Case study:
Facilitation skills training for government staff
Queensland Government Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
The Situation
Effective engagement of key stakeholders and the wider community is essential for organisations working in agriculture and natural resource management (NRM). Engagement needs to be genuine, productive and strategic, based on agreed expectations and goals.
An independent facilitator who knows the local ‘lay of the land’ is often a crucial success factor in getting producers, industry, advocacy bodies, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders on board.
The approach
To cater for a wide variety of experience, job roles and seniority levels, Renée conducted an online survey of training participants to determine their existing strengths, facilitation experience and learning needs.
Working with the Division’s Governance & Capability Team, Renée designed a six-month training program for more than 25 staff, delivered mostly online with one in-person session. The training included a mix of activities including practical exercises, sharing of staff stories and experiences, and practice presentations, closely tailored to the Division’s work.
Staff also received convenient one-page ‘cheat sheets’ to help refresh their memory when preparing to facilitate, or take with them into their next presentation or facilitation session.
The training was supported by optional 1 on 1 coaching sessions where staff could seek advice from Renée about upcoming sessions, debrief about past sessions, or explore specific topics in more depth.
The Result
The Division was so pleased with the training program they invited Renée back two years later to deliver a refreshed version for new staff and as a skill‑builder for previous participants.
100% of participants in both training programs said they would recommend this training to a colleague.
The 1 on 1 coaching sessions also had tangible benefits for staff. One team asked Renée for advice ahead of a training session where they anticipated a challenging audience dynamic. Using Renée’s strategies, they achieved a noticeable improvement in participant engagement and rapport, leading to a productive and well‑received session.
“Renée designed and delivered a six-month training program in presentation and facilitation skills for over 25 participants from the Local Government Division of our state government department. Renée’s training was perfect for our division. She demonstrated a thoughtful, enthusiastic and thorough approach to training delivery, and her relaxed training style really hit the mark for the team. It is hard to find someone to deliver training in a way that resonates with a diverse range of people from different seniority levels, and Renée excelled here. The high attendance rate at the training sessions and the very positive feedback from all participants showed how valuable Renee’s teaching and coaching has been in building the knowledge and practical skills of our staff.”
– Claire van Wel, Manager, Qld Government Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
“Really customised to our group’s needs. I think anxiety levels have reduced dramatically!”
“Renée is amazing and her genuine love of facilitation and training people to enhance their skills shines through.”
“Renée embodies everything she teaches. Absolutely warm, embracing and informative.”
– Training participants
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