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Limited spaces available!

Thursday 26th September, Woburn House, London

This AHUA Workshop is offered to those in senior roles who may need to facilitate conversations between staff or students where people have opposing and strongly-held beliefs.

Why we are offering this workshop?

There are many topics, ranging from culture wars to actual wars about which staff and students may hold strong and opposed views. In such a context, senior leaders may benefit from frameworks and skills to facilitate conversations that are not confrontational, and which aim not to change anyone’s views, but to help them to understand the views (and the humanity) of people who disagree with them.

Who should attend?

This programme is suitable for you if you are likely to be convening or chairing meetings to discuss highly contentious topics with people who feel strongly on different sides of the issues under discussion.

Workshop approach

This workshop is based on the Thinking Environment approach, developed by Nancy Kline and colleagues, and described in her books, Time to Think, More Time to Think, and The Promise that Changes Everything. In particular it explores the components of a Thinking Environment and the latest developments in applying these in the context of polarised views. There will be plenty of opportunities for participants to share experience and ideas, and discuss practical questions, in pairs and in plenary conversations. The workshop will also include a facilitated exploration/demonstration of the process in action. The emphasis will be on participants developing their own skills and understanding based on their own reflections on their context, the approaches suggested and practised, and their conversations with peers.

Workshop structure

This is a one-day, face-to-face workshop, and participant numbers are limited to 12 to ensure sufficient opportunities for all to engage actively, and the development of the trust and psychological safety that is necessary for this type of workshop. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Workshop Facilitator

The workshop will be facilitated by Andrew Scott. Andrew has worked as an independent coach and facilitator working mainly with universities for the last thirty five years. He is a qualified Time to Think Coach, Facilitator and Consultant, having trained with Nancy Kline and many of her colleagues. He is also an AHUA coach, and Learning Set Facilitator.

Key details