We teach it as well. We think that everybody should be able to use the techniques that we use, and have the confidence to use it in their own way, and to learn new skills and knowledge along the way.
Whilst our Participatory Futures approach you learn by doing, our bespoke training gives you the basic skills and tools that you need to do it yourself. Delivered over 2 days, off-site, it is suitable for everyone regardless of their knowledge and skills in scenario planning and public participation.
Whilst our Participatory Futures approach you learn by doing, our bespoke training gives you the basic skills and tools that you need to do it yourself. Delivered over 2 days, off-site, it is suitable for everyone regardless of their knowledge and skills in scenario planning and public participation.
2
Days of training tailored to the needs of your team.
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10
Up to 10 people per training session.
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What you will learn
The course is intended to give you an introduction and some practice in using a number of Participatory Futures techniques. Some of the areas that we will cover include the following.
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Learn the theory
To start with, you will understand some of the underlying principles behind foresight and futures, as well as public participation. You will learn the difference between visions, scenarios, and objectives, and how they result in different types of strategies and policies. You will learn how public participation can add value to a strategy development exercise that is over and above what is required by law.
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The role of participation in foresight and futures
We will then learn of examples of how public participation exercises have been deployed in foresight and futures studies. Taking what worked and what didn't from those examples, we will then take part in a group exercise that will plan out how the public could be engaged with on an example transport strategy. This is based on a real life case study.
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Analysing trends
We will then take the outcomes of this first exercise, and use it to help us research trends. This is after you are shown what the differences are between trends, megatrends, drivers, and uncertainties, and how you can tell them apart. You will be shown the methods that you can use to gather evidence of all of these, and you will be given the opportunity to rapidly deploy them through a group exercise. Trend researching tools will be provided as part of this exercise.
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Creating Scenarios
A scenario is a story of a future state, and you will learn what makes for a great story. You will start by learning about the building blocks of a good scenario, such as cross-impact analysis and axes of uncertainty. You will learn about the key elements of a good scenario, such as a consistent narrative, important trends influencing that scenario, and a compelling title of course. You will learn techniques for co-writing scenarios with a wider audience, to improve their robustness and get wider buy in. You will then put this into practice, by writing your own scenarios.
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Moving into strategy
Now that you have created some scenarios, you will learn about the options available to you to take these from a narrative into a useful decision making tool. You will also learn how your public engagement exercises can be used not only to test the robustness of your scenarios, but to build empathy with others and how they see these different futures.
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The benefits of our approach
Accessible learning
No prior knowledge of Participatory Futures is needed. You are also given the tools to take away and use right away, for free.
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Learn by doing
The course balances theory and practical action. Our practical workshop sessions are tailored to your circumstances.
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Rapidly deploying learning
This intensive two-day course, delivered at a convenient location, gives you the key skills and tools you need to act quickly.
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"I had a great day. Importantly, I can see how scenario planning is relevant to what I do in my policy work. Not to mention you taught us how do it. Would recommend!"
Abigail Nichols, Buckinghamshire County Council
Abigail Nichols, Buckinghamshire County Council