Facilitation · Usually 60-120 minutes; ICA's overview allocates roughly 5-10, 10-20, 10-20, 15-30 and 5-15 minutes across the five stages.

ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA)

The Consensus Workshop is a Technology of Participation (ToP) method from the Institute of Cultural Affairs. It takes a group from a single focus question, through individual and small-group brainstorming and card clustering, to a named, shared set of answers that reflects everyone's input.

When to use ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA)

When a group needs to combine many individual ideas into a shared picture or plan that everyone recognises, especially in visioning, strategy and priority setting.

How ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA) works

Use it as one 60-120 minute block whenever a group needs to build a shared answer to a question such as 'What are the elements of our vision?' or 'What actions will we take?'. It often follows a focused conversation (ORID) and feeds action planning.

Phases of ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA)

  1. Context: State the purpose and the focus question, outline the process and timing, and warm up with a short focused conversation. Takes about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Brainstorm: People list answers individually, pick their best, then write them on cards in small groups. Ideas are shared with the whole group in rounds.
  3. Cluster: The group places cards on the wall and forms clusters of ideas that belong together, starting with a few clear pairs and growing the groups.
  4. Name: Each cluster gets a 3-7 word title that answers the focus question, starting with the largest cluster. The names hold the group's consensus.
  5. Resolve: Read all titles, discuss their meaning and implications, optionally make a visual, and agree next steps.

Key principles

  • Everyone has wisdom; everyone's input is needed
  • Move from individual to small group to whole group
  • Clusters are formed by relationships between ideas, not by pre-set categories
  • Names answer the focus question

Best for

  • Strategic planning and visioning
  • Community and stakeholder workshops
  • Team priority setting
  • Groups of 5-50 people

Considerations

  • The quality of the focus question determines the quality of the result; test it before the session.
  • Clustering and naming need a skilled facilitator to avoid forcing categories.
  • Produces consensus on themes, not a detailed decision; plan follow-up for implementation.

Attribution & sources

Developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), 1970s

Primary source

Design a session with ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA)

METODIC builds a complete ToP Consensus Workshop Method (ICA)-based session — methods, timing, worksheets, and facilitator guides — in minutes.

Try METODIC free