Action learning for professionals: a new approach to practice

Abstract

Following on from the article ‘Building Capacity in Social Care: An Evaluation of a National Programme of Action Learning Facilitator Development’ (Abbott, C., L. Burtney, and C. Wall. 2013. Action Learning: Research & Practice 10 (2): 168–177), this article describes how action learning is being introduced in Cornwall Council, UK and explores the relationship between social work and action learning in practice. In essence social work needs to perform well and achieve positive outcomes for users of its services. Cornwall Council's Children's Social Work and Psychology Services is introducing action learning for professionals as a new approach to practice.

Keywords:

• action learning
• social work
• learning organisation
• problem solving
• decision-making
• change management

Notes on contributors

Christine Abbott is the co founder and Director of the Centre for Action Learning Facilitation UK who is in partnership with Skills for Care UK to build capacity to deliver action learning programmes in the social care sector.

Cathy Mayes is the Learning and Development Lead for Cornwall Council Children Social Work and Psychology Services.

Notes

1. MI is a way of talking with people about change. Based on the client-centred approach, it uses a directive style to focus on the ambivalence around change, helping people to explore and resolve this. It is designed to empower users of services and help them identify their own argument for change. The Signs of Safety approach/safety-organised practice seeks to balance the equation by eliciting the existing strengths, safety and goals of the family/extended family that can contribute to better planning and achievement of safety for the child/young person. The approach is designed as a practical method of fostering a cooperative relationship between workers and family/extended family.