2 The facilitator’s role

The facilitator’s role is to assist the group’s efforts towards its objectives.

The facilitator:

• is a neutral servant of the group – ‘neutral’ means that the facilitator is an impartial observer; ‘servant of the group’ means that the facilitator is working to the group’s agenda, not their own.
• does not contribute or evaluate ideas – the facilitator’s contribution concerns group processes and only very rarely the content of the meeting.
• focuses the energy of the group on its task – the facilitator’s role is to ensure that the group is working well together to achieve its objectives.
• suggests alternative methods of working – the facilitator helps the group by offering alternative ways of solving the problem or of looking at the situation.
• protects individuals and their ideas from attack – the facilitator acts as a referee in times of conflict, disagreement or tension in the group.
• encourages everyone to participate – the facilitator ensures that all group members feel able and willing to make a contribution.
• helps the group to find ‘win-win’ solutions – the facilitator ensures that outcomes are beneficial to all parties.
• coordinates pre- and post-meeting logistics – the facilitator may be involved in the logistics of the meeting arrangements and in the follow-up.