Action Learning Resources & Events

Here, you’ll find a list of books, events, tools and resources that will help you stay informed and up to date on all things Action Learning.

Recommended reading

Here's a list of books and articles on Action Learning and Coaching

Action Learning Events

Action Learning for Facilitators (ALF) - June 2025

ALF is a community of practice for AL facilitators. It hosts four events a year, three on-line and one in person. It brings together facilitators who explore AL related topics through half or whole day workshops. 


Topic: Action Without Words: How Can Embodiment Enrich Action Learning Sets?
Lead by: Rosie Cripps and Bonnie Grotjahn
When: Wednesday  June 4th
Where: Hamilton House Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BB

Time: Coffee / Tea / Catch up from 9.45
Session: 10.00 - 16.30

This full-day in person session will be split into two parts:

Facilitated Session
The morning will follow a similar format to our online sessions, with exploration of a fascinating topic facilitated by ALF-ers Rosie Cripps and Bonnie Grotjahn.

Action Without Words: How Can Embodiment Enrich Action Learning Sets?

In this session Rosie and Bonnie will be exploring how we might use movement to help individuals seek new perspectives within their Action Learning Sets.

Social Presencing Theatre is an immersive facilitation tool that helps participants break through their “sticking points” using movement. Join us for a hands-on demonstration and reflect with fellow Action Learning Set facilitators, on how we might incorporate embodiment into the generative dialogue of Action Learning Sets and what it feels like to be guided by our bodies rather than our minds.

Rosie and Bonnie have both been exploring ways in which embodiment can add value to their practice in both therapeutic and facilitation contexts.

This session involves movement and touch.

Action Learning Clinic
The added-benefit of our in person sessions is we have an afternoon of learning together as well.
This is a chance to:
- work together in AL sets; opportunity to practise your facilitation in a nurturing environment or to experience being a set member for a change
- apply and practice the learning from the earlier session
- share your AL facilitator challenges or issues and gain insight and support from the experiences of other facilitators (always good to find out you are not the only one who has faced an issue!)

The detailed process and content of the afternoon will be shaped on the day, guided by the ALF coordinating team - please come along ready to make the most of this valuable opportunity.

Due to venue costs this event is subject to minimum participant numbers*
To go ahead, we require a minimum of 10 participants signed up 35 days prior to the event. If we do need to cancel the session, all ticket fees will be refunded.

So please don't leave your booking to the last minute.
Agenda:

  • 10.00 Room open for coffee and conversation

  • 11:00 Facilitated Session Part 1

  • 12:30 Lunch Break

  • 13:30 Facilitated Session Part 2

  • 14:30 Action learning Clinic/Practise

  • 16:00 Reflections

  • 16.30 Finish

Refreshments / Lunch:

  • The room is open from 10.00 with refreshments and a chance to meet others and settle in.

  • Breaks - Tea / Coffee /Biscuits are provided

  • Lunch - bring your own to eat at the venue / or head out to the local cafes - lunch is a great time for informal conversations with fellow ALFers

The ALF Coordinators on the day will be Caragh, Nikki and Fiona. If you have any difficulties on the day ( with travel/ finding the venue/ being late etc) please contact Caragh on 07810 634912. Let us know when you arrive if this is your first time and we will make sure you are introduced to others and helped to settle in.

To book: email janie@actionlearningcentre.com 
Cost:  £20.00  
Payment: via the Eventbrite link details for booking the session

Join the ALF Linked In group, search for alf - action learning for facilitators, or click here

International Foundation for Action Learning

Breakthrough Problem Solving with Action Learning

(Part of the 'The International Varieties of Action Learning: Origins and Practices' series)

21st May 2025 8am (EDT)

The best way to appreciate Action Learning is to experience Action Learning. We’ll have a brief introduction of the two ground rules and 6 components that define WIAL Action Learning. This will include what to expect from the process and the importance of identifying the problem. Be sure to bring a challenge for your team to work on as we will be breaking out into groups of 4 -8. 

For more details visit their website. 

Key terms

Like many organisational development and coaching methodologies, there are a number of words or phrases specific to Action Learning. Here are the definitions of the most common ones:

  • Action Learning cycle – each AL Set has a given number of sessions. A classic cycle usually has six sessions meeting about every 4-6 weeks. The first session establishes the Set through introducing the people, process and principles, clarifying the purpose, and agreeing ways of working. The last session brings the Set to an end through reflecting on the journey travelled and reviewing progress, outcomes and learning gaining along the way.

  • Action Learning Sets – a group of 5-7 people, plus a facilitator, who commit to meet regularly and attend all the sessions.

  • Facilitator – the person who supports, guides and facilitates the group through the AL cycle. They help the Set stay on track, keep to time and ensure there is a balance between focusing on the task and the learning.

  • Issue holders – also known as the presenter or problem holder. This person works on their issue by sharing theirs views and perceptions of the challenge or opportunity they’re addressing.

  • Multiple issue Sets – each person brings an issue that is real, significant and current for them. In these Sets, there can be a multitude of topics discussed.

  • Peer Action Learning Sets – also referred to as open AL Sets, they bring together people from a number of businesses such as CEOs or business owners. They are great for senior leaders who want the opportunities AL Sets provide to discuss issues with peers in a confidential and supportive arena.

  • Process review – learning comes from reviewing and reflecting how the sessions are going. The process review is time given to look at what’s working, reflect on skills and how well they are being used, and what the group collectively or individually can do to improve and develop so future sessions are more effective.

  • Progress updates – the time given to review actions and progress on the issues being addressed. Reflecting on progress and outcomes is an integral part to the action learning cycle, irrespective of whether actions are fully implemented or successful.

  • Self-facilitating Sets – these are Sets that facilitate for themselves by sharing the facilitation role amongst those in the group. They often start with a dedicated, experienced facilitator and go on to become self-facilitating.

  • Set members – also referred to as supporters. There are group members who listen, support and ask questions of the issue holder.

  • Single issue Sets – everyone in the Set works on the same issue, such as implementing a strategy

  • Virtual Action Learning – Sets that meet either by phone or using virtual technologies via computer, tablets or smart phones. Usually used for dispersed project teams or for organisations that have multiple sites.