Facilitator requirements

Here's what we ask of Facilitators

Firstly, it may be helpful to say what is not expected of you. You do not need to have previous experience of running other pastoral courses or even experienced the STEPS Course before. Whilst it is certainly helpful to have experienced the process for yourself (which you can do through any of our online courses available), we can fully equip and support you to facilitate a group whilst also going through the process yourself for the first time - we have seen this happen and the outcomes are very encouraging. For those who haven't done STEPS before, we do strongly advise that you read the Manual, have a STEPS Coach and attend or listen to the Facilitator Training options available.

As a Group Facilitator, you’re there to facilitate the journey and provide structure to the sessions (explained below), but not to advise or give counselling to the participants. If participants ask for advice outside of the sessions, you are welcome to give counsel that is restricted to your own experience, but no more. What a Group Facilitator needs to do is be willing to go first in the group sessions, and to be open and honest in the group about their own journey with the STEPS.

If meeting in person, you will need to arrange:

• a suitable location for the group to meet each week
• access to a TV/computer to watch the films
• a flower/candle to put in the middle of the group (see Step 5 in the Manual for more information)
• refreshments (tea/coffee) for participants (optional).

Introduction Session

Practically, an additional role you will have as Group Facilitator is to have a short conversation with each participant at the Introduction Session to hear what each participant wants to work on (See what to work on), and to hear the participants’ confession on the STEP 5 session (see Step 5 in the Manual).

Finally, know that you are not alone – if you choose to run a STEPS group, the STEPS Team will put you in contact with an experienced STEPS Coach, who will support you in your own STEPS journey as well as running a STEPS group in accordance with the Guidelines (to arrange your Coach, please contact info@stepscourse.org). We would also recommend finding a friend to co-facilitate with you on this journey, to share the responsibility. See FAQs for questions that are commonly asked by Group Facilitators.

Safeguarding

Alongside confidentiality within the group, each Facilitator and co-facilitator should be aware of any safeguarding policy and practices your organisation/ church has (if running it under the umbrella of such organisation). If you are concerned about the safety of an individual or the wellbeing of a child or vulnerable person, or if you become aware of any illegal activity then you have a duty to share your concerns as outlined in your safeguarding policy.

If you are facilitating a group outside of a church or organisation, and there is a safeguarding concern relating to your STEPS course, please direct your safeguarding concern as soon as possible to the appropriate local authorities and/or, if appropriate, the emergency services such as the local police. Please refer to our best practice guidance for safeguarding if you do not have a safeguarding policy.