Group Facilitation Methods (GFM)

Download course overview (pdf)

Who this course is for

This course has no pre-requisite, but is the pre-requisite for all our intermediate & advanced courses. It is recommended both to newcomers to facilitation, and to experienced facilitators who are new to our approach.

It is suitable for all 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. This is our most popular course.

"The training was relevant and hands-on. The methods I learnt have been useful in a number of different circumstances, both in working with young people in formal meetings, and also in more informal situations"- Garmon ap Garth, Young People's Co-ordinator, Foyer

“The GFM course was great in that it combined two very useful and compatible tools for facilitation. I had used cards in my work previously, but this course has given me insight into how to do it properly” - Lesley Adams Training & Facilitation

Questions this course answers

“How can I have more purposeful & productive conversations, bring out the wisdom of a group, encourage feedback between people, and reach shared awareness in meetings? How can I generate and weave together a diverse range of ideas, develop creative solutions and build a group consensus?”

This course provides a structured introduction to the Focused Conversation method and the Consensus Workshop method, which form the foundations of the the Action Planning method, the Participatory Strategic Planning process and other applications.

What you will gain

By the end of the course, you will

• be able to identify when and how to use the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
• have gained confidence in the use of these methods
• have recognised and explored elements of participation, creativity, teamwork and action
• have built links with others to promote future collaboration and support in the use of the methods

Focused Conversation method

The Focused 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. Practical applications of this method include analysing trends and current situations, talking through difficult issues and clarifying values within work and community settings.

Download Focused Conversation Method overview (pdf).  See also The Art of Focused Conversation.

Consensus Workshop method

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.

Download Consensus Workshop Method overview (pdf). See also The Workshop Book.

Download a case study (pdf) of how these methods were used in developing a mission and values statement, or a case study (pdf) of how they were used in developing a grant-making strategy.

Learning style

The course presents the two methods in a practical and participatory way. Each method is first demonstrated, then analysed and discussed, and then practiced in supportive small groups with guided reflection & feedback. Finally, participants plan how they will apply each method in their own situations.

What do participants say about this course?

93% of GFM participants rated the course 8/10 or higher.

Comments from participants’ end-of-course evaluations included:

• provides two practical, easy-to-use methods to discover deep insights from diverse groups - useful tools for any group, organisation or community
• an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques for facilitating groups in a supportive & challenging environment
• an excellent hands-on course, and good networking too - benefits for experienced facilitator and novice alike
• clear methods that almost anyone could feel comfortable learning and putting into practice - even children and young people could lead adults with these
• methods of group facilitation like you have never known - you will constantly refer back to them and use them in everyday life and work
• thorough and accessible to all because of the various methods of learning used – theory plus practice makes it dynamic and held my interest
• a great way to build your confidence in a short time - will enhance your role as a trainer, facilitator, team-leader, or manager
• 2 days hard graft, sometimes wiping sweat off my brow - but like after any workout I feel fitter
• it was like seeing for the first time – empowering and inspiring, great stuff
• brilliant - a must-do if you want better, more effective meetings
• experiential learning at it’s best - if you want to learn about effective ways of encouraging participation, you couldn’t do better
• worth every penny – excellent content & great presentation

Check our course dates or book now.