AHUA Member Learning Sets

The purpose of learning sets is to offer an ongoing process of learning and reflection as part of a group.  Set members work with each other on a ‘live issue’, offering challenge and support to each other as they consider the issues. It is a collaborative learning approach building on the relationship between experience (action) and reflection.

The AHUA has a successful track record of offering learning sets: over 140 members are either taking part or have participated in an AHUA set to date.  Feedback from members indicates that joining a set can be hugely transformational, both personally and professionally.

Sets meet on a regular basis (approximately every six to eight weeks) for five facilitated meetings.

Meetings 1 and 5 take place in person from 9.00 to 16.00;  meetings 2, 3 and 4 are held online for half a day.

When meetings are in person, members usually have dinner together the evening before and then meet the following day.

In person sets are generally hosted by the participants with the first meeting hosted by the AHUA in London.

“I found that being part of a learning set created the time and space to reflect, share experiences and learn, in a way that could never have been achieved in the midst of a hectic normal working day/life.  The value of doing this with a small group of trusted colleagues cannot be underestimated.  It has made me a better person – professionally and personally”.

Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, University of Manchester

“Meeting such delightful people through the learning set has helped me to see the real benefits of AHUA membership and enabled me to build a strong network.  I have been able to draw on a range of professional experiences and backgrounds in discussing live issues with supportive and expert colleagues”.

Louise Nadal, School Secretary, LSE

I wanted to say how much I have valued being a member of an AHUA learning set, and how incredibly helpful it has been to me. The network of colleagues it created has been supportive and informative and our convenor has been a skilled chair and powerful resource. The learning set meetings have contributed a great deal to my development in my current role and helping me prepare for my next one. Thank you to AHUA for hosting these services.

Andrew Boggs, University Clerk, Kingston University