managers and ultimately give better outcomes for clients. Very good training – probably the best I’ve done in St Mungo’s”

“ I was sceptical to start but it was a fascinating few days and I will take a lot from this... I have gained new skills but have also had an amazing opportunity to learn from my peers in a deep fashion”

“The three days were very well structured – learning by stealth! Participation in the process is very effective”

“Excellent trainer and programme – a lot of good ideas and foundations to take this forward – the benefits could be significant”

Comments from participants on a recent accredited course for training and CPD staff in Adult Social Care, Cornwall County Council

“an inspiring three days – lots of areas and time for reflection and realising the level of personal growth”

“the total immersion approach sounding daunting initially but actually worked very effectively. Kate was responsive to the needs of the group – gave us guidance when needed and space to reflect when that was needed”

ALA recently delivered an action learning facilitator training programme for four members of Take Action learning sets for arts managers and consultants with disabilities (run by Scott O’Brien Associates with Arts Council funding). Comments included:

“I felt it was a fantastic way to learn with a very flexible trainer who explained things clearly”

“ I have benefitted a great deal from the training. It has confirmed that action learning sets are a powerful tool that can unlock an individual’s understanding of both simple and complex issues”

“Ruth was warm and candid.... very responsive and really listened and observed what was happening in the group ... she was an excellent model of an action learning facilitator.’

Following a successful five year programme facilitating action learning sets for Creative Partnerships – the Government’s flagship creative learning programme- ALA is now working with the organisation to bring action learning in-house. ALA has trained a large number of accredited facilitators at regional and national level. Participants’ comments include:

“Excellent trainer – authentic, clear firm, created positive mood, attentive to all group members”
Nick Nuttgens, Creative Director

“Best training session I have ever been on!!”
Claire O’Brien, Operations Manager

“Katie the course leader was brilliant. Her experience and calmness gave the group a feeling of safety and confidence to be open and to take risks. Unlike many courses this has left me energised and positive”

“ a well run, informative and supportive course... I feel that I will be able to put my learning into practice straight away”

“The course gave me the confidence to take my work forward with action learning and the tools and resources to make it happen. I am inspired!”

“insightful, sensitive and enjoyable”

“ I gained a useful tool for all our meetings as well as support that will make Creative Agents more effective in the service they provide schools”

“Very positive and effective training course”

“The course was intensive and covered lots of useful ground- an excellent course that I know I will find valuable both personally and professionally”

Programmes in other organisations

“Our organisation was already working with other Action Learning providers and the staff involved were almost cultish about it. I wanted to find out why. Ruth is an extraordinary facilitator, very skilled. This course strengthened my resolve that everyone should have access to Action Learning, not just management.”
Hassina Khan, Professional Learning Manager, Creativity, Culture and Education

“I found that spending three days together with such heightened concentration and focus really intensified the experience and developed a sense of learning holistically, not just intellectually …I felt energised and not drained by such long periods of concentration. I came away with a clear plan and a way forward which I have begun to implement”.
Anita Belli, Creative Director, Creative Partnerships

“I have never attended any other training session which has not only met my expectations but surpassed them in every aspect. It has opened my eyes to the multiplicity of ways in which action learning can be used and inspired me to act on ideas rather than just talking about them”.
Arts Project Manager