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
Wednesday 30 April 2025 10:30-12:00pm, ONLINE, Free
Could you spot a loan shark? Come and find out!
-Over a million households across England may be in debt to an illegal lender (or loan shark as they are commonly known).
-The purpose of loan shark training is to provide information and knowledge about the issue, how it relates to your work or community and how we can help those who have borrowed from illegal lenders.
-Information given will include key things to look out for as a sign that a friend, family member, client or colleague may be involved with a loan shark.
-The session will show the impact that illegal lenders have on victims and communities and how we can work together to stop people.
Corporate Fundraising
Monday 7th April 2025, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm, on-line, free
Corporate Fundraising. Looking beyond ‘charity of the year’, this session introduces the potential of partnering with local businesses, and how to find the ideal match for a productive venture…or two…or more.
A Warm Welcome: Fuel Poverty, Health Impacts and Assistance Webinar
On-Line, 8th April 2025 9.30 am - 12.00 pm, 28 April 1.30-4.00 pm, 13th May 9.30-12.00 pm, 1.30-4.00 pm, Free
National Energy Action is offering a free training opportunity to frontline staff and volunteers who work with expectant parents and families with children aged 5 and under.
COURSE AIM:
The 2.5 hour course looks at the causes and impacts of fuel poverty with a focus on the health impacts in pregnancy, newborn babies and children aged 5 and under. It aims to help delegates identify those likely to be at risk from cold homes and signpost to assistance.
OBJECTIVES:
- Explain the causes of fuel poverty and health impacts, especially in pregnancy and early months/years of life. Explain the prevalence of carbon monoxide in fuel poor homes and its impacts
- Discuss methods of minimising carbon monoxide in the home, in addition to alleviating symptoms of fuel poverty. Explore the causes of and remedies for condensation dampness, to maintain health and well-being for young babies and children .Discuss how to avoid energy waste in the home
To find out more please visit: Warm Welcome Course - National Energy Action (NEA). or contact molly.chambers@nea.org.uk
Introduction to Volunteer Management
Thursday 15th May 2025, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm, The Broadway House, Newbury. Cost £30
Volunteers are a valuable asset for any voluntary or charitable organisation, but how do you manage such a diverse group. If you are new to coordinating or managing volunteers, then developing your leadership skills will help you to do this role more effectively.
We will
cover:
Confidence in Volunteer Management
Effective Recruitment and Training
Volunteer Motivation and Engagement
Supervision and Communication
Boundaries
Recognition
Rewards and Retention
Managing
Conflict
At the end
of the workshop you should feel more confident in your abilities in managing your
team and ensure that volunteers goals and objectives are considered and aligned
with that of the charity.
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.
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
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.
