Working Agreement

This is a fundamental foundation for any group. It is a contract for how you wish to work together and interact in meetings. Developing a working agreement helps bond people together and acts as a point of reference when things get difficult. Here’s an example of how to go about creating one.

• Take time (30+ minutes - this is too important to rush!) to gather words or short statements describing what needs to be in place for meetings be more effective and a positive experience for everyone. This should be based on people’s experience of both the Forum meetings and other meetings they have attended. Have a look at this working agreement example to get some idea of what yours might look like but remember that working agreements are unique to each group and only valuable if the group generates its own
• First, ask people to scribble down ideas of their own; after 2 or 3 minutes pair up with someone else to share; after 5 minutes a facilitator gathers suggestions onto a flipchart until all key ones covered; ensure everyone is clear what is meant by each item so there is a common understanding
• Items might include ‘everyone comes committed to participate’ and ‘everyone takes responsibility for helping the meetings go well’
• A flipchart copy of these to be displayed at each meeting and people reminded of it at the start of each meeting. Everyone to get their own copy too
• Make it clear that people are free to add anything at any time or to draw attention to the working agreement if it’s not being applied
• Re-visit the working agreement from time to time to check its still working and to make additions or changes. Review it as membership alters