Future search conference
Description
Future Search is a way of organising intensive meetings and discussions about future actions on a particular issue. It involves bringing together large groups of people – at least 60 to 80 – to discuss their experiences and plan for the future. Future Search is a specific technique with a standard methodology for running these events.
How it works
Future Search involves bringing together everyone who has an involvement in the issue being discussed for three days (two nights).
People work in small groups as ‘stakeholders’ (people with shared perspectives) and in mixed groups including people with different views. Every person has a chance to speak and listen. At times the whole group can come together to discuss issues. This makes it possible to develop a shared understanding based on the experiences of all those present.
The minimum length for a Future Search event is four sessions of half a day each, spread across three days to allow for ‘soak time’. Future Search has a clear timescale and methodology of the way in which the event should be structured. The method is set out in detail on the ‘Future Search Network’ website.
Potential uses
The Future Search method can be used to discuss any issue. It works best when you are able to bring together a wide range of stakeholders – including communities, service users and different agencies and organisations, including front line and strategic staff. As it involves the dedication of three days time for a large number of people, the Future Search method should only be used when there is a clear commitment to act on the issues raised. By the end of a Future Search event, organisations should be able to commit to taking specific actions in the future.
Resources required
The key resource required to run a Future Search event is time. Bringing together people for three days involves commitment from attendees, as well as time spent planning and organising the event. You may have to think about compensating voluntary and community representatives for their time, or offering some kind of incentive.
Future Search also focuses on ensuring that events encourage discussion through good working conditions – including plenty breaks, good accommodation and regular refreshments.
Further information:
More detailed information on the Future Search method and support in organising an event is available.
