Tips on running workshops in every stage

Format

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• Physical

  
  If your team is doing this in person, use our templates to create your working space.

  You’ll need:

  • a blank wall or board
  • markers
  • post-it notes
  • sticky dots.

• Remote or hybrid teams

  
  If your team is working remotely, use our templates or replicate what we have in our templates in an online tool.

  When you choose a tool, check if anyone in your team has accessibility needs and that they’ll be able to easily use it.

  Some tools you can use are:

  • Miro
  • Mural.

  But this is just a list of examples. There are a lot of tools.
  

• Facilitator support

  
  In each module, we’ve listed facilitator tips for each workshop.

  We developed these tips after running these workshops with other public sector organisations.

  For all your workshops, it’s a good idea to have a scribe to capture group discussions. This lets the facilitator focus on presenting.
  

Scheduling the workshop

Set up your workshop at a time where you’ll get the best results.

This means to think about the diverse needs of each of your team members.

Think of things like this:

• Does anyone have kids or caring responsibilities that mean they need to start late or leave early?
• Is there a time that you need to avoid, such as first thing or when a regular meeting happens?

When you send our your invite, always ask if anyone has access requirements.

Good practice at the start of your workshop

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• Acknowledge country (20 seconds)

  
  Always acknowledge the traditional owners before you start.

  It shows your respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
  

• Confirm pronouns (20 seconds)

  
  Go around the room and have everyone confirm their pronouns or ask everyone to display them either in their screen name or written down on a piece of paper.

  This helps support transgender and gender diverse people and instil empathy for diverse people in your teams’ minds.
  

• Confirm access requirements (20 seconds)

  
  Ask everyone to let you know either in private or in the workshop if they have any access requirements to take part.

  Remember, it’s up to them to share information about themselves with you or the group.
  

• Set the scene (5 minutes)

  
  Lay down the rules for taking part, such as:

  • everyone will get a turn to speak
  • don’t speak over the top of others
  • if we run into an issue we can’t resolve, we’ll put it aside to follow up outside the workshop.

  Confirm who is in the room and if anyone is missing.

  Tell everyone what the objectives of this workshop are.