This intervention takes place during four two-hour meetings scheduled over three months.  During the meetings participants carry out practical tasks that will help them identify areas in their current practice which require improved collaborative working.  Participants will also learn about theory underpinning change, and how this theory can be used when formulating realistic goals and managing change in the practice setting.




Although the intervention is facilitator-led, great importance is placed on the contribution and active engagement of every participant - both during and between the meetings, when each participant will work on set goals relating to their current practice. 

Through working together over the three month period, participants will acquire new skills that will help them to manage change within their field in the future.

Objectives

In order to reach the aim, participants will:

1. Identify what works well/not so well within their daily practice.
2. Identify areas that require change.
3. Decide what areas of change are a priority.
4. Address reasons why conflict may occur.
5. Initiate the process of change and learn how to manage it effectively.

Anticipated learning outcomes

At the end of the intervention it is anticipated that, in collaboration with others, participants will:

• Have a better understanding of each others' roles
• Identify potential areas within their current practice that need to be improved.
• Have practical experience of setting goals that will achieve set outcomes.
• Know how to achieve optimal levels of team participation by effective team interaction/contact, information sharing, and appropriate involvement in decision making.
• Recognise conflict where it exists and gain an ability to manage it appropriately.
• Engage in reflection of team performance and take ownership of their part in the process of change.
• Learn to manage change in a way that makes sense to the team and that ensures the team works to its optimal potential.

Course methods

The intervention consists of four two-hour meetings run over three months.  It includes a mixture of short presentations and activities covering the following topics:

• Information sharing
• Theory relating to change
• Decision making
• Goal setting
• Conflict resolution
• Self and team reflection

Participants

This intervention is targeted at groups of employees, middle managers, supervisors, line managers, within the public sector (eg health, social services, police, education, county council, fire service) involved in the delivery of the same service (eg a particular area of care, education of a particular group, or a service provided to a specific target group).

The course will give participants the opportunity to learn more about how to manage change effectively and how to improve current practice within and beyond their team/organisation in order to improve the overall service to the public.

Interested in attending this three-month intervention?

As a member of a team or organisation within the public sector, if you feel there may be a need to improve relations, practices, processes, etc, within and beyond your team/organisation/agency in order to improve the overall service you provide to the public, then this intervention is for you.

It is much easier to manage change in collaboration with others and sometimes good to engage in facilitated discussion together with others engaged in the same area as you are.  Often, improvements in practice do require change and this intervention provides participants with protected time when they can work together with the support of a facilitator over a period of time.  Managing change is much easier if you work together as part of a team, and this intervention is likely to help you to improve your current practice and your relationship with others.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Dr Susanne Lindqvist: s.lindqvist@uea.ac.uk.