TAP®: Facilitation Skills (APMG)

Effective facilitation is about more than keeping activities on track. It means creating the conditions for meaningful participation, productive discussion and better decision-making.

Many professionals are expected to lead meetings, workshops and group discussions as part of their role. The TAP® Facilitation Skills course develops the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to facilitate engaging and effective group events.

You will learn how to define outcomes, structure facilitated events, select appropriate methods and encourage balanced participation. You will also explore how to manage group dynamics, respond to challenging behaviours and maintain a professional, objective approach.

Using TAP® Facilitation Skills principles, you will apply your learning to a practical facilitation project. You will plan and deliver your own facilitated event, receive feedback and reflect on your performance to identify opportunities for further development.

By the end of the programme, you will be better equipped to lead collaborative workplace events that encourage group ownership and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Prerequisites

Before attending, identify a workplace topic, discussion or event that you can use as the basis for your practical facilitation project. This will provide a focus for applying the skills and techniques covered throughout the programme.

Target audience

This course is suitable for anyone responsible for facilitating meetings, workshops, discussions or collaborative activities, including:

• Trainers and facilitators
• Learning and development professionals
• Team leaders and managers
• Project and programme professionals
• Business improvement practitioners
• Consultants and subject matter experts
• Professionals responsible for leading group discussions and collaborative events

Whether you are developing your facilitation skills or looking to make workplace discussions more productive, this programme provides a structured approach to planning and leading effective group events.

The programme combines facilitation principles, practical techniques and opportunities to apply your learning. Across three days, you will develop your approach to planning, managing and delivering facilitated events.

Getting started: preparation

Before the programme, identify a workplace topic, discussion or event to use for your practical facilitation project. This will help you connect the course content to a relevant workplace situation.

Day 1: Facilitation fundamentals

The role of the facilitator

Explore what facilitation is, when to use it and the benefits of effective facilitation. You will consider the facilitator’s role and responsibilities, the skills and behaviours required, and the differences between authoritative, co-operative and facilitative approaches.

Structuring a facilitated event

Learn how to structure an event around clear outcomes and create the conditions for effective participation. Topics include:

• Defining outcomes.
• Opening a facilitated event.
• Establishing processes and expectations.
• Creating participation and engagement.
• Bringing events to an effective close.

Facilitation methods

Explore methods for guiding groups through different stages of discussion and decision-making. You will consider how to generate ideas, organise information, filter and refine responses, and prioritise options and actions. You will also learn to select methods that support the intended outcome.

Planning your event

Start developing your practical facilitation project. Identify a suitable topic, define the purpose and desired outcomes, and prepare to apply the techniques covered during the programme.

Day 2: Facilitation in practice

Managing facilitated events

Explore the different areas involved in managing a facilitated event, including outcome management, group management, personal management and resource management. Consider how these elements contribute to a structured and productive event.

Encouraging participation

Develop techniques to build rapport and encourage people to contribute. You will explore how to create psychological safety, listen actively, ask effective questions, summarise and paraphrase contributions, and encourage balanced participation.

Dealing with challenge

Learn how to recognise and respond to challenging behaviours and situations. Topics include understanding behaviour, diagnosing the causes of disruption, managing conflict and resistance, and maintaining objectivity and professionalism when responding to difficult situations.

Event development

Refine your facilitation plan in preparation for delivery. You will develop the materials and resources needed to support your event and complete the final preparations for your practical assessment.

Day 3: Facilitation showcase

Facilitating your event

Deliver your practical facilitation project, applying the TAP® Facilitation Skills framework to a workplace event with defined outcomes.

Feedback and reflection

Receive trainer assessment and feedback on your facilitation. Reflect on your strengths, consider opportunities for development and identify actions to continue improving your skills.

Course close and next steps

Consider how to apply your learning in the workplace. Develop a personal action plan, explore continuing professional development opportunities and review the requirements for TAP® accreditation and the digital badge.

Exams and assessments

Assessment is based on the practical application of facilitation skills throughout the programme. You will:

• Work on a practical facilitation project.
• Deliver a facilitated event and receive feedback against the TAP® guidelines.
• Reflect on your performance and identify development actions.

Successful learners will be eligible to complete the TAP® Facilitation Skills accreditation.

The programme provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate your skills in a practical context, helping you connect the course principles to workplace facilitation.

Hands-on learning

Practical application is central to the TAP® Facilitation Skills course. You will use a workplace topic, discussion or event as the basis for your facilitation project and develop it throughout the programme.

You will practise planning a structured event, defining outcomes, selecting appropriate facilitation methods and preparing resources. You will also explore ways to encourage participation, manage group dynamics and respond to challenging situations.

The programme culminates in delivering your own facilitated event. Trainer feedback and structured reflection will help you recognise your strengths and identify development actions for future workplace events.

By completing the TAP® Facilitation Skills course, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and value of facilitation.
• Apply a structured approach to planning facilitated events.
• Select appropriate facilitation methods to achieve defined outcomes.
• Use a range of techniques to encourage participation and engagement.
• Manage group discussions confidently and effectively.
• Handle challenging situations and behaviours appropriately.
• Build rapport and create an environment that encourages contribution.
• Facilitate effective workplace events that deliver meaningful outcomes.