Action Learning Sets are a powerful development experience for senior leaders - they bring people together to exchange, support and challenge each other in action and learning. BUFDG partners with ARMA, AUDE, CHEIA, HESPA, SCONUL, UCISA and UHR, to offer Action Learning Sets to senior leaders in Finance (deputy/heads of department level or equivalent).
For 2025, we are also looking at running some finance only action learning sets for aspiring finance leaders. If you are interested, please get in touch with Rachel.
An Action Learning Set is a small, confidential forum where each participant brings to the set an organisational task, problem, challenge or opportunity on which they intend to act. Having presented the issue to the group, other participants pose questions and raise discussions which help the presenter create insight and options for action. A structured process, supported by a skilled facilitator, is used to ensure everyone has personal 'air-time' as well as the opportunity to contribute to the learning of others. It is through the experience of taking action on return to the workplace that promotes reflection, learning and personal development.
Input from other senior leaders across a variety of roles and disciplines who will challenge your thinking and offer a fresh perspective. Development of your active listening and questioning skills. Exposure to a variety of new and different challenges in other institutions. Consolidation of learning over a medium to long term period, rather than a one-off experience. Development of a trusted network of peers who normally continue to share thinking long after the formal ‘end’ of the action set series.
Feedback from delegates:
These action learning sets will provide a confidential space for around six colleagues to explore real and significant workplace issues whilst developing strengths in listening and skilful questioning. Facilitated by Lucy Pow the sessions will take place online across a 5-month period starting in October 2026. There will be two action learning sets each time to enable the group to explore issues two delegates are grappling with.
The 5 online calls, from a confidential space with cameras on, will take place as follows
Thursday 8 October 09.30-10.30: Introductory call. This will be an opportunity to get to know each other, understand how the action learning set will work, and agree initial practical and behavioural terms of engagement.
Thursday 22 October 09.30-11.30: ALS 1 & 2
Thursday 26 November 09.30-11.45: ALS 3 & 4
Thursday 14 January 09.30-11.45: ALS 5 & 6
Thursday 4 February 09.30-10.30: Reflection and next steps
You can register your interest here.
