AHUA Member Action Learning Sets

Rediscover the power of Action Learning with AHUA

Unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth with AHUA’s Action Learning Sets. This proven peer-learning approach combines collaborative problem-solving with expert facilitation, enabling members to tackle real-world challenges while building essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

Action Learning Sets are guided by an experienced AHUA coach and bring members together to explore issues, reflect, and take actionable steps. Over 140 AHUA members have participated over the years, with many describing the experience as transformational—both personally and professionally.

Why Join an Action Learning Set?

Research and member feedback consistently show that Action Learning:

  • Enhances leadership skills.
  • Promotes mutual learning and collective intelligence.
  • Builds confidence, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Fosters deeper connections within the AHUA network.
  • It’s a cost-effective and empowering way to invest in your continuous development while engaging with peers facing similar challenges.

What’s New?

  • Open to All Members – Now available to both new and returning participants, offering opportunities to revisit this enriching experience with fresh perspectives. If you are 1 of the 2 named members of one of our affiliated institutions, you can join.
  • Flexible Formats – Choose between online or in-person sessions to suit your schedule and preferences:
    • Online – Save travel time and costs. Accessible for overseas for our associate members.
    • In-person – Enjoy face-to-face interaction and a break from the office.
  • The participation fee remains the same for both formats, thanks to AHUA’s generous subsidy of over 70%

Cost and Details

For just £325 + VAT, you’ll receive five expertly facilitated sessions, either online or in person. Travel costs for in-person sets are covered by participants.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your network, and invest in your growth. Join an AHUA Action Learning Set today and experience the difference it can make!

When are the session?

Online learning sets 09.30 – 13.00

Meeting 1 – Wednesday 11th or Thursday 19th June  2025

Meeting 2 – Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th September 2025

Meeting 3 – Thursday 13th November 2025

Meeting 4 –Tuesday 27th January 2026

Meeting 5 – Tuesday 10th March 2026

 

Face to face learning sets 10.00 – 16.00

Meeting 1 – Tuesday 17th June 2025

Meeting 2 – Friday 5th September 2025

Meeting 3 – Friday 14th November 2025

Meeting 4 – Thursday 15th January 2026

Meeting 5 – Tuesday 10th March 2026

 

The first in person learning set will be hosted in a central London location.

  • Participants will agree on the locations for the other sessions based on the geography of those involved. Sessions are likely to be hosted by a combination of participating institutions and the AHUA sponsor, Shakespeare Martineau (at their offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester).
  • The Set will also agree on mutually convenient start and finish times e.g. 10am to 4pm, or 10.30am to 4.30pm to enable those who wish to travel on the day but there will also be the option for participants to gather the night before the session for dinner.
  • If participants wish to travel the day before, it is likely that provision can be made at the venue for those who need a quiet space in which to work or log onto meetings, before or after the session.

We will launch further sets once these sets are full and running and demand requires.

Members’ comments on their experiences of participating in an AHUA learning set

I found that being part of a learning set created the time and space to reflect, share experiences and learn, in a way that could never have been achieved in the midst of a hectic normal working day/life. The value of doing this with a small group of trusted colleagues cannot be underestimated. It has made me a better person – professionally and personally.
Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, University of Manchester
Meeting such delightful people through the learning set has helped me to see the real benefits of AHUA membership and enabled me to build a strong network. I have been able to draw on a range of professional experiences and backgrounds in discussing live issues with supportive and expert colleagues.
Louise Nadal, School Secretary, LSE
I wanted to say how much I have valued being a member of an AHUA learning set, and how incredibly helpful it has been to me. The network of colleagues it created has been supportive and informative and our convenor has been a skilled chair and powerful resource. The learning set meetings have contributed a great deal to my development in my current role and helping me prepare for my next one. Thank you to AHUA for hosting these services..
Andrew Boggs, University Secretary, Royal Holloway, University of London

Learn more about Action Learning Sets from facilitator, Kim Newton-Woof

AHUA Spring Conference 2025

Registrations now open

The wait is finally over, and we are delighted to announce that registrations for the AHUA Spring Conference 2025 are now open.

Taking place in Swansea on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th April 2025.

Please login to view the conference page for more information.

Conference Page