Again we organized a specialized training for facilitators to manage a REVIEW workshop. 
Participants this time all originated from Agentschap NL (ex SenterNovem) and had already attended an intensive 5-day MODERATION training. A REVIEW workshop aims at allowing other stakeholders to ventilate anonymously their comments, criticism and questions on an existing plan or a project or programme under implementation. We refer to this exercise as a ‘SHOOTING’ exercise.
Success is merely be determined by the safety felt by the participants to share their observations and the selection of participants bringing valid information to the workshop.
The training was split into two main parts: practicing the INTAKE with the project owner to reconstruct the plan or project into a Logical Framework matrix and secondly PRACTICING the actual participatory workshop.
During the intake one should also prepare the NETWORK DIAGRAM showing the different stakeholders and their stakes in order to determine the critical representatives to be invited in the workshop. In that preparation one can already identify some risks and assumptions to be tested in the workshop.
Of course the actual moderation of the discussions is the creme of the training. A ‘three-board’ principle is used to organize all the issues raised: one place with issues related to the design of the plan (the LogFrame), a second place with issues to be settles during the preparation or inception phase. And a third with issues that need to be resolved on the spot: like e.g. why are we here? Depending on the focus the workshop can bring very valid reflection on the RELEVANCE – RESULTS level that could lead to fundamental modifications or sharpening of understanding. Indicators of success can then be developed.
The workshop could also focus on the FEASIBILITY by studying the completeness of the ACTIVITIES. This is the most important level to identify RISKS or ASSUMPTIONS as those determine the potential achievement of the RESULTS. Such a workshop will provide a clear understanding of a plan or an existing project by all stakeholders, generate additional Activities and particularly surface ASSUMPTIONS or potential RISKS that need to be monitored during implementation.
Want to know how you can learn to facilitate such a workshop?