Facilitation method - Integrated security manual

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Facilitation method

To better understand the practical elements of organising and facilitating an integrated security workshop we have put together some important points when it comes to workshop objectives and how to choose a meeting space. There are also points on group dynamics as part of guidance for facilitators as well as suggestions on how to assess the context that the participants come from.

Here is a guide on the practical elements of organising and facilitating an integrated security workshop. It is divided into four sections:

Workshop objectives

This section presents the common objectives of all integrated security workshops – while noting that each workshop can and will have additional aims that are specific to the situation and priorities of the participants.

The workshop basics

This section shows six core components and examples of priority questions that have come up in workshops.

Creating a safe space

This section reviews key aspects of organising a workshop, from selecting an appropriate venue to ensuring a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Facilitation

This section offers guidance on facilitator selection and preparation, with a specific section on managing group dynamics.

Assessing context, priorities and learning styles

This section gives step-by-step suggestions on how to ensure that the workshop matches participant needs, including an explanation of the individual participant interview process and examples questions.

Workshop numbers at a glance

How many	Minimum	Maximum	Comments
Workshop participants	12	25	The ideal workshop size is approximately 20 participants. Anything in excess of 25 participants can risk jeopardising group cohesion and limit individual participant’s opportunities to engage. Updated 2024: Usually an ISW have between 12-18 participants. This is to make sure to have an overview of the group.
Facilitators	2	4	The minimum of two facilitators is critical – three is ideal, with one specialised in training on integrated wellness techniques. One facilitator cannot simultaneously hold a group together, process information and continuously adapt the design. If there is interest in training others to facilitate, they could join as additional facilitators. Finally, if time and budget permit, an information technology (IT)/communications trainer can be of great value, offering both group sessions and one-on-one training. Updated 2024: Two facilitators is the most common. Also, the need for more extensive digital security training has made it redundant to add it in an ISW and rather have a seperate training on digital security.
Days	2	4	The ideal workshop length is three days. It is very important to allow this amount of time, as participants need to rest and interact with other participants to absorb and process the workshop concepts, so they can apply them practically. If there is scope for an additional day, more modules can be explored (see Part Three for ideas). Each day should last eight hours – typically from 09.00–17.00, but facilitators can adjust this schedule to fit participant needs – with two breaks (15 minutes each) and one hour for lunch. Update 2024: Three days is optimal and also necessary. Depending on the group the length of the days can be altered as well as how many breaks is needed.