Action Learning for Non-Profit CEOs

As part of my commitment to social responsibility, I am launching an affordable Action Learning Set programme for non-profit CEOs in October.

Dates and Times

Session 1: 09:00-12:00 (longer session), 7 October 2025

Session 2: 09:30-11:30 4 November 2025

Session 3: 09:30-11:30, 2 December 2025

Session 4: 09:30-11:30, 13 December 2025

Session 5: 09:30-11:30, 13 January 2026

Session 6: 09:30-11:30, 10 February 2026

Session 7: 09:30-11:30, 17 March 2026

Investment: £1,440 (inc VAT) for all seven sessions. If you're interested, get in touch and I'll add you to the list. If you're a corporate and you'd like to sponsor a place for a non-profit CEO, then also let me know!

What are action learning sets?

Action learning sets (ALS) are small, confidential peer groups that come together regularly to tackle individual challenges and opportunities. Reg Revans developed the concept in the 1940s and has since been adopted by various industries and professions, including the non-profit sector. ALS focuses on the power of collective wisdom and reflective learning to address real-world problems faced by each member.

Empathy and understanding

Within an ALS, you will be surrounded by peers who understand the unique challenges of leading a non-profit organisation. This empathetic environment allows you to express your thoughts, fears and struggles without judgment, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Diverse perspectives

ALS typically consist of CEOs from different non-profit sectors and backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives brings fresh insights and creative solutions to the table, helping you break free from tunnel vision and approach problems from new angles.

Problem-solving and learning

Through structured discussions, ALS enables non-profit CEOs to delve into each other’s challenges. This collective problem-solving approach provides practical solutions and instils a continuous learning mindset among the participants.

Enhanced decision making

As a CEO, the decisions you make can have far-reaching consequences for your organisation. Having a trusted group of peers to bounce ideas off can lead to more well-informed and confident decision-making.

Personal growth and support

The personal development aspect of ALS is equally valuable. Engaging in reflective practices and receiving feedback from peers helps you identify blind spots, work on leadership skills, and develop a growth-oriented mindset.

Confidentiality and trust

ALS operates under strict confidentiality, creating a safe space for open and honest discussions. The trust built within the group allows for vulnerability and deeper connections among members.

What other Non-Profit CEOs say

"I feel fortunate to have secured a place on ACEVO’s inaugural Action Learning Set programme. As a leader, taking time out for reflection, learning and sharing perspectives has been hugely valuable. Gary Buxton’s warm, empathetic and humorous style have made the sessions fun and engaging. I always leave with a renewed sense of well-being and purpose."

Dhivya O’Connor, CEO Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Host of The Charity CEO Podcast 

"The Action Learning space expertly facilitated by Gary is incredibly powerful and has provided a place of safety, support and learning for me, which has helped me to think through some deeply personal aspects relating to my CEO role. I would highly recommend it."

Becky Aldridge, CEO Dorset Mental Health Forum

"I am delighted to be part of this action learning set. Gary is a thoughtful and stimulating facilitator who has facilitated us to being a very engaged, open and supportive learning set.  We have discussed complex organisational issues alongside more personal matters, the nature of which we can all relate to as CEO’s of a variety of small and larger charities."

Caroline Langley, chief executive, The British Psychoanalytical Society (incorporating the Institute of Psychoanalysis)

"I’m part of an Action Learning Set with other ACEVO members that’s led by Gary Buxton. It’s amazing! We’re from quite a wide range of organisations – some large, some small and some with lots of obvious “issues” and others less so. I’m learning A LOT from the other people in the group and I’m also learning the skill of asking open questions and not offering advice or rushing to the solution, which is quite a steep learning curve from me! But Gary leads us very confidently and is able to coach us in getting used to the model – he is the spirit of calm and positivity which is often what I’m looking for from a session like this. I look forward to each session a lot and don’t always come with a “ problem to share” – just as often I’ll come to listen and to learn. I can’t recommend taking part in an Action Learning Set highly enough – it’s an oasis of time with trusted colleagues where I get the opportunity to think about things more deeply than I’m often able to. I love it!"

James Watson- O’Neil, CEO of SignHealth 

"My experience of action learning is that it creates a powerful and compassionate space for reflection and peer accountability. It’s been a privilege to be invited into an action learning space with Gary and fellow CEOs, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, as we adjust to a new normal post-covid, with all its attendant challenges."

Bethia McNeil, director, The Centre for Youth Impact

"Gary's particular skill is knowing just when to nudge you that bit further into realising what options lie open to you, and recognising the agency (and support) you have to move forward. He has a great knack for getting the best out of each member individually, and out of each group collectively - and doing so with winning geniality and warmth."

Paul Morrish, CEO, LandAid

"I would highly recommend others to attend ALS with Gary as the facilitator. He was fantastic."

Gurpreet Virdee, director of operations and development, Women and Girls Network

Very happy to have a chat with people if they'd like to know a little more!

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