FAQs
- Can more than one person from our organisation apply?
- How many sets will be supported under this programme?
- Could a local authority or central government person join a set?
- Can frontline workers join a set?
- Will sets mix people from different levels of management in organisations?
- Will sets mix people from different sizes of organisation?
- Will I have the choice of which set to join?
- Where can I find out what sets are under consideration at any time?
- If I join, will I have to do any work for the set in between meetings?
- Will set participants have to make any report to the London Housing Foundation about their experiences?
- Can the members of a set choose their own facilitator?
- I know of an action learning set for executives from the private (or public) sector that I would like to join. Will the London Housing Foundation pay for me to join this?
- I don’t know of any action learning sets for people outside of homelessness, but feel that this is what would be best for me. Can you help?
- Can a group apply to be in a set together?
- If I apply, am I guaranteed a place in a set?
- What if my job or responsibilities change while I’m in a set?
- Where will the sets meet - and for how long?
- Is participation in action learning sets open to trustees and committee members?
- Can I canvas other people to join a set with me and others?
- Why is there a charge if members miss set meetings?
- What do I do if I have other questions?
Can more than one person from our organisation apply?
Yes. We anticipate that the standard format will be for a set to have one person from each of 8 different organisations, so multiple applicants from one organisation would normally be considered for different sets.
As part of the pilot, however we would consider other possible arrangements – e.g. to have 2 or 3 people each from a collection of 3 or 4 different organisations, or even (rarely!) a whole group of 8 from one organisation. But there will need to be good reasons to depart from the standard format - we will consider each application on its merits.
How many sets will be supported under this programme?
We expect to approve up to a maximum of ten under this pilot. If successful the programme is likely to be extended into 2005/06.
Could a local authority or central government person join a set?
Quite possibly. This would be subject to them being appropriate in relation to the composition of the set and acceptable to all other members. Confidentiality issues would need to be taken into account. But if you feel there is someone from a local authority or central government that you would like to encourage to apply, tell them to get in touch.
Can frontline workers join a set?
It may well be appropriate for frontline workers to become involved in a set. We would need to look at this on a case-by-case basis and would be happy to receive suggestions.
Will sets mix people from different levels of management in organisations?
Not usually – unless there is a specific reason for doing so and it is acceptable to other members of the set.
Will sets mix people from different sizes of organisation?
Quite possibly, but only if there is something that they share that is the set’s focus - and if the mix is acceptable to all participants.
Will I have the choice of which set to join?
We anticipate that some people may get together and put forward the names of all 8 people to join a particular set. Others may apply individually, without knowing whether there is any other interest in the type of set they would like to be in. In the latter case, Action Learning Associates will prepare a group based on applications received. All members of a proposed set will be informed of its composition. Anyone will have the right to decline to join a particular set without giving reasons and without prejudicing consideration for another set.
Where can I find out what sets are under consideration at any time?
Where we have a few people who would like a particular set, but not enough to make up a whole group, then we will post the information on our website under Action Learning Sets. So, keep an eye on this part of our website to see if there is anything on offer that appeals to you.
If I join, will I have to do any work for the set in between meetings?
To get the best out of the opportunities provided by action learning sets it is usually necessary to spend some time in thought and preparation between meetings. However, this is not onerous and set members will be able to decide for themselves whether set-related work in between meetings should be encouraged. Sets do not usually involve the preparation or readings of papers.
Will set participants have to make any report to the London Housing Foundation about their experiences?
There will be no reporting as such. However, set members will be asked to answer questions as part of the evaluation. The evaluation will deal with the process and outcomes for the individual and will not ask for any information related to what was discussed within the sets.
Can the members of a set choose their own facilitator?
We have selected Action Learning Associates to deliver this programme because of their expertise in this area and their capacity to support the size of programme on offer. However, if all the members of a proposed set have a preference for another facilitator then we will consider that. This would be subject to confirmation of that person’s expertise in facilitating action learning sets.
I know of an action learning set for executives from the private (or public) sector that I would like to join. Will the London Housing Foundation pay for me to join this?
Quite possibly. For any externally facilitated action learning set we will look at the details (including cost) and let you know whether it is possible. We certainly anticipate that a few people will join external ALSs as part of this pilot and we will prepare a database of cross-sectoral action learning sets, should you want help in identifying one.
I don’t know of any action learning sets for people outside of homelessness, but feel that this is what would be best for me. Can you help?
Again, possibly. Tell us what you are looking for and we’ll see if we can find a set that suits. We will keep a database of opportunities for cross-sectoral action learning sets and will use this to match individual applications, where possible.
Can a group apply to be in a set together?
Certainly. We’ll look at the proposal you put forward – remember, the target is 8 members for each set. If you have less than 8 members let us know who you would like to be in a set with. If we can help we will suggest others to help make up a complete set.
If I apply, am I guaranteed a place in a set?
Unfortunately, no - we can't make any guarantees at this stage. We’ll review all applications and do our best to help, but we’re not sure what the demand will be and it may not be possible to help everyone, especially given that we have to match the people in a set.
What if my job or responsibilities change while I’m in a set?
This is bound to happen to some set members. If a person changes jobs within an organisation, we would normally ask them to seek approval to complete the set. If it’s a move to another organisation then it would be necessary to consider the question in the light of the new responsibilities and hear the views of those responsible in the new organisation.
Where will the sets meet - and for how long?
They will meet on neutral territory, usually in central London. The facilitator will be responsible for obtaining a suitable venue.
Meetings will usually start around 10.00 a.m. and finish about 4.30 p.m.
Is participation in action learning sets open to trustees and committee members?
We would like to see a set for trustees/committee members, so if there are sufficient that wish to participate in a set we will do our best to arrange this. It would, of course, be subject to exactly the same commitments regarding confidentiality, continued attendance, etc, as for other sets. We would be happy to consider running an evening set for trustees/committee members, so let us know your preferences. Normally we would not expect a set to include a mix of trustees and staff.
Can I canvas other people to join a set with me and others?
By all means, but remember that we don’t guarantee to support a particular set until it has been approved. It might be a good idea if you let us know you are trying to put together a set, as we may have some suggestions.
Why is there a charge if members miss set meetings?
Continuity is very important for the success of the action learning set. All members must commit to attending all meetings, otherwise the necessary group cohesion may be undermined. Someone attending only some of the meetings would be very disruptive and this would be unfair to the other set members - and to those who have been unable to obtain a place in a set.
The charge of £250 for participants who do not attend two or more meetings underlines the need to make a genuine commitment to attend all meetings. In exceptional circumstances (only) we will waive the charge. No charge will be applied for those who move to a job in another organisation and are unable to continue their participation as a result.
What do I do if I have other questions?
Send an email to Don Wood (don.wood@lhf.org.uk) or call on 020 7702 5651
