1. Innovation Circles in the Construction Knowledge Exchange North West Veronica Jones CKE North West Research Fellow v.c.jones@salford.ac.uk

2. Provides a practical method of solving real business issues Typically between 6 to 8 people –Focus of action determined by practitioners (individual or collective) –Supported by facilitator –Accountability to take action and learn from it What is an Innovation Circle

3. Individual enterprises of different sizes, working collaboratively to improve collective performance Project teams Experts from different business organisations Members of professional development groups to share and develop best practice Uses an Action Learning Methodology Who benefits?

4. ACTION LEARNING Action Learning is a method for individual and organisational development. It involves working in small groups (sets) of 6-8 people, where they tackle important organisational issues or problems. As a result of this, they learn from their attempts to change things. It brings people together to exchange, support and challenge each other in seeking to act and learn.

5. HOW ACTION LEARNING WORKS 1.Each set member joins and takes part voluntarily 2.Each must own a managerial or organisational problem on which they want to act 3.Set members meet to help each other think through the issues, create options and above all… 4.Take action and learn from the effects of that action 5.Action Learning can be viewed as a powerful triangulation of three distinguishable learning experiences.

7. Action Learning: Reflective Cycle Reflection Experience Making sense Action Planning

8. INNOVATION CIRCLES IN THE NORTH WEST Regional CE Clubs North Manchester SME Group Women in Construction (Lancaster, Leyland and East Lancs) CITB Training Plan, Employer Network Forum and Diversity Groups Housing Developer Researching MMM Collaborative Working Learning Group Intelligent Building Technology Group

9. N Manchester CE Club 1 Club Group 1 SME Group UCLAN C&T Building Cheshire CE Club 1 Club Group Lancashire CE Club 1 Club Group CITB 6 Training Plan Groups 1 Employer Network Forum 1 Diversity Group 3 Further Groups CITB Cumbria Group SCRI/Research House builder MMC Avanti Group Honeywell Group Women in Construction Groups Leyland Lancaster East Lancs Staff Development Project Co-ordinator Action Learning

10. Examples of Issues Discussed Recruitment Marketing Training Plans Investors in People Employment Contract Law (ACAS) Appraisal Systems Partnering Off Site Manufacturing Lean Manufacturing Health and Safety Insurance

11. Create the opportunity for individuals: –To meet and network with like minded people (joint events) –To share ideas and learn from each other –To also learn from construction industry experts on for example tax issues (CIS), health & safety, employment legislation –Personal development and confidence Women in Construction Groups

12. CITB Groups Businesses work with CITB Construction Skills to produce training plan matrix Obtain grants for training Employer Network Forum discusses Management and Leadership issues in relation to the new Investors in People standard Diversity in Construction Group

13. Summary Innovation Circles in the Construction Knowledge Exchange: Builds up relationship between business and academia Develops relationship between academia and partners in the CKE Creates a safe environment for sharing of ideas Helps organisations adapt to change Gives participants time to reflect Additional support when requested Help organisations take action and learn from it