Pathfinder is a blended programme of training, mentoring and consulting - all focussed on solving a challenging problem, developing a real project and/or implementing a process of change within an organisation or among its stakeholders

 Pathfinder:

• Delivers real life outcomes, not just training outcomes;
• Creates actual activity and change, not just a report;
• Leaves a legacy of relevant knowledge, skills and experience, not just a resource pack;
• Doesn’t do case studies. It helps organisations solve problems, develop projects and implement change processes that matter. For real.

Pathfinder is based on many years experience of supporting individuals, groups and organisations to develop projects that address complex social, environmental and economic problems.

The programme is for any new or existing group or team with responsibility for solving complex problems, developing projects and implementing change processes — in the broad areas of sustainability and organisational development.

The Pathfinder process can be applied in any organisation including businesses, public bodies and community groups.

Outcomes

By the end of the Pathfinder programme, depending on the agreed scope, the organisation will have:

• Made significant progress towards addressing the agreed issue.
• An agreed route and action plan, developed and owned by the team, for taking the project forward.
• A team of people competent to apply a wide range of knowledge, tools and techniques, that will be relevant far beyond the project tasks.

Pathfinder Process

Each programme is tailored to the specific needs of the team and its organisation, and within the agreed framework evolves as the team’s understanding of the problem and the context develops. The key Pathfinder elements are:

A series of workshops at which the team explore the problem, gain expert insight into the situation, and critically review their work as the project moves forward.

Between workshops the team work individually and collectively, gathering information, developing ideas, etc. They also carry out guided reading.

The team has access to mentoring and consulting input between workshops to resolve difficulties and access expert knowledge and advice.

As the programme progresses the team take greater responsibility for determining the form and level of support they require.

Themes

Pathfinder is structured around a series of themes relevant to the particular project. The themes will typically include:

Knowledge and insights specific to the project’s purpose and scope.

• Project planning and development.
• Social innovation and behaviour change.
• Team dynamics and facilitation.
• Leadership and engaging others.
• Sustainability.

Embedded throughout Pathfinder is the action reflection cycle — taking action, reflecting on the process and the results, planning the next steps… and taking action again.

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