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The existing literature in relation to CoP success factors is diverse in terms of the contexts and CoPs’ characteristics. However, there is a trend in the literature pointing to a recurring set of factors needed for successful operation and growth of CoPs. This draft will present the success factors most relevant to the ACT CoPs and will suggest how the toolkit can address these CoPs needs.

This activity aims to help people working in different contexts to quickly get better in asking each other for things, resources, help, etc. they need in order to be successful. It also helps to avoid misunderstandings and to overcome bias and prejudices that have been built up over time. This is being facilitated by making clear and tangible what group members need so that they can achieve common goals.

Mentoring Circles differ from the traditional mentoring model in that they involve using an innovative, group mentoring model. Mentoring Circles typically involves one mentor working with a group of mentees or groups of people mentoring each other. Often there is a facilitator to ensure the conversations are focused and productive (Darwin and Palmer, 2009). Circles generate many diverse perspectives, with group members creating synergies through combining experiences beyond what individual members know or contribute (Ambrose, 2003).

A focus group is a planned discussion in a small group (four up to twelve people) of stakeholders facilitated by a moderator. Its aim is to obtain information about people’s opinions, preferences and values relating to a topic and prompting why these are held. This is accomplished by monitoring the structured discussion of a group in a non-judgemental, non-threatening environment (Slocum, 2003).