Blog

We’re delighted to have refreshed and renewed our Charity Retail Coach offer for you over the past month.  We now have two fantastic Coaches – Dan O’Driscoll and Katie Duckworth, each of whom brings their own unique experience to our sector. 

Over the next month, we’ll be highlighting what’s on offer via guest blogs from Dan and Katie.  Our first is here for you now, focusing on the hugely impactful practice of Action Learning. We hope you enjoy it – and don’t forget to sign up quickly for Dan’s offer, as places are strictly limited so that delegates have the best experience possible. Read our second blog by Katie here

By Dan O’Driscoll, Executive Coach & Consultant – Engagement Consultancy

When I spoke at the Charity Retail Association Heads of Retail event last year, I shared my commitment to launching an Action Learning Set just for this sector. I know the value that coaching brings to leaders. It creates space for growth, a time to reflect and supports you in achieving your professional goals.  But I also know that traditional coaching can sometimes feel out of reach.

In charity retail, learning and development budgets are under pressure. It can be hard to justify spending money on external support when you’re focused on frontline impact. That’s why I’m launching this new Action Learning Set in partnership with The Charity Retail Consultancy: to create an affordable, practical, and peer-supported way for charity retail leaders to grow.

Starting this October, I’ll be facilitating a six-month journey designed specifically for senior professionals in charity retail, with a focus on real challenges, real learning, and real outcomes.

So, what is an Action Learning Set?

In simple terms, an Action Learning Set is a small group of peers who meet regularly to support each other through structured, facilitated conversations. But it’s much more than just a meeting.

It’s a way of working that’s:

• Collaborative – Everyone brings their own experiences and insight. You learn with and from each other.
• Reflective – It’s a pause from the day-to-day to think deeply about your leadership and decision-making.
• Supportive – It’s not about giving advice. It’s about asking powerful questions that unlock clarity and confidence.

Each session follows a proven format where you’ll bring a real, current work issue to the group. The rest of the group doesn’t offer solutions or quick fixes – instead, they listen carefully and ask open, curious questions. The process helps the presenter generate their own insights and actions – building confidence, ownership, and momentum.

As a facilitator, I’ll guide the process, hold the space, and ensure everyone gets equal value from the experience.

Why Action Learning works

From my experience (I’ve been part of an Action Learning Set for 5 years) the process of Action Learning;

• Improves problem-solving by helping you step back and reflect
• Builds confidence in your own judgement and leadership style
• Develops coaching skills you can use with your team and colleagues
• Creates trusted peer relationships in a safe, confidential environment
• Encourages accountability – by turning reflection into real action
• Fuels personal development without the pressure of being “taught”

It’s a powerful and practical way to lead better.

What to expect

• Six online sessions – one every month from 23rd October 2025
• 2 hours per session – enough time to go deep, but not be disruptive to your whole day
• Maximum 6 participants – to build trust and ensure everyone’s voice is heard
• Guided facilitation – from me, Dan O’Driscoll, a qualified ILM Level 7 executive coach and third sector consultant
• Cost: £529 total – that’s under £90 per session

You’ll bring the challenges. I’ll bring the structure, the questions, and the kettle (well… virtually).

Why I care about this

I’ve spent my career working across the charity, commercial, and education sectors – but charity retail has always felt like home. From my time as Head of Volunteering and Engagement at Oxfam to the work I’ve done with countless charities, I’ve seen first-hand how brilliant this sector can be.

Leadership in charity retail is complex. It’s fast-moving. It’s full of pressures and possibilities. That’s why we need space to step back, reflect, and learn with others who get it.

And that’s what this Action Learning Set offers.

Sound like your kind of thing?

Then I’d love to hear from you.

Spaces are limited (max 6), so drop me an email at dan@engagementconsultancy.co.uk

or connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdanielodriscoll/

More About Us