This toolkit offers basic principles and approaches to learning through self managed action learning sets. 

It provides the history and philosophy of programme design and materials to support delivery at different stages and these provide a good way into understanding the programme as a whole. There are also a range of exercises which can be used by groups involved in interactive learning programmes.

The toolkit can be used by those working within the fields of service provision, community engagement and community practice.  It may also be relevant to sustainable development professionals.  It has particular relevance for those running training and capacity building programmes using action learning.  Some of the exercises and handouts within could be adapted or used in their entirety by those working in the field.

Background to the development 

The summary word document traces the design, development and delivery of a self managed action learning programme for change agents working within Neighbourhood Renewal areas.  It was developed and successfully delivered in Brighton and Hove but could be applied in any area of the country. Moreover, the principles of the programme (and nearly all the activities) could be applied to learning and skills development for active involvement in most other forms of social endeavour.

Downloading the tookit

The toolkit has been broken down into four Zipped (compressed) files which each contain a series of Word Documents.

• Chapters 1-6 [ZIP]
• Resources (for chapters 1-6) [ZIP]
• Chapters 7-12 [ZIP]
• Resources (for chapters 7-12) [ZIP]

All exercises are copyright free and can be downloaded and photocopied as necessary but source and programme author should be acknowledged – Tom Bourner 2006.

Advice on using Zipped files 

To download the zip files above:

• Right-click the highlighted link (Mac users click-and-hold)
• Choose 'Save Target As...', 'Save Link As..' or 'Download Link to Disk'.
• Choose a location to save the file; then click 'Save'.

Opening the zipped file

• Do not select 'unzip' (this will unzip the files, but disjoint any links, if you are asked to 'unzip now' select 'close' instead).
• Locate the saved file.
• Right-click the zipped file icon.
• Select 'Extract to folder', a folder will then be created and this will contain all the files whilst preserving any links.