Making Group Decisions (Consensus Decision-Making)

 

A dynamic day devoted to helping you create powerful and above all happy decisions in groups.

Consensus based decision making is a process for groups to generate widespread agreement in a way that respects the contributions of all participants. It encourages cooperation and leads to better decisions that stick. What’s not to like. 

 

This event will give you the tools and experience to build consensus in practice. The day will build the confidence of anyone keen to build cooperation and give you a solid basis on which to develop your own skills. There’ll be guidance and discussion on the different challenges and opportunities when best to use consensus models. You’ll look at how to apply models within the context of community engagement, internally at your organisation and alongside a consultation process. We also make sure each hour is packed with engaging exercises and debate – you definitely won’t be staring at PowerPoint all day! 

What you will gain from the course 

 

  • An understanding of what consensus is, and is not 
  • The principles of consensus decision-making 
  • Its advantages and disadvantages 
  • Essential skills – Separating what you want to achieve from how to achieve it 
  • Mediation tools 
  • Examples of successful consensus decision-making 
  • Understand how consensus builds stronger communities 
  • Applying models in your organisation 

Who should attend the course: This event will benefit anyone working with groups of people both online & face-to-face.  Although it does help to have some facilitation experience to draw upon, the day will also help the novice wanting to create a strong foundation for their group work.

Meet the trainer

Perry Walker

Perry is an innovator of participatory methods that anyone can use. He led the development of Democs, a conversation game enabling small groups to explore complex policy issues like climate change or nanotechnology, to shape and share opinions, and to provide feedback for policymakers. Until 2011, he was head of the Democracy and Participation programme at NEF.

More recently, he created Open Up!, an ‘argument map’ that provides a structured way of setting out arguments on an issue. He is currently evolving Policy Slam!, a workshop format incorporating the consensus voting method. He has also designed and facilitated numerous participatory projects including: future search conferences; Imagine, a workshop-based visioning process using appreciative story-telling; and the People’s Café project, discussion cafes for a range of people, including those with learning difficulties.

Perry has MAs in economics from Cambridge and from Birkbeck. He is on the board of Involve.

 

Thinking bigger?

Bespoke versions of this course can be delivered at a date and locaton to suit you. Find out more about our bespoke and in-house training or get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Book your place today

Places are available on these public courses. You can book your place immediately with a secure payment by credit or debit card. Alternatively, we can send you an invoice.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch before booking.

27 June 2024 - 10:00am to 3:00pm • Zoom webinar, Online

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
(14 or less staff) Smaller Charities and self-funded individuals
£ 199.00
11 available
(15 or more staff) Large Charities, Public Sector and Small Businesses
£ 299.00
11 available
Larger Corporate Organisations
£ 399.00
11 available
Activists/Low-income/students
£ 65.00
11 available
Unwaged
£ 20.00
11 available

Any questions? Want to know more?

We’re always happy to answer any questions about our course. Drop us a line on training@talkaction.org or call us on 0203 488 7010.