Action Learning Sets (ALS) attendees at their grand finale

To build on the success of the  2007 national New ways of working (NWW) collaborative learning sets aimed at senior managers Yorkshire and Humber improvement partnership developed a series of NWW action learning sets (ALS) aimed at service users and carers.

The 5 ALS were delivered over an 18 week period and attendance was via an expression of interest process, which required organisation support and mentorship.  The ALS were attended by 13 participants from mental provider services across the patch and delivered in partnership with a service user and a carer.  In addition to attending the ALS each participant was required to undertake a number of tasks within their host organisation and record in their learning logs.  The ALS explored NWW, 10 Essential Shared capabilities, The Creating Capable teams Approach and Mental Health legislation cumulating in a grand finale; at which attendees presented their personal journey and the progress made within their host organisation.

The learning sets evaluated extremely well with 92% of attendees reported increased confidence as an outcome of the ALS, with one delegate going on to undertake a degree in maths.  All reported an increased knowledge of NWW and a better understanding of the workings of their host trust. Many delegates are now sitting on workforce steering groups, committees or undertaking a trust governor’s role.  Three of the delegates presented at a national conference in London and most reported that they will continue to work with their organisation to support future developments.  This approach was an excellent example of moving from an informing/consultation model of involvement within organisations, to an active participation and partnership approach 

For more information contact nicki.hollingsworth@yhip.org.uk or download the summary report.  A full report will be available later in the year.