Voluntary Sector Training Alliance
Supporting the voluntary sector
The Volunteer Centre West Berkshire and Connecting Communities Berkshire have partnered together to provide a training resource for the voluntary sector in West Berkshire.
Training isn’t always about developing new skills, our workshops will help you to better understand problems you may be having and will support you with planning and implementing solutions to them. Please contact Rachel or Tim to discuss further.
If your training need is not being met please let us know what course you are looking for. Please fill out this form to let us know your training needs.
Local West Berkshire Training
Please note: We need a minimum of 6 people to run this course, with a maximum of 16 spaces available. Bookings are accepted on a first come, first served basis. You will not be booked until we have received payment.
We can deliver this programme as a closed course exclusively for your organisation, with a minimum of 12 delegates.
To discuss your requirements, please contact us at: wbspag@vcwb.org.uk
Please note: We need a minimum of 6 people to run this course, with a maximum of 16 spaces available. Bookings are accepted on a first come, first served basis. You will not be booked until we have received payment.
We can deliver this programme as a closed course exclusively for your organisation, with a minimum of 12 delegates.
To discuss your requirements, please contact us at: wbspag@vcwb.org.uk
Hallmark Level 1 for Village Halls & Community Buildings
Tuesday 25th Nov 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
Purpose of this Session for Trustees:
- Understand and apply best practices in managing the charity’s operations, ensuring your work aligns with recognised standards.
- Reflect on and improve existing procedures, helping your hall run more smoothly and effectively.
- Work towards formal recognition for achieving high standards in governance and administration—something to be proud of as a trustee team.
Case Study Event: 21st Century Community Halls
Wednesday 28th January 2026, 10 am - 2pm
Experience in Action: A Learning Day for Village Hall Trustees
After our brief AGM and an update on our Projects, this hands-on learning event will showcase a real-life case study of a hall that has successfully completed a 21st Century Community Hall Consultation.
Trustees will explore how the hall developed and implemented:
A Development Plan
A Community Engagement Plan
A Fundraising Strategy
The hall has already completed two major phases of its development, including:
Safe asbestos removal
Installation of a new roof and insulation
Implementation of solar panels and infra-red heating
You’ll also hear short presentations from other village halls, sharing their project journeys - the successes, the challenges, and the lessons they’d pass on.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to meet professional partners who can offer expert advice and ongoing support for your own hall’s development.
☕ Refreshments and brunch are included.
Understanding Legionella and Asbestos Risks
Wednesday 18th March 2026, 10 am - 12 pm
Whether you're a volunteer or part of a management committee running your local village hall or community building, this session will help you feel confident about keeping your space safe and legally compliant.
What you'll gain:
A clear understanding of your legal responsibilities
Knowledge of how to carry out or commission risk assessments
Guidance on creating management plans for Legionella and Asbestos
Practical tips to help you protect everyone using your building
What we’ll cover:
What a Legionella Risk Assessment involves
How to get an Asbestos Survey
How to create effective management plans
We’ve received interest from the charity sector in running training courses across a range of subjects. If your colleagues, staff, or volunteers would like to attend, please complete the form below with your preferred course topic.
Once we receive a minimum of 6 participants, we will proceed with organising the course.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration!
The online help sessions will take place every 3rd Monday of each month with hourly sessions starting from 11am and ending at 3pm.
Individual one-to-one sessions are also available online or by telephone at other times.
Individuals who wish to participate in the help sessions need to e-mail to book a place and a time
help@s-b-s.org.uk or telephone 0800 7720723
Family Transitions Triple P parenting course
This group assists parents who need extra support to adjust and manage the transition from a two-parent family to a single-parent family. It focuses on skills to resolve conflicts with former partners and how to cope positively with stress. Groups are run monthly.
To book your place, please call or email : 01635 503090 RPC@westberks.gov.uk
At Risk
Programme
The At Risk Programme (ARP) is a fire safety guide for those involved in the care of the community. It lays down the minimum recommendations for the protection of residents who are at risk from fire. As part of the partnership approach Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service can supply the following resources to support agency partners, families and the end user.
This training package is designed to enable you to work with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to protect vulnerable residents living in the community from the risks of fire. It has been designed for use by anyone that supports residents of Berkshire The aims of the At Risk Programme the increased risk of fire to vulnerable residents living in the community Who is more at risk The protection measures and additional equipment that is available When to make a referral to the Fire Service How to make a referral to the Fire Service To book onto one of upcoming At Risk courses, please follow the link Sign up for the At Risk Programme.
To find out more about the courses or book yourself and members of your organisation on to one of the training programmes, contact the Prevention Team at prevention@rbfrs.co.uk.
National Trainings
The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), an Academic Centre of Excellence in the OU Business School. It provides learning opportunities and resources to help you develop and strengthen your leadership practice in the voluntary sector.
Courses include:
Developing leadership practice in voluntary organisations
Level 1: Introductory Free Course 15 hours study
This course provides an opportunity for people who work within voluntary organisations, as paid employees or staff, to develop energetic, practical and thoughtful leadership practice.
Collaborative leadership in voluntary organisations
Level 1: Introductory Free Course 24 hours study
This course will help you to reflect on and develop collaborative leadership practices that will make a difference. It is aimed at people who work within voluntary organisations as paid staff or as volunteers, or for people who work regularly with voluntary organisations, such as public sector staff or politicians.
Involving Volunteers
Level 1: Introductory 14 hours study
This short course on volunteering has been developed by Volunteer Scotland and the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) and the main driving spirit comes from the volunteer’s perspective. The course is about the essential things you need to consider to ensure a positive experience for individuals engaging in volunteering.
Free Safeguarding Awareness Training for Workers
Who Enter People's Homes
Free Safeguarding Awareness Training for Workers
Who Enter People's Homes
Recognise the signs of possible abuse and neglect in homes you visit and help keep children safe
Do you know how to recognise the possible signs of child abuse and neglect?
Every day, thousands of children and young people are normally seen by lots of different adults like family members outside of the home, teachers, health and social workers and neighbours.
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, children and young people are spending much more time at home and we know isolation can put some children at a greater risk of abuse and neglect.
Postal workers, delivery drivers and workers who regularly visit homes are well placed to spot any emerging safeguarding concerns or signs of possible abuse and neglect.
To support you, we're temporarily making our paid-for online safeguarding course (It's your call) free for you to access.
