Guidelines for
Conference Core Group Leaders

The Core Group is designed to provide a forum for participants to share their reflections on the topics raised during the conference by keynote speakers, workshop leaders, etc. They also provide an opportunity for people to get to know each other and thus strengthen the network on a more personal basis.

Each group of approximately 15 people meets for an hour on three occasions during the conference. At the first meeting the participants often do not know each other very well, but by the conclusion of the conference each group has usually formed its own unique dynamic.

The core group has less structure than a workshop, and thus the role of a core group leader requires greater facilitation skills. Each leader should be able to:

• Welcome the members and encourage them to introduce themselves to the group

• Outline the purpose of the group and lead off the discussion, often with reference to the immediately preceding keynote address

• Be prepared to ensure that everyone who wishes to has the opportunity to share in the discussion, and to ensure that no participant, including the leader, dominates or intimidates the group

• Ensure that the discussion supports the SOFN value of being a non dogmatic, inclusive forum

• Be able to summarise the views expressed, and help the group to reach the closure of each session

• Check if the group wishes to make a report for wider distribution, or take further action on the topics discussed.

• Be responsible for ensuring that any agreed action is taken

Some core group leaders choose to help the group establish its own ground rules at the initial meeting, so that the whole group then shares the responsibility of making sure they are kept. Often the group will become more successful in its interaction as the conference proceeds.