Course Descriptions

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Course Descriptions

	= For staff and volunteers from volunteer-involving organisations
	= For individual volunteers and active citizens

Communication Skills

Course length: Full day

The training will examine the different ways in which we communicate with each other, both verbally and non-verbally. Through exercises and demonstrations, we will also explore how we perceive others and how we are perceived by other people. The training will also look at how we can communicate assertively and includes practical exercises and role-plays.

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Communications and Public Life (OCN Accredited) *Free*

Course length: Full day

Course Outline: This course will give tips on delivering effective presentations to get your message across.

Participants will:
· Learn how to communicate effectively
· Understand the role of written material in public life.
· Learn more about the different roles in a meeting e.g. scribe, chair etc

People who successfully complete the course will be awarded an accredited certificate.

Who is the course for:
Anyone who is interested in putting their message across in public.
Anyone involved in campaigning or is thinking of campaigning and wants to learn how to communicate effectively on behalf of the campaign.

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Community Cohesion *Free*

Course length: Full day

Course Outline: This session defines what community cohesion is, and demonstrates how participants can assist in developing community cohesion.

Participants will learn:
· Appreciation of the diverse nature of community groups in Southwark
· What legislations and policies are in place to ensure equal opportunities
· How to build good relationships between people, whatever their background.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to know more about Southwark’s diverse community and equality legislation.

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CRB and other screening procedures

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: When recruiting volunteers, especially into roles, which work with children and vulnerable adults, carrying out sufficient screening procedures is essentials. This session gives an update on what criminal record checks are available, surrounding legalisations and what local umbrella bodies might be available. The session will also explore other screening methods and structures we as volunteer managers can put into place to ensure safety for our clients and volunteers.

Session Outcomes:
· Increased confidence in various screening methods
· Increased understanding of CRB checks and related legislation
· Increased understanding of data protection, CRB check validity and transferability

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Creating a Volunteer Programme

Course length: Full day

This interactive course looks at how an organisation can develop a structured volunteer scheme.

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Creating good role descriptions and volunteer packs

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: Making our volunteers feel welcome and provide them with clear information about their role as volunteers in our organisations is essential for attracting volunteers in the first place but also to keep them with us for the longest time possible. This session explores how you as volunteer managers can create useful and comprehensive volunteer packs and role descriptions. This session is particularly useful to volunteer mangers who are in the process of reviewing or expanding their volunteer programme.

Session Outcomes:
· Increased ability to create interesting and motivating role descriptions
· Increased knowledge on how to use role descriptions and volunteer packs effectively as tools for volunteer recruitment and retention
· Opportunity to review existing materials with group

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Dealing With Problem Volunteers

Course length: Half a day

This half-day session looks at case studies involving problematic volunteers and helps groups work through ways of dealing with similar situations in their own organisations.

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Developing a Project - from Idea to Propasal *Free*

Course length: One day

Course Outline: The aim of this course is to increase participants’ skills & confidence in developing an idea into a project.

Participants will learn:
· Understand the process of developing a project from an idea to reality
· Have an overview of budgeting process as it relates to a project.
· Familiarise themselves with the different stages in project management.
· Know what is involved in closing a project and the different types of closures.

Who is the course for:
Those who are new to the process of developing and managing a project by turning an idea into something tangible.

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Effective Media Skills *Free*

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: Led by a public relations expert with experience of media relations for non-profit organisations, this course covers relations with the press including writing a press release. It is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about how to work with the media.

Participants will learn:

· How to use technicalities like writing news and supplying photographs
· The use of plain English

Pre-course work required.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to know how to use media to communicate their issue effectively.

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Effective Networking *Free*

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: This course will give tips and techniques on networking. Giving you the confidence to network effectively.

Participants will learn:
· Get the vision and motivation of a brilliant networker.
· Learn the art of networking conversation
· Successfully build and maintain your network.
Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to know more about networking and learn skills and techniques to doing it effectively.

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Getting it right from the start: structures and procedures for a successful volunteer programme

Course length: 1 day

Course Outline:      This interactive course looks at how an organisation can develop a structured volunteer scheme. It is ideal for anyone looking at developing a volunteering programme, or anyone new to working with volunteers, as it gives an overview of all aspects of volunteer management.


Session Outcomes:

How to develop structures that can be put in place to make managing volunteers easier and more effective
Creating volunteer role descriptions that complement and expand upon the work and aims of the organisation
To understand volunteers rights and responsibilities
How to put together a volunteer pack, what to include and how/why to create them
To develop volunteer policies, knowing what are they and why they should be put in place
How to set up volunteer agreements
Developing supervision and support structures
How to recognise and reward volunteers
Understanding legal issues and volunteering, and how to avoid the pitfalls.

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How to Develop Resident Networks *Free*

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: This course is aimed at identifying and developing the methods and tools in setting up and running resident’s networks.

Participants will learn:
· The basics in setting up residents networks.
· How to develop a resident network in the local area.
· Identifying potential stakeholders and partners.

Who is the course for:
Anyone interested in developing a local resident or other informal network/group.

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How Southwark Works - Understanding Public Services *Free*

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: This course will look at the roles of the different departments within Southwark, and how to access the services they provide. It will also give an overview of local democracy and how it works.

Participants will learn:
· The different departments and services within Southwark.
· How democracy works locally
· What they can do to make a difference.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that would like to find out more about how local government works, how public services are delivered and how local people can influence service design and delivery.

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Introducing an Outcomes Approach

Course length: Full day

It can be hard to demonstrate the success of our approach and if we are meeting our aims. Introducing an outcomes approach can help show how your aims are being met. This course will introduce the idea of what outcomes are and how they can be of benefit to voluntary and community groups that are trying to bring about change.

There are currently no set dates to run this training but please call (020) 7403 2936 or e-mail training@volunteercentres.org.uk if you would be interested in us running this course for staff/volunteers from your organisation.

Introduction to Being a Magistrate *Free*

Course length: Full day

Course Outline: This interactive session aims to provide a general understanding of the role of a magistrate and the application process. It is ideal for anyone who ever wondered what a magistrate does, or is interested in applying.

Participants will learn:

· The role of the magistrate, what they do and how they do it
· How to apply the law using real life case studies.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to learn more about the role of a magistrate and how to apply.

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Please note that we are also running Follow-up to the Magistrate sessions for anyone who has previously attended the introduction to being a Magistrate course and would like guidance on completing the application form.

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Introduction to Being a Trustee *Free*

Course length: 2 hours

Course Outline: This session provides an introduction to the role of a trustee, the rights and responsibilities involved and the support and training that is available in Southwark. It is great for anyone thinking about becoming a trustee or committee member.

Participants will learn:
· An understanding of Good Practice Guidelines
· Enhancing the organisation’s public image
· An understanding and how to respect the relationship between the board and staff
· Finding a trustee role, and where to get more information.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to find out about the roles and responsibilities of a trustee or management committee.

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Introduction to Volunteering and Being Active *Free*

Course length: 2 hours

Course Outline: This session looks at what volunteering and active citizenship is. At the end of the session you will be able to take away information about volunteering opportunities of interest to you.

Participants will learn:
· Awareness of the diversity of opportunities on offer
· How to find the right opportunity, and how to make it work
· To recognise the different ways in which people can become involved in their community, and the support and opportunities available.

Who is the course for:
· Anyone that wants to learn more about volunteering or is thinking about volunteering or making a change in the community.

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Keeping Volunteers: Support, Supervision and Rewards

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: Once a volunteer has started with you, it can be said they are worth their weight in gold! It is important that there are mechanisms in place to make sure volunteers are satisfied and working well. This course explores different methods of support and supervision and will help you to find a model that works for you. It is ideal for volunteer managers who are looking for advice on volunteer support and retention.

Session outcomes:
· How to increase volunteer retention
· An understanding as to why volunteers drop out
· How to recognise your volunteers’ efforts.

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Legislation Issues around volunteering and employment law

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: This session provides a compressive update on employment and benefit law in relation to volunteering. This session is aimed at volunteer managers who would like to ensure that their volunteer programme is working in line with legal structures and update their knowledge around benefits and employment.

Session Outcomes:

Increased confidence in advising volunteers on benefits and employments issues
Increased knowledge around employment law and benefits
Increased ability to ensure that volunteer programmes function according to legal requirements

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Mental Health Awareness *Free*

Course length: Half a day

This session explores ways of supporting mental health service users as volunteers, looking at and challenging attitudes and stigmas surrounding mental health. The course will provide information on different mental health problems and how these might affect mental health service users.

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Presentation Skills *Free*

Course length: Full day

This one-day session will look at how you can make the most of your presentations and make them as effective as possible.

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Problem Volunteers

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: This session is an interactive forum covering where problems may arise when involving volunteers. It provides the opportunity for volunteer managers to discuss and problem-solve difficult situations involving volunteers. It is ideal for groups who involve volunteers and would like the opportunity to share good practice and receive constructive support from other volunteer managers.

Session Outcomes:
· Increased confidence in advising volunteers on benefits and employments issues
· Increased knowledge around employment law and benefits
· Increased ability to ensure that volunteer programmes function according to legal requirements

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Skills for Active Citizens *Free*

Course length: 2.5 days

Course Outline: This course will be held over three sessions covering: Time Management, Public Speaking, and Presentation skills. Participants should be able to attend all three workshops on dates above.

Time Management
This session will cover how good time management can be used to reduce stress and increase effectiveness, covering issues such as planning, prioritisation, delegation and developing an appropriate working environment.

Public Speaking
This interactive session will build confidence and capability in speaking to groups of people in public. The session involves use of a series of exercises looking at how to structure a talk, dealing with nerves, and how to get your point across with confidence and clarity.

Presentation Skills:
This interactive session will provide you with tips on preparing and delivering effective presentations. It is designed for anyone who would like to build up their skills around giving formal and informal presentations and is the perfect follow-up from our Public Speaking course.

Participants will learn:
· What to do in advance of a presentation
· How to get your point across.
· How to deliver a presentation effectively.
· Different communication styles.
· To develop their speaking skills
· The process of preparing a good speech.
· The meaning of body language and its effect on the audience.
· Debating skills.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that wants to learn about giving presentations and improve their skills, how to manage their time effectively and wants to develop their public speaking or debating skills.

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Sources of Advice in Southwark*Free*

Course length: Half day

Course Outline: This course will provide information on the different sources of advice in Southwark. Explaining what’s out there, contact details, opening times and accessibility.

Participants will learn:
· Know the contact details of the advice centres in Southwark
· Get an overview of the work they do and the clients they see.
· Know what to expect from advice centres/sessions and what is expected of clients seeking advice.

Who is the course for:
Anyone that would like to find out about the various advice centres in Southwark. Or Members of strategic organisations wanting to make referrals or work in partnerships with other centres.

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Speak Up! Speak Out! *Free*

Course length: One day

This is a full-day introductory and interactive public speaking course and covers different techniques for dealing with nerves and putting your point across.

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Supervising Volunteers

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: This teaser session is a refresher on the different methods you as volunteer managers can use to supervise their volunteers and ensure that you can nib problems in the butt before they get out of control. You will be able to reflect on your current supervision structure and explore different methods. This session is ideal for volunteer managers who already have some experience of supervising volunteers but would like to explore new options or discuss challenges.

Session outcomes:
· Expand and confirm your expertise in volunteer supervision
· Understanding of using supervision to increases volunteer retention
· Development of supervision structures appropriate to your volunteer programme and your time constraints
· Problem solve your challenges around supervising volunteers

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Time and Stress Management - Nipping Stress in The Bud

Course length: Half a day

This session will look at what stress is, how to manage it and a relaxation session. We will also explore time management's role and look at setting goals to plan time better and reduce stress levels.

Using Meetings to Get Your Point Across

Course length: Half a day

This half-day session will look at the best way to prepare for meetings in all aspects of life and how to make sure you get your point across.

Volunteers and The Law

Course length: Half a day

Course Outline: This session explores legal issues around volunteering and how your organisation can avoid any potential pitfalls when managing volunteers. We will cover employment and benefits law, insurance, CRB checking, Health and Safety and data protection.

Session outcomes:

How to avoid legal pitfalls when writing Volunteer Agreements and using legal language
What insurance cover is appropriate for volunteers
How employment and benefits law impact on volunteering
How to avoid legal issues around expenses
What important policies to have in place for volunteers

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Volunteer Promotion and Recruitment made easy

Course length: 1.5 hours

Course Outline: This session will give you the opportunity to review your current volunteer recruitment strategy and explore new ways of targeting specific groups of volunteers. This session is particularly useful for groups who are in the process of expanding their programme or have problems in attracting enough or the right group of volunteers. This session will provide you with the opportunity to develop a new recruitment/ promotion plan and have a go at designing a volunteer advert.

Session Outcomes:

Increased understanding of volunteer motivations and how to target specific groups of potential volunteers
Increased understanding of different methods to recruit volunteers and promote volunteering on a local level
Increased ability and confidence to design appropriate volunteer “adverts” or promotion material

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Volunteer Recruitment made easy

Course length: half a day

Course Outline: This session aims to provide a general understanding of the process of recruitment and how to make recruitment work for you. It is ideal for anyone involved in recruiting volunteers or wanting an overview of the process.

Session Outcomes:

Understanding why people want to volunteer with you and why they don’t
Where volunteers hear about your organisation and the opportunities you offer
How to develop tips on advertising your organisation and opportunities to potential volunteers
How to target volunteer recruitment
Using targeted volunteer recruitment to increase volunteer diversity
How to use events to recruit volunteers
The importance of monitoring your recruitment strategies
How to make your recruitment more effective
Creating a strategy that works

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Why Work With Businesses and How To Do It

Course length: Half a day

This session will cover how to make the most of relationships with businesses and ways in which to work with them.

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