Effective Learning Partnerships

Description:

Introduction/Overview

Increasingly organisations are commissioning learning partnerships in place of (or sometimes alongside) impact and outcome evaluations. These offer opportunities to reflect upon process, help course correct, working relationships and partnerships, as well as upon the difference made by a programme, project or campaign. Working as a learning partner is a privileged means of seeing and understanding the values and inside operations of an organisation, whilst needing to retain sufficient distance to maintain objectivity.

Building an effective learning partnership involves a range of different skills – some technical (e.g., research, analysis, knowledge of the policy or sector context) and some that are typically categorised as ‘softer’ (e.g. facilitation, building reflective spaces, supporting collaboration, enabling leadership and the development of relationships). Balancing the different roles can be a challenge and involve the active use of very different skill sets. This training day draws out learning around this and presents some practical ways to address these challenges.

The session is an opportunity to explore, share and learn about both the challenges and opportunities relating to successful delivery of a learning partnership. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the skills required and with practical tools to implement these.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding what a learning partnership is, and its similarities/differences to an evaluation
• Common challenges in learning partnerships and how to overcome these
• How to bring in the breadth of skills a learning partnership requires
• A suite of practical tools to manage learning partnerships effectively

Topics

The course will cover:

• Definition of a learning partnership
• Why learning partnerships are increasingly being commissioned
• Benefits of learning partnerships
• Common challenges
• Key skills needed for learning partnerships
• Practical tools

Who will benefit?

Researchers and evaluators from agencies or public sector organisations, NGOs, or freelancers, looking to understand how to pitch for and deliver effective learning partnerships - or commission them. It may also suit those interested in the dynamics of working closely with - but separate from – organisations

Course tutor

Miranda Lewis is Director and Partner at m2 consultants (www.m2consultants.uk). m2 specialises in learning partnerships, evaluation and training for social, heritage and environmental organisations. Recent and current clients include Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Trust for London, Imperial War Museum, UCL, Homeless Link, Climate Outreach, Lloyds Bank Foundation and Gingerbread. Before m2, Miranda was Associate Director and Head of Qualitative Research at the IPPR thinktank. Miranda is currently undertaking Doctoral research at Middlesex for a DProf by Public Works (Transdisciplinary) focusing upon the role of learning partners in social change. She is also a qualified personal and corporate coach.

Cost:

£180 for SRA members, £235 for non-members

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Collection, Data Quality and Data Management , Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis, ICT and Software, Research Management and Impact, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Collection
Data Quality and Data Management
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis
ICT and Software
Research Management and Impact
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

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