Facilitation and effective meetings
We are passionate about the positive results that can be achieved from effective, enjoyable meetings and events and about the damage done by ‘bad ’ meetings.
We are specialists in planning and running participative events and meetings, and longer term engagement processes of all kinds. Whether you need advice on the early planning and decisions around an important event, help in thinking through a consultation process, or professional facilitation, we can help you.
Selecting the most appropriate for the project’s purpose and context, we work with approaches and techniques including consensus-building, focus groups, awaydays, workshops, whole systems-based events, interviews, conferences, web-based tools, visioning, and action or strategic planning.
Facilitation services
The value of a professional facilitator in leading sensitive meetings is increasingly recognised. Our facilitation services ensure that:
- A process or event is seen as fair, because a neutral third party has designed and run it
- Realistic aims are set for the event and are met
- Everyone has the opportunity to participate
- High quality recorded material is produced for a report, where required.
Meeting and event planning
We offer a complete event support package for larger or complex events. In addition to design and facilitation, this can include:
- Finding an appropriate venue
- Liaising with the venue on event logistics
- Sourcing equipment, audio visual, special needs items etc.
- Providing support at the event, from general helpers to administrative staff capturing the event output electronically
- Producing a comprehensive report after the event, drawing on materials generated by the participants.
Examples of our work
North Dorset District Council |
Facilitation of a large consultative event on the area's Local Development Framework. |
Cornwall Economic Forum and Environment Kernow |
Supporting the planning and facilitation of a groundbreaking event exploring how Cornwall’s economic and environmental stakeholders could collaborate on a range of controversial issues. |
Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Councils |
We offered early thinking on how to get key players to start the process of setting strategic policies for emerging new towns that straddled both authorities’ boundaries. This culminated in a joint workshop event for the two Local Strategic Partnerships and other key players. |
Natural England, Outdoor Recreation Strategy |
This event brought people together from the Countryside Agency, English Nature and the Rural Development Service, to explore their future joint work within Natural England, on Outdoor Recreation. Participants explored barriers to change, new opportunities and how this emerging agenda will affect their daily practice. |