Action Learning

Is a extensively used process that helps managers and leaders solve both short and long term business issues using the collective wisdom of a supportive group.

Background

Research listed by Leitch amongst others has shown that leadership skills are in short supply throughout organisations in the UK.

In particular, our own research showed little on offer to address leadership development for Micro and SME owner managers. They need offerings that suit their availability and resources and are relevant to them. During 2004 to 2006 we researched and piloted a methodology that addressed these issues.

We engaged Henley Management College to research the leadership issues facing SME owner managers. They reported in October 2004 and recommended that an Action Learning approach would be the best solution to meet the needs of this target group.

Pilots

A generic, Action Learning programme was developed, by the Skills for Business project team, and three pilot programmes involving some 23 SME owner managers were launched in May 2005 in Guildford, Nottingham .and Glasgow. The programmes were designed to run for about 6 months.

The pilot programmes all completed, as planned, in October 2005. The overall results were very positive and showed that this type of development opportunity was highly valued by the SME owner managers involved.

Action Learning Course

Action Learning Course Apr/May 2010, Costs

Small businesses report measurable improvements after workshop programme

NEW: Action Learning Taster video Flash

Useful Documents

		Evaluation Reports
		New Action Learning brochure from NLA
		Draft Action Learning data sheet
		Some definitions of Action Learning
		'What is Action Learning?' intro presentation
		20 point model for Action Learning
		Becoming an Action Learning facilitator
		More . . . (Archive)

By the end of the programmes real, immediate, business benefits were reported. Significant leadership skills development was also seen in many cases. (Case studies available in the archive)
Based on a review of the evaluations and a workshop with some 50 participants from SSCs, provider organisations and various government and non government agencies such as RSPs, LSC, SFEDI, Business Link etc. a detailed 20 point model was developed by the SfBN and is shown opposite.

Deliverables

A Skills for Business good practice guide and project report, to identify what needed to be done and who needs to be involved if a development programme of this nature were to be scaled up to a UK-wide programme, was completed by the end of March 2006. This is also available for review in the archive.

Current work

We are now working with the UK Countries and English Regions to encourage funding and support for this type of programme. In parallel, we are engaging with SSCs to promote Action Learning with their small employers. And work is being undertaken with the IDB and Train to Gain brokerage systems to improve employer engagement.
There is significant progress being made, particularly in the North of England with the Northern Leadership Academy and in the SE of England through the Berkshire Business Link and SEEDA, to provide programmes that deliver this powerful learning process. Details can be accessed opposite under the title of Action Learning Programmes we know about

Contact

David Black
SkillsActive

david.black@sfbn-mandl.org.uk

+44 (7759) 818 460

Updated: 04-Mar-2010