Case Study: Reframing Facilitation in a Modern Military Context
Client Spotlight: Squadron Leader Ruth Caplan
Testimonial: Wing Commander David Buckingham
Reframing Facilitation: A Strategic Shift for the RAF Reserves
In a fast-evolving world where human connection, flexibility, and engagement are increasingly essential, the Royal Air Force Reserves identified a critical challenge: their in-house facilitators needed to become more skilled in using exercises for learning as part of their recruitment and engagement campaigns.
Squadron Leader Ruth Caplan explained:
“Our facilitators had a tendency to fall back on the tools they were most comfortable with. They needed a refresh—and to gain confidence with approaches they’d used less frequently.”
Ahead of the high-profile Project WHITE ROSE recruitment campaign, the RAF saw an opportunity to reinvigorate facilitation practices and spread strong facilitation skills more widely across the organisation.
The Azesta Approach: Where Science Meets Human-Centred Practice
To address these challenges, the RAF partnered with Azesta a Yorkshire-based experiential learning company with over two decades of experience in transforming how people lead and learn. Azesta created a programme grounded in the principles of experiential learning, particularly the influential work of David Kolb. His Experiential Learning Cycle (1984) argues that meaningful learning arises from the integration of experience, reflection, conceptualisation, and active experimentation.
Azesta’s methodology also draws inspiration from leading thinkers like Dave Meier (The Accelerated Learning Handbook), Jim Cain (Teamwork and Teamplay), Karl Roenke (Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative Problems, Adventure Games, Stunts and Trust Activities) and Roger Greenaway (Reviewing Skills). These theories support the belief that learning should be collaborative, reflective, and rooted in real-world application.
The training incorporated high-impact tools from Metalog, RSVP Design and MTa. These are hands-on resources that encourage creative thinking, collaboration, and behaviour change.
“We wanted to refresh the knowledge of those who had used the tools before, and introduce them to others who hadn’t. The aim was to make these tools more familiar and more widely used across the organisation.” — Ruth Caplan
Delivered by Azesta’s founder Shirley Gaston, the programme was praised for both its precision and warmth:
“Shirley is superb. Her knowledge is second to none. It’s inspiring to see how easily she connects with people and how well she knows every tool inside out.”
In the Room: Experiential Tools in Action
The course didn’t just teach facilitation—it embodied it. RAF facilitators took part in engaging, purposeful activities built around clear learning objectives and underpinned by psychological research. The sessions provided a safe space to try new tools and methods while reflecting on their own facilitation style. They were also encouraged to frame the exercises with RAF metaphors such as landing a plane.
RSVP tools, influenced by constructivist theory, encouraged participants to co-create learning experiences. Metalog activities helped participants explore dynamics of communication, leadership, and engagement in ways that felt relevant and practical.
“People were genuinely surprised. RAF training can often be quite dry—but this was different. People left knowing exactly how to use the tools immediately.”
Tangible Impact: From Theory to Practice
The training paid off quickly. Facilitators were confident enough to start using their new tools the following week. Feedback from attendees underscored the immediate relevance and impact of the experience.
A testimonial from Wing Commander David Buckingham highlighted the effectiveness:
“Thank you very much for the recent facilitators course, which you kindly organised and offered to members of the NRSW. The feedback from those who attended has been extremely positive, and I can tell you the techniques our recruiters picked up will be put directly into practice at the upcoming recruitment event in Bradford as part of Project WHITE ROSE. Please pass on my thanks to Shirley also, who did a great job at delivering the training.”
Looking Ahead: Creating a Culture of Continuous Development
The success of this programme is already creating ripple effects. There is strong appetite across the RAF for more training of this kind:
“Everyone who sees the tools wants to get their hands on them. They’re cool, they work—and you see the outcomes right in front of you. I’d love to see even more development opportunities like this in future.” — Ruth Caplan
Azesta believes the best facilitation goes beyond content delivery, it creates meaningful connection and unlocks potential.
Conclusion: Not Just a Toolkit - A Transformation
This collaboration between Azesta and the RAF Reserves is a powerful example of how experiential learning can lead to genuine transformation. By bridging academic insight with hands-on practice, the programme didn’t just improve skills, it shifted mindsets.
In the words of educational theorist David Kolb: “Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.” At Azesta, we’re proud to bring this philosophy to life.
Referenced Theories and Thinkers:
Kolb, D. A. (1984) – Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development
Meier, D (2000) - The Accelerated Learning Handbook),
Cain, J (2010) - Teamwork and Teamplay
Roenke, K (1984) - Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative Problems, Adventure Games, Stunts and Trust Activities
Greenaway, R (2015) - Active Reviewing: A Practical Guide for Trainers and Facilitators
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