What can be learned from this project?
• Grounding the Learning Laboratory in a live project that was facing significant challenges was particularly important to the learning process.
• There is a need for greater understanding about knowledge transfer and communication with complex multi-layered organisations such as local authorities. This was seen as important with regards to the Learning Laboratory’s learning point of “positioning yourself to be effective”.
• Rather than just
develop packages of learning, more can be done to understand the
processes behind them; sometimes it’s the structure of the project that
is the issue, rather than the lack of skills.
• The
Learning Laboratory felt strongly that it is important to have a strong
“client”, that is someone in the area to whom they can relate and embed
it and who can help guide the project. That client may be a steering
group or key individual/s but in this area it was lacking.
• Participants feel
that the potential for added value of the Learning Laboratory, based on
what has happened so far and on preliminary discussions, is
considerable. It would bring a wealth of other knowledge and expertise,
give a framework and direction lacking in the current groups, and
develop the skills needed for partners to work together successfully.
• Key people
changing jobs raises the issue of recruitment and retention for
sustainable organisations and partnerships, in terms of passing on
knowledge and experience.
• Individual
one-to-one support was seen as very important in ensuring effective
learning, and addressing issues as they occur. Seemingly small amounts
of time spent working with key individuals can lead to significant
benefits.
Topics associated with this project
Communication, Community-led, East England, Neighbourhood, Regeneration, Skills