Learning sets are small groups of people who meet over a series of sessions to share learning, problem solve around specific topics, and dive into areas of work they have in common.

HALN has hosted a number of learning sets. Individuals in each group are working on similar anchor strategies and spend time together to discuss common issues, share ideas and challenge each other in a supportive environment. Sessions are hosted by an expert facilitator, and are highly participative and interactive.

If you work in a local authority and are interested in deepening your knowledge and skills in working as an anchor organisation alongside a supportive group of peers, now is your chance to sign up for this learning set programme from HALN, which is starting in July.

The Learning Set covers a range of content, including:

• developing an anchor mindset and identifying your starting points;

• metrics and measures for anchor work;

• some of the key anchor strategies, including workforce, procurement, and community engagement;

• what governance and delivery structures can support your anchor work.

The Learning Set is free to join for anyone who is working in a local authority and is interested in deepening their knowledge and skills around anchor approaches and practices.

The learning set is free to join for anyone working in local authorities and interested in deepening their knowledge and skills in anchor approaches.

The learning set follows a curriculum, and works best when a small group meets consistently over a set period of time. Therefore, we require people to ensure they are able to attend the majority of the sessions before they register. We know that plans change and it may not always be possible to attend all of the sessions.

• The learning set sessions run over 8 months, with 5 sessions in total (dates below)

• Sessions will be 2 hours and held online, and will be highly participative

• There will be a small amount of pre-reading or work before each set, usually for no more than 30 minutes

Please do get in touch if you are unsure if the local authority learning set is right for you - we’re always happy to chat! (hello@haln.org.uk)

This is the first learning set that HALN has run that is dedicated to supporting local authorities to deepen their skills and knowledge. HALN’s learning sets are an amazing opportunity to:

• deepen your knowledge on anchor organisations, and the main levers that they have to effect social, economic and environmental change;

• benefit from expert input and peer learning from a supportive group of colleagues across the UK;

• apply your learning to practical work going on within your local authority through a live personal project;

• benefit from access to HALN’s full suite of learning tools and dedicated resources before each learning set.

Session 1 - Monday 8 July, 9.30am - 11.30am

• Understanding what an anchor organisation is, and what it means to take an anchor approach

• Reviewing your existing anchor work

• Identifying opportunities and starting points

Session 2 - Tuesday 17 September, 9.30am - 11.30am

• Areas of focus (e.g. population level, locality level)

• Metrics and measures

Session 3 - Monday 4 November, 9.30am - 11.30am

• Workforce engagement

• Governance and delivery structures

Session 4 - Tuesday 21 January, 9.30 - 11.30am

• Community and civic engagement

• Procurement and spend

Session 5 - Thursday 27 February, 9.30am - 11.30am

• Sharing learning from your anchor journeys

• Celebrating your achievements

• Engaging colleagues in your anchor work

Applications for the 2024 learning set have now closed. We will be launching applications for the next learning set in Spring 2025. Register your interest now.

If you don’t work in a local authority and would like to take part in one of our events, take a look at our public events page.

We are also planning to host more peer learning spaces in the future, and encourage you to register your interest to be the first to know when new learning sets and opportunities are launched.

Register your interest for future peer learning opportunities.