Welcome
What is Action Learning?
‘Action Learning is a continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues, with an intention of getting things done.’ (McGill & Beatty, 1992)
An Action Learning Set (ALS) is a structured format of group peer support. Monthly sessions are held by a trained and experienced ALS facilitator, with the same people attending each time.
Action Learning focuses on learning from the process of exploring work challenges, in a dynamic and facilitated environment that promotes trust and safety.
Bela Emerson of Action Learning Brighton provides in-person and online AL Sets to help individuals, teams, and communities of interest, including arts practitioners, the VCSE sector, and charities.
“Bela provided accessible, equitable, guided space which was not authoritarian or ‘top-down’ guidance”
“The communication skills I’ve practised here have helped me so much in work and beyond”
How does Action Learning benefit participants (AKA ‘Set members’)?
An ALS is powerful in itself – exploring live issues in a confidential, non-judgemental, and structured format can bring major insights and shifts.
AL Sets are an especially meaningful structure for people who work in isolation, or small teams, as they are a cost-effective means to give us space and time to delve deeply into work-related issues in a highly-supportive and understanding group of peers. They are also very helpful for colleagues on specific projects to collaborate effectively and equitably.
The practice and process of exploration and reflection is also very valuable outside the Set: developing active listening, and asking open-ended questions rather than advice-giving, tends to empower and enable us, our colleagues, team members, and clients, bringing fresh insights and ideas.
Many AL Sets go on to be self-facilitated beyond the initial facilitated sessions, creating strong and resilient peer networks across sectors and organisations.
“I really valued the feeling of safety Bela created within the group, so that we could share openly”
What is the time commitment and the expectation of Set members?
The Set consists of seven monthly sessions of 2.5 hours each and comprises six people (plus the facilitator), who are required to attend every session. Sets can be either in-person or online.
During each session, Set members are encouraged and supported to ask (and develop asking) exploratory questions of each other. This is an active process, so all Set members are required to commit to the process, eg: turning off phones, actively listening, openly reflecting with each other.
We create a group agreement at the start of the intro session, which is a dynamic document. Set members are expected to engage with this agreement.
“A dedicated, confidential space away from my service – with such a skilled practitioner to steer the sessions – ensured discussions remained focused and pertinent”
Booking now
Next Open ALS, with Community Works – for aspiring leaders in the VCSE sector: monthly Thursday mornings from 12th June ’25 More details / booking: www.communityworks.org.uk/About Bela Emerson, Action Learning Brighton facilitator
Bela Emerson (she/they) is an ALS facilitator, community musician / in healthcare, cellist, trainer/mentor, and founder of Brighton & Hove Music for Connection CIC. Bela trained as an Action Learning Set facilitator in 2020, and facilitates sets for CEOs / senior leaders in the VCSE sector (with Community Works) and within the community arts sector; Bela recognises ALSs as vital peer and sector support.
Bela trains medical students at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (with Wishing Well Music for Health Charity) to use reflective music-making to develop their clinical practice, as well as lecturing at Goldsmiths and Sound Connections.
Bela has a wealth of experience as a facilitator and mentor in a range of settings: community, arts, and social enterprise, with a foundation in and dedication to reflective practice, inclusion, and equity. Bela has lived experience of neurodiversity.
“Bela created a relaxed yet focused environment where I felt comfortable to try things out even if I didn’t feel confident”
“I valued Bela’s approach to supporting the groups’ boundaries, accessibility and equity in the space. Alongside this, the positive approach and encouragement, that felt both genuine and empathetic to our challenges’”
