Facilitation

A facilitator is a person who has the formal role of helping others to learn. Learning is a relatively permanent change in a person's behaviour and state of being.

In the context of the workplace how is a manager to enable learning? Part of the manager’s role is to assist others in their work. If others are not involved then no managing is taking place. Modern managers are responsible for the learning and development of their staff.

Managers will need to use different styles of facilitation, depending on the needs of their staff.

Our approach offers a variety of styles, and our training prepares managers for the task.

Our Approach

Our approach to the facilitation of reflective learning draws on Carl Rogers and is known as the person-centred approach, for two reasons. The necessity for a real relationship between facilitator and learner, and the need for facilitator qualities which emphasise the dignity of the individual, the importance of personal choice and the significance of personal responsibility for learning.

What are these qualities?

1. Congruence: the facilitator is able to self disclose comfortably and is willing to be in relationship with learners.
2. Positive Regard: a belief that the learner can be trusted to take responsibility for their learning and this means living with uncertainty
3. Empathy: Emotional understanding which can be communicated to learners.

Can these qualities be learnt?
Our training offers the possibility of learning these essential qualities through practice and feedback.

Training

Facilitator training is available either in-house or as part of an action learning programme within your organization.

Facilitator training consists of :

• Two day introduction to facilitation with practice, recording and feedback
• Membership of a facilitator set OR practical assignment in the workplace
• One day final accreditation as a facilitator

Consultancy

Anne Brockbank and Ian McGill are skilled facilitators with experience in a broad range of enterprises. They are available to facilitate the following:

• Away days
• Planning sessions
• Meetings of any kind
• Resolution of conflict
• Change management

Clients

Brockbank McGill Associates have provided facilitator training for :

• Chinese Civil Service
• NHS leadership Programme
• London Borough of Ealing
• City of Birmingham Social Services
• The Oxford Group clients

Resources

Heron, J.(1999). The Complete Facilitator's Handbook. London: Kogan Page