ABSTRACT
Establishing a contract with a team or group is a vital aspect of facilitation. However, there are two different aspects of contracting which we will need to apply: Primary contracting, and Secondary contracting. Primary contracting involves explaining the purpose of any meeting and reminding participants about: aims and objectives; practical arrangements including Health and Safety; expectations of participants; and expectations of us as leader/facilitator. Primary contracting is also typically the time where the style and authority of the manager or facilitator is first exercised. Secondary contracting is just as important as primary contracting. It begins to address the emotional, often unspoken needs, of the team or group and focuses on the conditions necessary to raise participation levels. A model of group working helps the group to reflect on the process of secondary contracting and what they need from others.
