Group Facilitation Methods

Early Bird discount of 25% if you book by 16 June: use EARLYBIRD2026 at checkout.

Course overview

Group Facilitation Methods are part of the ICA’s Technology of Participation (ToP)® Methods. The methods are applicable in any setting where groups need to develop a shared awareness and make collective decisions or plans. ToP Methods allow for participatory and transformative group journeys.

This popular course teaches versatile, powerful techniques for structuring effective group conversations and finding group consensus. It provides a structured introduction to two powerful ToP methods: the Focused Conversation and the Consensus Workshop.

Who this course is for?

Designed for those who want to use facilitation skills confidently and effectively, this course suits all levels of experience including team managers, community and voluntary support workers, independent facilitators, community activists and group leaders of any kind.

By the end of the course, participants 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.

Course breakdown

Day 1: Focused Conversation Method

The Focused Conversation Method is a structured facilitation method to help groups think, talk and work together towards shared awareness.

The Focused Conversation Method provides a structure for effective communication which ensures that everyone in a group has the opportunity to participate. This leads to the group achieving a shared awareness of both the topic and the different perspectives of the group.

Day 2: Consensus Workshop Method

The Consensus Workshop Method helps to facilitate and build consensus and uses the Focused Conversation in a specialised way in order to help a group reach consensus on a question, scenario or problem. It is a five-stage process that enables a facilitator to draw out and weave together everybody’s wisdom into a clear and practical consensus.

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 practised in supportive small groups with guided reflection & feedback. Finally, participants plan how they will apply each method in their own situations.

Participants will develop their skills, share experiences and gain an in-depth understanding of the principles behind the methods.

Venue

The training will be held at Patch, 5-7 Cathedral Walk, The Forum, Gloucester, GL1 1DG. The space is fully accessible. Patch is a 4 minute walk from Gloucester train station and there are pay parking lots in  the area (see venue's website for details on these).

Terms and conditions

Course cancellation: with 10 days’ notice. Please note, we reserve the right to cancel any course with no less than 10 working days’ notice, without liability for any consequential or indirect loss. In this case, we will let you know by email and refund your booking with no charge.

Booking cancellation: with over 30 days’ notice. If you let us know by email more than 30 days before your course, then we can refund your booking or transfer it to a future course less an administration charge of 10% of the course fee.

Booking cancellation: with 30 days’ notice or less. Unless you let us know by email more than 30 days before your course, we regret that we cannot cancel your booking or transfer it to a future course. In this case the full fee for the course will remain payable and no refund will be made. Also if for any reason you fail to attend a course that you have booked, the full fee for the course will remain payable and no refund will be made. We are, however, happy to transfer your booking to an alternative participant to attend the course that you have booked in your place. Please let us know as early as you can if you will be unable to attend, and if another delegate will attend instead.

Paying by invoice: If you would prefer to be invoiced and pay later, please email rosemary_forest@outlook.com. Full payment must be received more than 10 working days before a course to guarantee your place.