Peer Networks – bringing together local business leaders

We’re working with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership to help local business leaders overcome their challenges and take new opportunities

Action Hampshire is pleased to be working with the Solent LEP on the England-wide Peer Networks programme.  This is a combination of peer support – based on the Action Learning framework that we use in our training programmes with the School for Social Entrepreneurs – and one-to-one coaching, mentoring, and advice.

Partnering with us to deliver the one-to-one support are local businesses Living Your Learning and Peas in a Pod.  We are delighted to be working with them to run 5 cohorts of participants, with a total of over 40 managers and directors of local small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Interested in taking part?

Recruitment for the current programme has closed but if you’d like to register for updates about future programmes then please go to the Solent LEP website.

Resources for participants

Action Learning is based on insightful questioning – the idea is that we learn how to achieve our goals when people ask us thoughtful, challenging questions.  This clip from the School for Social Entrepreneurs gives a flavour:

What makes a good Action Learning issue?

A good issue or challenge to bring to an Action Learning session is:

• Happening now – not in the past or the future
• Not something with a clear answer
• Fairly complicated or in-depth
• Important to you and directly affecting you
• Something you have influence over – you can take action

Asking insightful questions

The best, most helpful questions in an Action Learning session are:

• Thought-provoking rather than simply giving advice or making suggestions
• Open, rather than closed – meaning there isn’t a quick, simple answer
• Challenging, but without criticism or judgement

Questions like this:

• What can you apply from other situations you’ve been in?
• Who else could help you, who are your allies?
• How do you want things to be?
• What could you do differently next time?
• What options do you have?
• What might stop you taking the next step?

The introductory presentation on Action Learning can be downloaded from the link below:

Action Learning intro session Peer Networks 2021

Participant Charter

The strength of Peer Networks derives from the breadth and depth of experience of its participants and their collective commitment to support each other.  Participants commit to a set of ground rules, which include respect for other participants and the group facilitator, and maintaining confidentiality regarding the issues raised in the sessions.  Download the Participant Charter below:

Peer to Peer Networks Participant Charter